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Category: School in the News

A new comprehensive guide to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and procurement authorities effectively integrate social value into SME operations has been launched today. Developed in collaboration between Supply Chain Sustainability School and Cardiff Business School, and delivered by Action Sustainability, the guide aims to support SMEs in creating social value while navigating procurement processes in both the public and private sectors.

Why SMEs Struggle to Deliver Social Value

Despite representing 99.9% of all businesses in the UK and contributing significantly to employment, SMEs often struggle to embed social value in their operations. Challenges such as limited resources, complex procurement processes, and lack of clear guidance frequently prevent SMEs from fully realising their social, environmental, and community impact. The new guide, Embedding Social Value in Procurement: A Practical Guide for SMEs, is designed to address these issues, providing SMEs with actionable strategies, tools, and insights to help them understand and deliver social value effectively.

“As SMEs increasingly shape the future of our economy, it’s essential that their contributions to social value are recognised and embedded into procurement practices,” said Vaishali Baid, Social Value Lead & Senior Consultant, Sustainable Procurement at Action Sustainability. “This guide provides SMEs with the tools and strategies to incorporate social value into their operations, ultimately creating long-term benefits for their businesses and the communities they serve.”

Practical Tools and Resources to Empower SMEs

The guide equips SMEs with a variety of practical resources, including:

  • A checklist to integrate social value into operations.
  • Strategies for overcoming common challenges such as limited resources and lack of understanding.
  • Advice on aligning social value with local community needs and business goals.
  • Recommendations for procurement authorities on how to engage with SMEs to maximise social impact in procurement processes.

Dr Jane Lynch, Professor of Procurement for the Logistics and Operations Management Section at Cardiff Business School, added, “This guide translates the concept of social value into clear, actionable steps SMEs can apply immediately. Cardiff Business School is committed to equipping SMEs with research-based tools that empower them to make meaningful contributions, both to their success and to the communities they operate within.”

Based on Extensive Research and Industry Best Practices

The guide draws on extensive research, including surveys and focus group discussions with SMEs across diverse sectors such as Civil Engineering, Rail, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing. It also incorporates insights from industry best practices, highlighting methods SMEs can use to engage locally, create jobs, and adopt sustainable practices.

As procurement authorities increasingly align purchasing decisions with social value goals, SMEs are in a unique position to drive positive change within their communities. However, existing challenges like resource constraints and complex procurement processes can hinder SMEs’ efforts. This guide aims to support SMEs in overcoming these barriers and in making a meaningful impact.

To access the full guide and additional social value resources, register for free membership on the Supply Chain Sustainability School website, then visit this page.

This month marks the first anniversary of the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s pioneering retrofit programme, proudly sponsored by NatWest Group. Launched to help combat climate change by upskilling the built environment sector, this free programme has achieved remarkable success in just one year, with 4,668 individuals and 1,844 companies actively engaged exceeding its initial two-year goals and demonstrating strong demand for sustainable construction practices.

With buildings contributing approximately 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, achieving net-zero targets requires a large-scale retrofit of existing structures. However, a key challenge is that the current workforce lacks the necessary skills and awareness to deliver retrofitting at the scale needed.

In response, the School, in collaboration with NatWest Group, developed a comprehensive retrofit programme offering free CPD-accredited training. This includes e-learning modules, training assessments, workshops, webinars, and conferences designed specifically for professionals in the built environment.

This programme, created in collaboration with industry leaders, addresses vital sector needs. Organisations such as the Construction Leadership Council, British Standards Institution, Welsh Government, Historic England, Wates, CBRE, Robertson Group, and Canary Wharf Group have actively shared their expertise at events, ensuring that the programme drives meaningful progress in retrofitting and sustainability across the UK’s built environment.

Programme Success to Date:

In its first year, the retrofit programme has exceeded its initial two-year goals, demonstrating strong demand for sustainable construction practices.

Key milestones include:

  • 4,668 professionals engaged
  • 1,844 companies participating
  • 2,108 e-learning resources downloaded
  • 693 training needs assessments completed

These achievements highlight a growing appetite for sustainable practices within the industry, a positive development for those championing the decarbonisation of the built environment.

Alyssa Sharkey, Bid Team Manager at Seddon (a member of the School), commented: “Engaging with Supply Chain Sustainability School and their retrofit learning has been key to Seddon’s approach to sustainable construction, equipping our teams with technical knowledge and practical skills in delivering high-quality retrofit solutions. This expertise has strengthened our capability to tackle complex sustainability challenges while ensuring we meet PAS2038 and PAS2035 standards. The School’s training has become a foundation of our strategy to reduce carbon emissions and improve building performance across our projects.”

A Collaborative Effort Driving Sustainability

With over 240 industry Partners and their supply chains, the School is uniquely positioned to catalyse positive change. The School provides free access to sustainability training for over 44,000 members, covering not only retrofitting but also key topics such as energy and carbon management, the circular economy, and waste reduction.

Holly Hansen-Maughan, Sector Manager for Retrofit at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, added: “Leading this programme since its inception has been an inspiring journey. This success would not have been possible without collaboration – from our partnership with NatWest Group to the 27 organisations that have shared best practices this past year. We’re proud of our achievements and excited for the future impact of this programme.”

As one of the largest lenders in Britain, NatWest has a key role in supporting consumers and businesses to transition to more energy-efficient buildings that are not only warmer and cheaper to heat but also emit fewer carbon emissions. However, according to Energy Systems Catapult, the UK is not fully prepared for the scale of retrofitting required to meet its net-zero target by 2050; achieving this goal will require retrofitting eight homes every minute.

To make this transition feasible, the industry must develop both the skills and companies needed to carry out retrofit work at scale. Recognising the skill gaps as a significant barrier, particularly for retrofitting the built environment, NatWest became the first bank to partner with the Supply Chain Sustainability School. Together, NatWest and the School have established a free retrofit training programme to build the necessary skills within the construction industry to retrofit both residential and commercial buildings, helping to cultivate a more mature retrofit supply chain.

