NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has received the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply’s (CIPS) Corporate Ethics Mark, a distinguished recognition of its unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing, responsible supply chain management, and the highest standards of corporate ethics.
Currently, NHS SBS is one of only three NHS organisations to achieve this prestigious certification. This accolade underscores the organisation's dedication to fostering ethical practices throughout its procurement processes. The CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark signifies that NHS SBS staff have been thoroughly assessed and deemed fully competent in ethical sourcing and supplier management.
As the focus on responsible procurement intensifies within supply chain management, it is imperative for procurement teams to establish, implement, and uphold ethical practices. NHS SBS has demonstrated a clear commitment to these principles by outlining a comprehensive code of conduct and adhering to stringent environmental, social, and legal responsibilities.
NHS SBS Director of Procurement, Sustainability and Social Impact, Lydia Sullivan, commented:
“The CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark is an important sign that we are well underway with our long-term goals of achieving sustainability and net-zero emissions. It supports our vision of a future where every business transaction contributes positively to society and the environment.
“For our customers, the mark represents more than just a certification. It is a testament to the values we uphold in our business operations. By choosing NHS SBS, customers can have assurance they are partnering with an organisation that places a high priority on ethical procurement practices, sustainability, and responsible sourcing.
“For suppliers – both to NHS SBS, and those we enable the NHS and wider public sector organisations to source and buy from efficiently and compliantly, the mark reinforces the importance of shared values and the significance of aligning with an ethical partner. It strengthens our collective commitment to sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and promoting fair labour practices.
“By earning this mark, we reaffirm our dedication to embed ethical practices into every part of our supply chain, helping to drive change not only within our organisation but across the verticals in which we operate.”
The CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark serves as a beacon to NHS SBS suppliers, customers, prospective employees, and other stakeholders. It signals that they are collaborating with an organisation that prioritises the training of its staff in ethical sourcing practices and ensures that ethical values are upheld in the selection and management of suppliers.
This certification is a testament to NHS SBS’s ongoing commitment to ethical procurement and supplier management. It represents a pledge to embed these high standards across the organisation, ensuring that every aspect of its procurement processes aligns with the principles of ethical sourcing.
By achieving the CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark, NHS SBS not only enhances its reputation but also sets a benchmark for other organisations within the NHS and beyond. This recognition highlights the importance of ethical practices in procurement and reinforces NHS SBS’s role as a leader in responsible supply chain management.
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