ICMM Guidance > Demonstrating Value - A Guide to Responsible Sourcing > Tool 7 – Integrating SP Practices and RSPs into Business Practices

Tool 7 – Integrating SP Practices and RSPs into Business Practices

Implementing your SP is a modification of your existing procurement process. Approaching SP as an innovation and opportunity for business improvement makes it easier to rationalise changes and engage procurement staff and management. Many of the success factors for integrating RSPs into business are much the same as for SP; in particular ensure that agreed-to standards are communicated to the appropriate parts of the organisation and implemented. Leadership commitment and open lines of communication are essential.

Step Guide

STEP
1

Clearly articulate and develop specific goals, objectives, performance measures, targets, roles and responsibilities. Integrate the SP into current sustainability, environmental and social policies and approaches for developing policy

STEP
2

Establish senior-management and working-level committees to monitor progress and drive implementation

STEP
3

Create a plan-do-check-act cycle

STEP
4

Implement training, management oversight, incentives and evaluation of progress across all areas of the organisation – ensure open lines of communication and co-operation

STEP
5

Pilot projects that demonstrate how SP can reduce costs and impacts – these later become your ‘stories’ used to communicate the benefits of SP

STEP
6

Try new models and products and collaborate on solutions with suppliers

Success factors for integrating RSPs:

Leadership commitment
Open communication throughout the company
A clear description of the business value (p14) for the organisation’s participation in the RSP
Marketing and sales integration to ensuring reputational and market benefits from participation in the RSP