Laura Capper, Head of Construction and Manufacturing at NatWest comments: “As the need for sustainable solutions in the built environment grows, we’re proud to support initiatives like the retrofit programme, which empowers professionals with essential skills to drive real change. By investing in upskilling and collaboration, this programme is bridging critical gaps in retrofit expertise, equipping thousands to deliver sustainable solutions at scale and accelerating progress toward a net-zero future for the UK.”

Get Involved

To learn more about the retrofit programme and take part, visit the programme page here.

An innovative new report, “Operational Toolkit: Combatting Slavery in the Built Environment,” has been released to support businesses with their modern slavery due diligence. Developed by Action Sustainability for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, this toolkit is a vital resource for organisations committed to combatting slavery and labour exploitation in the built environment.

The built environment is at a high risk of modern slavery and labour exploitation, due to ongoing challenges such as labour and skills shortages resulting in widespread use of temporary migrant labour, agency labour and sub-contracts. Additional pressures from low profit margins and tight deadlines can result in businesses being more likely to ignore the usual protocols and processes for bringing workers onto sites.

In response to these risks, Action Sustainability developed a practical and easy-to-navigate toolkit for businesses of all sizes, shaped by contributions from Partners from the School’s Built Environment Against Slavery Group. YORhub supported the development of the document.

Anna Slatcher, Senior Sustainability Manager at Barratt Redrow, said: “At Barratt Redrow we are committed to preventing, identifying, managing and mitigating modern slavery and labour exploitation risks in our operations and supply chain. This guidance will be a valuable resource for us and our industry partners to enable us to improve our understanding of, and mitigate and monitor, labour risk on our sites. It illustrates the practical steps that can be taken in recruitment, site set up and management to identify ‘red flags’ that may otherwise be missed and to empower our teams to ensure a working environment for everyone that is exploitation-free.”

Jo Potts, Sustainability Director at Balfour Beatty and Co-Chair for the Built Environment Against Slavery Group, said: “Operating responsibly and with integrity whilst upholding the highest ethical standards is critical to success – it must be at the heart of how the construction and infrastructure industry conducts business. It is therefore integral that we empower our people to tackle modern slavery. By equipping our teams with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can significantly reduce the risks of exploitation within our projects and across our supply chain.”

The operational toolkit brings together site-specific, actionable insights and recommendations from across the built environment to help address slavery and labour exploitation.

Key highlights of the toolkit include:

  • Examination of six key risks in the built environment sector.
  • Recommended actions for organisations to take to prevent, identify, manage and mitigate risks of exploitation.
  • Signposts to key resources from expert organisations.

The toolkit aims to empower everyone involved in site set up and management to effectively combat slavery and labour exploitation.

Emma-Jane Allen, Senior Consultant at Action Sustainability and author of the toolkit, stated: “It’s essential to embed modern slavery due diligence into ‘business as usual’ site set up and management. Due diligence is about taking proactive steps to prevent, identify, manage and mitigate the risks of modern slavery and labour exploitation.  This Operational Toolkit empowers those on the front lines of site management do just this.”

To access the toolkit and learn more about how to improve your organisation’s modern slavery due diligence, visit the School website here.

Today, the Supply Chain Sustainability School has released the findings of the ninth annual Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Culture Impact Report, showcasing significant growth and a positive impact of the FIR Programme within the built environment sector.

The FIR Programme, delivered by the School and part-funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), offers comprehensive training, resources, and a network of FIR Ambassadors to help organisations embed fairness, inclusion, and respect in their workplace practices. Through workshops, webinars, e-learning modules, and a resource library, the programme equips individuals and businesses with essential knowledge and tools to enhance inclusivity and cultivate a positive working culture.

This year’s FIR Culture Impact Survey revealed an impressive milestone, with 1,689 respondents – a 32.7% increase in participation compared to the previous year. This rise underscores the growing importance of the FIR mission within the industry and reflects heightened awareness of inclusivity efforts.

Key findings from the 2024 FIR Culture Impact Survey indicate that 56% of respondents have engaged with the FIR Programme, with 39% joining within the last 12 months. This surge in engagement highlights the programme’s increasing relevance, particularly for newer entrants to the workforce discovering the benefits of FIR for the first time.

The demographic composition of survey respondents continues to challenge traditional industry norms, signalling meaningful progress towards greater inclusivity. Notably, 48% of respondents identified as women, 9% disclosed a disability, and 15% represented non-white backgrounds, exceeding standard diversity benchmarks within the sector.

The Role of FIR Ambassadors

The survey further underscored the invaluable contribution of FIR Ambassadors, with 519 Ambassadors (31% of respondents) sharing insights about their experiences.

Findings indicate that the Ambassador role correlates with higher engagement and job satisfaction:

  • 75% of FIR Ambassadors would recommend their workplace as a great place to work, compared to 65% of non-Ambassadors.
  • 84% of FIR Ambassadors feel respected by their manager or supervisor, in contrast to 73% of non-Ambassadors.
  • 85% of FIR Ambassadors feel part of a team at work, while only 74% of non-Ambassadors share the same sentiment.

Quality and Impact of FIR Training

Respondents praised the quality of FIR Training, with 90% providing positive feedback on workshops, webinars, and the FIR resource library. Furthermore, 92% of workshop attendees and 93% of webinar attendees reported an enhanced understanding of FIR principles. The FIR e-learning modules also demonstrated significant impact, with 93% reporting increased knowledge and 88% indicating that they applied knowledge from FIR resources in practical settings.

Positive Impact on Individuals and Businesses

The FIR Programme continues to have a strong impact on individuals, with an increasing number of respondents reporting positive experiences:

  • 92% agree that the FIR Programme helped them understand the business case for embedding FIR within their organisation.
  • 82% feel empowered to address FIR issues more effectively.
  • 78% feel confident in challenging poor behaviours.

At the business level, many organisations reported tangible improvements in key areas:

  • 63% noted positive changes in recruitment practices, resulting in more diverse teams.
  • 70% observed improved workforce behaviours, with 61% seeing enhanced collaboration within their teams.
  • 47% experienced increased productivity, and 43% reported that FIR helped them secure new business—demonstrating how organisations with inclusive practices achieve better performance and successful outcomes.

Anonymous feedback from participants further highlights the FIR Programme’s influence. One participant shared, “The FIR Programme has given me a deeper understanding and knowledge base of issues that can affect my colleagues and the workforce that we supply to our clients.”

For the full report, log in and access here.

Explore the FIR Programme here.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and the Supply Chain Sustainability School have today published a groundbreaking report aimed at addressing the housing crisis through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The report lays out key policy recommendations designed to accelerate the adoption of MMC and deliver high-quality, affordable homes at scale.

The report’s development was led by the CLC Housing Working Group’s Smart Construction Sub-Group, which includes representatives from:

  • Housing providers
  • Architects
  • Local authorities
  • MMC suppliers and manufacturers
  • Trade and professional bodies
  • Homes England
  • The Greater London Authority (GLA)
  • The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

 

The report proposes a series of long-term policy goals for the Labour Government to consider, including the creation of a dedicated MMC Taskforce. This taskforce, once convened, would be responsible for developing a comprehensive MMC strategy within six months. The strategy would focus on:

  • Improving productivity in housing construction
  • Enhancing speed of delivery and reducing outturn costs
  • Lowering embodied carbon in construction materials and processes
  • Maximising societal benefits through local employment and skills development

 

Addressing the Housing and Skills Crisis

The report identifies MMC as a key solution to the UK’s housing shortage, proposing that the adoption of MMC could counter the current 225,000-person skills gap in construction. With the ability to rapidly scale up housing delivery to meet demand for 300,000 – 500,000 homes annually, MMC offers a pathway to reversing decades of stagnation in the sector, which has seen construction productivity lag behind most other UK industries.

Global Lessons and High-Level Targets

Drawing on international case studies from countries including Australia, China and Japan, the report emphasises the need for high-level, published MMC targets that link both quantity and quality outcomes. It calls on the UK Government to implement clear, achievable goals that provide the construction industry with the certainty it needs to invest in MMC innovation and growth.

The report also supports the National Housing Federation’s call for new towns and settlements to include a mix of housing tenures, with MMC prioritised for its ability to rapidly deliver high-quality, sustainable homes.

A Clear Call to Action

The CLC is urging the Government to adopt their recommendations, particularly the creation of the MMC Taskforce, as a matter of urgency. By doing so, the UK can tackle its housing shortage, address the construction skills crisis, and deliver environmentally sustainable housing at scale.

Rory Bergin, Partner at Sustainable Futures said: “To meet the Government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2029, we need to double housing output and remove barriers that limit productivity. MMC is a key part of this strategy, and the sector has invested heavily in it. Now is the time to build on that progress, modernise housing delivery, and release the benefits of increased productivity, sustainability, and quality.”

Access the full report here.

On Thursday 5th September, the Supply Chain Sustainability School held its Annual Summit in Coventry Building Society Arena. Attended by hundreds of sustainability experts from across the built environment industry, our Annual Summit provides a chance for people to come together and discuss the key challenges facing our industry on its journey to net zero and the big solutions needed. This year’s Summit was our most-attended yet, focusing on ‘Collaborating to Deliver Net Zero and Sustainability Commitments‘. 

Director Ian Heptonstall kicks off the Summit (Credit: Peter Haddock)

The Summit kicked off with a warm welcome message from our Director Ian Heptonstall. School Board Member Julia Barratt (Willmott Dixon) then delivered a keynote speech on industry challenges in moving towards net zero and a just transition, followed by a lively panel discussion.

As the day unfolded, attendees were able to choose from different breakout discussions led by experts in the field. Topics included the role of finance and investors, talent and skills, sustainability reporting, and the changing landscape of fuels.

Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in networking sessions, with different topic tables chaired by subject matter experts from the School.

Senior Consultant EJ Allen (Action Sustainability) chairs a packed session on the role of talent and skills.

During lunch, an informal awards ceremony took place to recognise individuals and organisations that have been highly engaged with the School. See below for the full list of winners:

  1. Individual Contribution to the School: Dale Turner (Skanska)
  2. Gold Member SME in the Construction Sector: Cousins Group Ltd
  3. Gold Member SME in the Homes Sector: F P Herting & Son Plc
  4. Gold Member in the FM Sector: Rexel
  5. Partner Award for Supply Chain Engagement: Galliford Try
  6.  Partner Award for Internal Engagement: Aggregate Industries
From left to right: Charity Tidbury (FP Herting & Son), Dale Turner (Skanska), Janine Hughes (Aggregate Industries), Ian Heptonstall, Alan Barthrope (Cousins Group), Begum Nash (Rexel), Andrew Spencer (Galliford Try). Credit: Peter Haddock

The final session of the day focused on procurement’s insights and the emerging challenges of delivering a sustainable built environment. This was chaired by Lead Consultant Mellita D’silva (Action Sustainability), with presentations and panel discussions rounded out by an engaging audience Q&A.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Summit for helping to make it such an engaging and inspiring event. Stay tuned for additional photos and insights from the event.

2024 Summit Feedback

Did you attend the Summit? Your feedback is important to us. Please take 2 minutes to fill out our anonymous online Summit Feedback form – this helps us to improve any future Supply Chain Sustainability School events.

Please also spare a couple of minutes to respond to our annual Impact Survey to help us understand how we can improve your overall experience with the School.

 

 

Level 2+ Partners now receive FREE access to measurement solutions on the Sustainability Tool, offering two key functionalities:

What does this mean for my company?

  • Level 1 Partners: No changes! Speak to your Account Manager if you are interested in upgrading to gain access to the Sustainability Tool solutions.
  • Level 2 and 3 Partners: You now have the option to choose between the Scope 3 Carbon Calculator or the EDI Supply Chain Benchmarking solution. Contact your Account Manager to discuss which tool suits your needs.
  • Level 4 Partners: You gain access to both the Scope 3 Carbon Calculator and the Supply Chain EDI Benchmarking solution as part of your package.

Please note that once you have engaged with one measurement solution, switching to the other will not be possible.

For Partners also interested in ESG and sustainability measurement, please contact the Sustainability Tool team directly to explore how they can assist and support your needs Find out more >

Today marks a significant milestone with the launch of the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) Carbon Calculator, powered by the Sustainability Tool and developed in collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School. This innovative tool aims to streamline and standardise carbon accounting for businesses across Ireland.

Impending EU regulations and increasing demands from clients and authorities are putting pressure on Irish organisations to enhance transparency in their carbon accounting practices. Measuring carbon emissions poses a challenge for businesses of all sizes, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that often lack the resources or expertise in carbon accounting.

PJ Ryan, Head of Sustainability in the Construction Industry Federation said: “The new CIF carbon calculator is designed to help SMEs measure their carbon footprint efficiently, using straightforward metrics like fuel usage, electricity, waste, and water consumption. It is a free, fully supported tool available to the entire industry, featuring a help desk and webinars to facilitate understanding and use.

“For Tier 1 contractors, the calculator assists in managing scope 3 emissions, particularly in the supply chain, where 80% of emissions typically occur. The tool allows comprehensive tracking of supplier and subcontractor data, promoting a standardized approach across the industry to achieve sustainability goals collaboratively.”

Dr. James Cadman, Head of Consultancy and Climate at Action Sustainability, stated, “Calculating carbon impacts using spreadsheets is not only resource-intensive but is more open to inaccurate results. This can affect transparent reporting but also, more importantly, hinder identifying opportunities for improvements – the real reason why we collect carbon data. Add to this the complexities of scope 3 emissions and have you a situation ripe for greater efficiency.

“The CIF carbon calculator addresses these challenges by providing a reliable platform that simplifies the entire process of calculating and reporting carbon emissions. This tool not only enhances accuracy but also ensures that businesses of all sizes can effectively and consistently measure their climate impact, as well as supporting them with meeting their reporting requirements.”

The CIF Carbon Calculator offers a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that allows businesses to independently manage and report their carbon emissions, without requiring prior knowledge or expertise in carbon accounting. The tool also enables organisations to apportion emissions to clients based on their turnover percentage, fostering greater transparency and collaboration.

The Tool is available for free to any organisation, providing them with the capability to measure their own emissions, align with global sustainability goals, strengthen client relationships, and enhance their competitiveness in tender processes. Access it here.

For organisations interested in collecting Scope 3 emissions with the CIF Carbon Calculator, please contact the Sustainability Tool team here.

A groundbreaking report, “Responsible Sourcing of HVO – A Comprehensive Guide,” has been released, aiming to accelerate the global transition towards sustainable energy. Developed by Action Sustainability for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, this report is a vital resource for organisations committed to environmentally responsible practices in the procurement of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

As many organisations pursue net zero targets, the role of fuels and power is crucial. HVO has emerged as a viable alternative to fossil diesel, a shift endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in its zero diesel sites route map. However, the sustainability benefits of HVO are complex and not always straightforward.

In response to these complexities, twelve Supply Chain Sustainability School Partners have co-funded this guidance to elucidate the sustainability challenges associated with HVO.

Ben Stone, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Kier Group, said: “The construction industry has a key role in supporting the UK’s transition to a lower carbon economy. This report and its recommendations shine a light on the role HVO can play, and where it can be utilised to provide a low-carbon solution. Working collaboratively with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and its Partners, we were pleased to advise on the research and development of the Responsible Sourcing of HVO report to provide clear and much-needed guidance to support the industry with procuring this fuel responsibly.”

Jo Potts, Sustainability Director, Responsible Sourcing & Social Impact at Balfour Beatty said: “At Balfour Beatty, we take pride in acting responsibly, considering the full environmental, social and economic implications of our actions to ensure that we’re not solving one challenge whilst creating another. It’s refreshing to see this guide, which we are pleased to have contributed to, takes a holistic approach and moves away from carbon tunnel-vision, clearly setting out the pros, the cons and most critically, the unknowns of HVO fuels.”

The guidance covers the entire lifecycle of HVO – from raw material sourcing, processing, and shipping to final use. It provides strategies for managing and mitigating potential sustainability risks and impacts within the HVO supply chain.

Key highlights of the report include:

  • Examination of the sustainability benefits and impacts of biofuels, with a focus on HVO.
  • Overview of HVO availability and market size.
  • Analysis of potential market distortions affecting HVO.
  • Recommendations for risk mitigation mechanisms.

The guide provides actionable recommendations to help organisations make informed decisions, manage risks, and confidently mitigate the sustainability impacts of using and procuring HVO.

Dr. James Cadman, Head of Consultancy and Climate at Action Sustainability, stated: “When procuring HVO, it is essential to conduct due diligence to source sustainably from reputable suppliers, using assurance schemes like the UK’s Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS). This approach is crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels, protecting the planet, and achieving net zero targets responsibly.”

By promoting sustainable procurement practices, this report marks a new era of conscientious decision-making in the energy sector. It empowers organisations to uphold environmental stewardship without compromising operational efficiency or profitability.

Access the full report here.

If you’re interested in carbon and energy consultancy support, book a complimentary discovery call with report author, Dr James Cadman.

The Supply Chain Sustainability School is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Spencer to its Board of Directors.  

Andrew Spencer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the School’s mission of advancing sustainability within the built environment through collaboration and knowledge sharing. As the Group Supply Chain & Procurement Director at Galliford Try, a prominent UK construction group and key Partner of the School, Spencer operates at the forefront of the industry, overseeing procurement and supply chain professionals across the organisation and shaping strategic approaches to supply chain management. 

Andrew Spencer, Group Supply Chain & Procurement Director at Galliford Try

With over 25 years of experience and a distinguished Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (FCIPS), Spencer has led high-profile projects and collaborations with major UK clients, including HS2, National Highways, Crossrail, and National Grid, among others. His leadership has been recognised through multiple awards for his innovative approach to supply chain management. 

Reflecting on his appointment, Andrew commented, “I am honoured to join the Board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. Its dedication to promoting sustainable practices resonates strongly with my professional values and how we operate within Galliford Try. I’m eager to apply my experience and network to further the School’s mission of driving positive change within the industry.” 

The Supply Chain Sustainability School empowers professionals across the built environment sector with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient and environmentally responsible supply chains. Andrew Spencer’s appointment to the Board of Directors underscores the School’s dedication to harnessing industry expertise to advance sustainability practices. 

“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to our Board of Directors.” said Hilary Hurrey, Head of the Supply Chain Sustainability School “His extensive experience and leadership in procurement and supply chain management will be invaluable as we continue to drive forward our mission of promoting sustainability and collaboration within the built environment.” 

For more information about the Supply Chain Sustainability School, explore the website here. 

21 May 2024, London, UK – The CO2 Performance Ladder pilot has launched in the United Kingdom. This project marks a significant advancement in promoting sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions within the UK’s procurement landscape. 

The Foundation for Climate-Friendly Procurement and Business (SKAO), the owner and manager of the CO2 Performance Ladder, has chosen Action Sustainability, an award-winning sustainability consultancy and the delivery partner behind the Supply Chain Sustainability School, as its UK partner for this ambitious initiative. Together, they will collaborate with leading government bodies to initiate the pilot project within selected tenders. 

Driving decarbonisation in the UK 

The CO2 Performance Ladder, originally a Dutch sustainability instrument, has achieved notable success across Europe, including in the Netherlands and Belgium. With pilot trials already underway in Ireland and France, the UK emerges as the latest frontier for this innovative approach to carbon reduction.  

Maud Vastbinder, Manager CO2 Performance Ladder Europe, said: “We are thrilled to be piloting the CO2 Performance Ladder in the UK, together with Action Sustainability and Transport for London. The Ladder is a vital tool for any procurer’s toolbox, and we’re convinced the tool can be a success in driving decarbonisation in the UK.” 

Reducing supply chain emissions 

The Ladder empowers organisations to effectively manage and mitigate their carbon footprint across operations, projects, and supply chains, while also serving as a procurement tool. Companies certified on the Ladder gain a competitive edge when tendering for public procurement contracts, as authorities increasingly prioritise environmentally responsible practices. 

James Cadman, Head of Consultancy & Climate at Action Sustainability, emphasised the pivotal role of sustainable procurement in achieving net-zero carbon goals, stating: “The vast majority of most organisations’ carbon impacts lie in the supply chain. If any organisation is serious about reaching Net Zero Carbon, they need a robust plan to reduce their supply chain scope 3 emissions. This is where sustainable procurement and the CO2 Performance Ladder come in.”  

Transport for London will pilot the tool within selected tenders, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship in UK procurement practices.  

David Stokes, Assistant Director of Public Procurement at the Department for Business and Trade said: “I am delighted that the Co2 Performance Ladder will be piloted in the UK. Procurement is an important lever to help us decarbonise, and I look forward to seeing the results.” 

As the world increasingly prioritises environmental sustainability, initiatives like the CO2 Performance Ladder play a crucial role in driving meaningful change. With Action Sustainability’s expertise and the Ladder’s proven track record, the UK can look forward to a future where carbon reduction and sustainable procurement go hand in hand, paving the way towards a greener, more resilient economy. 

For more information on the CO2 Performance Ladder, visit co2performanceladder.com. 

The Supply Chain Sustainability School is pleased to announce the appointment of three new distinguished members to its Board of Directors. The new appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will strengthen the School’s mission of enabling a sustainable built environment through knowledge and collaboration. 

Joining the board are: 

1. Aled Williams

Aled, currently Executive Director: Innovation & Partnerships at University College of Estate Management, brings three decades of experience working in Higher Education, having held previous roles at Salford University, LJMU and the Higher Education Academy. With substantial leadership experience in Built Environment education, he has been instrumental in driving forward innovative developments within the discipline and industry. He applies his leadership and strategic capabilities within the Executive Team; aiming to have a positive effect through engagement, education and collaboration to contribute to a more sustainable built environment. Aled supports, connects and interacts with a wide variety of stakeholders to actively influence (and be influenced by) communities to inform institutional and national policy and practice.   

Aled commented, “I am honoured to join the Supply Chain Sustainability School Board. Their compelling vision to deliver a more sustainable built environment is inspirational. I am eager to contribute towards shaping a more productive, innovative and sustainable sector; catalysing more engagement and partners.” 

 

2. Mandy Messenger

Mandy, with 34 years in construction, currently serves as Managing Director of Advanté, having held various leadership roles. She previously pioneered the Oasis welfare brand and now focuses on Advanté’s sustainable growth. Mandy is also dedicated to fostering the next generation of industry leaders and igniting transformative initiatives, actively participating in SECBE prestigious Innovative Future Leadership Programme (IFLP). 

Mandy commented on her appointment: “Having been an active Partner in the Supply Chain Sustainability School for the last eight years, I’m honoured to be joining the Board. With a passion for all things sustainability and bringing SME perspective, I aim to support increased engagement from the smaller companies, who make up a large part of the supply chain.” 

 

3. Ben Stone

With 20 years of sustainability experience, Ben currently serves as Group Head of Environmental Sustainability at Kier Group. With a proven track record of integrating sustainability into business strategies, he plays a critical role in strategy evolution and enhancing ESG disclosure. As Chair of the Board of Trustees at Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, and a NED of Wildscapes, Ben offers a robust understanding of purpose-driven organisational governance. 

Ben commented, “Being appointed to the board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School is a privilege. It’s a great opportunity to weave my passion for sustainability into the fabric of the construction industry. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, collaborate with fellow visionaries, and drive meaningful change towards a future where every link in the chain reflects our commitment to our people, our places and our planet.” 

 

The Supply Chain Sustainability School is dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient and environmentally responsible supply chains. The addition of these individuals to the Board of Directors underscores the School’s commitment to driving meaningful progress in sustainability practices. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Aled, Mandy and Ben to our Board of Directors,” said Hilary Hurrey, Head of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. “Their diverse backgrounds and deep expertise will be invaluable as we continue to empower our members and Partners to integrate sustainability into their operations.” 

For more information about the Supply Chain Sustainability School, explore the website here. 

In an exciting development for the built environment sector, the Supply Chain Sustainability School is proud to announce its Industry Collaboration with the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) through the FIR Programme. This collaboration represents a crucial step forward in fostering equity, inclusion, sustainability, and positive workplace practices within the industry. 

  • As part of this collaboration, members of RSMA now have access to a wealth of FIR Programme resources. From webinars to CPD-accredited e-learning modules, Toolbox talks, case studies, and research reports, we are providing everything needed to embed FIR into businesses and reap the associated benefits.  
  • Additionally, members can enhance their expertise with virtual training sessions, including workshops, webinars, and conferences, ensuring they remain at the forefront of our rapidly evolving industry. 
  • Members will also be able to access the FIR Growth Assessment to measure business maturity in critical areas of FIR: commitment, employment, working practices, site environment and supply chain. Completion of the FIR Growth Assessment provides businesses with a 10-point action plan to benchmark and start or continue them on their FIR journey. 
  • Another, exciting aspect of this collaboration is the opportunity for members to join the FIR Ambassador Network—a community of over 950+ FIR Ambassadors committed to helping us drive positive change across the sector. Along with recognising positive action in FIR, Ambassadors have access to a support network and advancement pathways and can earn bronze, silver, and gold badges, recognising their dedication and continuous growth. 
  • Finally, RSMA members will be invited to participate in the annual Diversity Survey, the largest data-capture exercise across the built environment sector, based on industry-agreed diversity metrics. The Survey reports publicly on the sector and industry findings, and businesses participating in the survey receive a tailored report benchmarking their diversity data against the sector, industry and ONS data sets. 

Cathryn Greville, Head of Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) at the Supply Chain Sustainability School explained “We are excited to work with RSMA and the road safety markings sector to collaboratively move towards a future where sustainability and inclusion are integral to the fabric of our industry. This is a sector full of opportunity, that should be drawing from the broadest pool of talent. Together, we have the power to drive positive change, creating workplaces that are welcoming, inspire people and enable everyone can succeed, and driving a brighter, more equitable future.” 

The FIR Programme, available to all RSMA members, serves as a powerful tool for positive change. It equips individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate workplace challenges in an evolving industry while delivering fairness, inclusion, and respect in every aspect of their work. 

This partnership is a great example of the industry collaboration which the Supply Chain Sustainability School is built on. 

If you are interested in learning more about the FIR Programme and an Industry Collaboration between the Supply Chain Sustainability School and your own organisation, please reach out to Cathryn Greville at [email protected] to learn more.  

Find out more about the impact of FIR through the FIR Culture Impact Report 2023 and follow FIR on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

Today marks a significant milestone as the Supply Chain Sustainability School extends its footprint to Ireland. Already recognised as a leading learning platform in the UK, the School is now set to provide free industry-supported training, knowledge sharing, and support for best practices in sustainability within the Irish built environment.

The launch event, held at Croke Park, Dublin, was supported by the School’s 15 Founding Partners. These Partners, including the Construction Industry Federation and key players in semi-states, homebuilders, major contractors, manufacturers, and service providers, such as Cairn Homes, ESB, Gas Networks Ireland, Glenveagh, Iarnród Éireann, IPUT Real Estate Dublin, John Sisk & Son, Kingspan, Kirby Group, Murphy Group, Roadstone, Saint-Gobain, Skanstec, and Uisce Eireann, showcased a collective commitment to building skills across their supply chain and the broader workforce. The event brought together a diverse range of industry leaders, highlighting a collaborative effort to advance skills and expertise within the construction and related sectors.

Mark Harmon, Chief Procurement Officer for ESB, commented: “ESB is proud to be a Founding Partner of the School, which we believe will play a key role in supporting our supply chain partners on our collective sustainability journey by providing tools, resources and learning materials.”

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has a well-established reputation in the UK, boasting a community of over 100,000 registered members and 200 Partners since it launched almost 12 years ago. The School team, instrumental in shaping the UK School’s success, now aim to replicate this achievement in Ireland.

Andrew Wilson, Programmes Manager for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “We are delighted to establish a Supply Chain Sustainability School for Ireland. Building on the success experienced since 2012 in the UK, and working closely with our Partners, this initiative will accelerate collaboration to tackle shared industry risks such as climate change, labour shortages and modern slavery.”

The Irish School is steadfast in its commitment to providing free learning, fostering knowledge sharing, and encouraging a collaborative approach to tackle key sustainability challenges in the industry. These challenges encompass energy and carbon, sustainable procurement, waste and circular economy, community and social impact, as well as issues like modern slavery, fairness, inclusion, and respect.

Ellen McKinney, Sustainability Manager for IPUT Real Estate Dublin, said: “The School will support the wider uptake of sustainability training, improving our industry and positively shaping our cities. It will help build on our relationships with our design, construction, and building management teams and create new and lasting partnerships across Irish real estate.”

Membership to the School is free, offering access to hundreds of CPD-accredited online sustainability training sessions and e-learning resources. Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up via https://www.supplychainschool.ie.

Companies wishing to collaborate with industry peers to shape the School’s development for the Irish built environment industry can become a Partner. For more information on becoming a Partner, contact Rick Dunn.

Today, the Sustainability Tool, in collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Programme, has unveiled the outcomes of the largest-ever employee diversity survey in the United Kingdom. This comprehensive survey, encompassing more than 526,000 individuals, has been a crucial annual fixture in the built environment sector’s progress tracking since 2016, offering a detailed record of diversity data and pinpointing areas for improvement.

The 2023 survey results, covering 526,415 employees across 537 supply chains of eight major companies and two membership organisations, highlight a substantial increase in participation, with a 55% surge in employees covered and a remarkable 99% rise in participating companies compared to 2022. The inclusion of contributions from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) played a significant role in this expansion.

This year’s findings reveal a noteworthy surge of women in the industry, rising from 23% in 2022 to 29.1% in 2023. This significant increase, marking the survey’s most significant rise in seven years, is primarily attributed to first-time reporting by several Tier 1 organisations. Sectors leading this positive shift include central government, rail, and facilities management, all surpassing the industry benchmark value of 29.1%.

Key takeaways from the 2023 survey:

  • Ethnicity: Despite constituting 52.5% of industry applicants, the representation of ethnic minority groups in the workforce decreased year-on-year slightly to 13.6%, trailing 5% below the ONS UK population average.
  • Attraction and Recruitment: The application-to-hiring ratio was notably higher for ethnic minority groups (90:1) compared to white applicants (28.4:1), on average making it three times as challenging to secure a job this year. Depending on background, ethnic minority groups found it between 1.2 to 6.4 times harder to be hired than their white counterparts.
  • Disability: Persistent data gaps exist around disability, with 35.2% of respondents’ data not being collected. The ‘prefer not to say’ option increased from 3.2% to 6.5% this year.
  • Sexual orientation: While disclosure is increasing, only 2.04% of employees identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, below the ONS UK population average of 3.14%. The survey now includes pansexual, asexual and queer categories to align with census data.

The survey plays a pivotal role in supporting the built environment sector’s commitment to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, establishing benchmarks, and highlighting areas requiring action for industry-wide progress.

Belinda Blake, Senior Policy Advisor – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at National Highways, said: “National Highways recognises the indispensable role of comprehensive sector data to help drive meaningful change. This annual data capture exercise is instrumental in reinforcing the built environment sector’s dedication to diversity, equality, and inclusion. The report offers essential data, serving as a foundation for setting benchmarks and driving progress across the industry. The success stories within the supply chain stand as a testament to the transformative power of a comprehensive, data-driven approach to ED&I, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and diverse industry.”

Findings from the survey were initially shared at the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s ‘Diversity Data Benchmarking Conference’ in Birmingham last month. The conference emphasised the importance of organisations contributing to the survey to enhance the transparency of the sector and improve diversity and inclusion in key areas such as gender and ethnic diversity. Along with plugging gaps in data capture around disability, pay gaps were also highlighted as areas for attention to achieve a more transparent industry view.

Cathryn Greville, Head of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect at Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “The survey demonstrates the critical importance of quality data in addressing equity, diversity and inclusion issues across the built environment sector. Without relevant data, organisations simply cannot identify, understand and address the real issues they face in their businesses and supply chains, and they cannot track the success of any initiatives put in place to make the workplace more inclusive and successful.”

The Diversity Survey is set to reopen in March 2024, allowing anyone in the built environment to participate anonymously for free.

Organisations also have the unique opportunity to enhance their understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and identify pathways for improvement. Valuable insights can be collected by assessing employee and/or supplier bases against sector benchmarks and ONS UK population statistics. This tailored analysis not only empowers organisations to assess their EDI status but also provides a roadmap for targeted improvements, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace. For details on participation, please contact Max Lajtha.

Access the complete Diversity Survey 2023 results here.

 

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has become an Official Partner of Futurebuild 2024 to support the industry in being more sustainable.

Futurebuild aligns with the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s mission and is focused on building a better future for the built environment and driving positive change.

Futurebuild, the built environment’s most influential event for innovation and collaboration is back for its 18th year, taking place at London’s ExCeL from March 5 – 7 2024. The event will showcase ground-breaking ideas, creative and inspirational innovations and crucial collaboration to help us set the stage for a greener, more resilient future.

More than 20,000 professionals from across the entire supply chain – including architects, planners, urban designers, landscape architects, housebuilders, developers, consultants, contractors and manufacturers – will come together to explore real sustainable building materials and practices and methods of delivering construction projects that are smart and sustainable.

Visitors can expect nine zones, all with dedicated exhibitors and a targeted seminar programme: FutureX Innovation, Materials, Interiors, Offsite, Retrofit, Sustainable Infrastructure, Energy, Buildings, and Digital. The event will also feature the launch of the National Retrofit Conference, supported by the Retrofit Academy and the National Retrofit Hub. This will examine how they will deliver retrofit across the UK at the scale needed, from policy to practical delivery.

School Members are encouraged to attend the event and experience a busy programme of high-profile thought leadership panels, hosting experts from the Supply Chain Sustainability School:

  • 5th March, 1.15-2pm: ‘Catalysing Change: Exploring Social Value Beyond the Mainstream’ – chaired by Senior Consultant and Social Value Lead, Vaishali Baid
  • 5th March, 4.15-5pm: ‘Driving a low carbon, just transition to a more sustainable future’ – chaired by our School Chair, Shaun McCarthy OBE, and featuring our Head of Carbon, James Cadman and Lead Consultant, Helen Carter
  • 6th March, 11.30am-12.15pm: ‘The Materiality of Materials: Green materials and the opportunity for maximum positive impact’ – chaired by our Sector Manager, David Emery, and featuring our Head of FIR, Cathryn Greville

Be sure to visit the School team at stand H24.

Registration for Futurebuild 2024 is now live. Register your team for FREE at https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/1cog43waemb27?actioncode=1024

On Tuesday 26th September, the Supply Chain Sustainability School held its Net Zero Summit 2023 in Coventry Building Society Arena. Attended by hundreds of sustainability experts from across the built environment industry, the Summit provided a chance for people to come together and discuss the key challenges facing our industry on its journey to net zero and the big solutions needed.

Fergus Harradence (BEIS) delivers his keynote speech

The Summit kicked off with a warm welcome message from Shaun McCarthy OBE, the School Chair. Fergus Harradence from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy then took to the stage to deliver a powerful keynote speech on the construction sector’s contribution to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

As the day unfolded, attendees were able to choose from different enlightening discussions led by experts in the field. These sessions delved deep into the challenges the industry faces on its journey to net zero and explored potential solutions.

Cathryn Greville (Supply Chain Sustainability School) chairs a breakout session panel on the talent and skills challenge

Later on, Mia McCarthy, Head of Sustainability (Ireland) at SSE delivered the afternoon keynote. This was followed by a series of thought-provoking presentations by specialists who offered diverse perspectives on the concept of a just transition, rounded out by an engaging audience Q&A session.

Mia McCarthy (SSE) delivers her keynote speech on just transition

As the evening drew in, the event concluded cheerfully with an awards ceremony to recognise individuals and organisations that have been highly engaged with the School, followed by a drinks and networking session. See below for the full list of winners:

  1. Individual Contribution to the School: Briony Wickenden
  2. Gold Member SME in the Construction Sector: Story Decorating Group Ltd
  3. Gold Member SME in the Homes Sector: Tiger Supplies
  4. Gold Member SME in the FM Sector: Go Green Ltd
  5. Partner Award for Supply Chain Engagement: Bellway Homes
  6.  Partner Award for Internal Engagement: Savills

Thank you to everyone who attended the Summit for helping to make it such an engaging and inspiring event. Stay tuned for additional photos, videos and insights from the event.

 

Net Zero Summit Feedback

Did you attend the Summit? Your feedback is important to us. Please take 2 minutes to fill out our anonymous online Summit Feedback form – this helps us to improve any future Supply Chain Sustainability School events.

 

Thank you to our sponsors:

 

NatWest partners with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to provide a free retrofit learning platform for the construction industry. The aim is to build capability and capacity to accelerate retrofitting of UK buildings to make them more energy efficient.

Today marks a significant milestone as NatWest Group becomes the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s first Partner within the finance sector, with a shared objective of addressing climate change through building the skills of the construction industry, to retrofit the UK’s housing and non-residential buildings.

Retrofit plays a critical role in achieving Net Zero. Buildings contribute 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions and as 80% of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 already exist, the UK simply cannot deliver against its Net Zero ambitions without significant retrofitting of its buildings. As well as carbon reduction, retrofit offers the potential to elevate the quality of life for millions while generating employment opportunities.

With over 200 Partners within the built environment industry and their supply chains, we’re uniquely positioned to drive positive change. Our sustainability platform offers free training to 80,000 registered users, covering retrofit as well as 17 key sustainability topics including energy & carbon, waste & circular economy and more.

With NatWest Group’s strategic support, our retrofit initiatives will accelerate significantly, bringing Partners together to shape the programme, share knowledge and upskill the wider industry on retrofit.

Ian Heptonstall, Director of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, commented: “Our mission is to enable a sustainable built environment through knowledge and collaboration, however most of our work to date has focused on new builds. To truly fulfil our mission, we must pivot towards the existing building stock, crafting and delivering learning experiences that empower the UK to retrofit its structures with cutting-edge technologies and systems, positioning us to fulfil our Net Zero commitments. We look forward to tackling climate change through retrofit with NatWest Group.”

NatWest Group aims to support the decarbonisation of UK properties. By working closely with the built environment industry, NatWest aims to build a robust supply chain to develop efficiency upgrades at scale.

James Close, Head of Climate Change at NatWest Group commented: “As one of the largest lenders in the UK, we have a key role to play in supporting consumers and businesses in transitioning to more energy efficient homes and buildings that are warmer, cheaper to heat, and generate lower emissions. Decarbonising properties will require retrofitting existing buildings to increase their energy efficiency, constructing new energy efficient buildings and decarbonisation of electricity and heating supply. We want to work at scale to increase demand. But we need the skills and companies to carry out the work and we also want to make it as easy for our customers to retrofit as possible. Our collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School will help cultivate a more mature retrofit supply chain, share knowledge and build the skills needed to retrofit homes and buildings across the UK.”

Our retrofit programme, sponsored by NatWest, will be unveiled through a virtual conference taking place on November 7th, 2023. This will introduce CPD-accredited virtual training encompassing e-learning modules, online assessments, conferences, workshops and webinars running until Autumn 2024. These valuable resources will be freely accessible to professionals in the built environment, including NatWest Group’s clients and School members.

Register for the launch event here by signing up to a free account on the Supply Chain Sustainability School.

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has partnered with UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham to inspire sustainable change in the construction industry.

This partnership is a testament to the School and UKCW’s joint commitment to sharing knowledge, tackling issues and exploring new, sustainable ways of working in the construction sector.

UKCW is the UK’s largest event for the built environment. Following on from their successful London event earlier this year, registration is now live for UKCW Birmingham, which will run from October 3rd to 5th at the NEC Birmingham. The event will run alongside two co-located shows, Grand Designs Live and Timber Expo, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023.

Expected to welcome over 25,000 visitors, the three-day show will hero culture change in construction and feature over 6,000 products and services. Attendees can expect a comprehensive seminar programme and CDP opportunities, covering the latest building regulations, the Building Safety Act and its implications, and advice on retrofit.

School Members are offered free VIP tickets to the events, whereby they can attend a busy programme of high-profile thought leadership panels and visit the School at stand Z1030. Through VIP registration, Members also receive access to the VIP lounge, hot beverages, and a VIP badge.

VIP registration for UKCW Birmingham is now live. Register your team for FREE VIP tickets at https://ukcw-birmingham-2023.reg.buzz/vip-supply-chain-sustainability-school or if you have any further questions, please get in touch with the organisers via [email protected]

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has partnered with Offsite Expo 2023, presenting an exciting opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

With sets of common goals, the School and Offsite Expo will strive to drive change in the construction industry and provide innovative solutions for customers, both at Offsite Expo’s two-day event and via the School’s free online learning platform.

Offsite technology is now recognised as providing the most important solutions to many of the problems facing the industry today. Offsite Expo is the brainchild of leading industry experts who understand the urgent need for a dedicated event which showcases international offsite best practices and innovative technology.

As offsite is one of the core topics covered by the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the School is proud to be an industry Partner for Offsite Expo again this year.

Offsite Expo brings together the sector’s most influential organisations, individuals, commentators and business leaders who are driving change in the construction sector. 

This year’s event takes place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on the 19th and 20th of September. It will welcome 4,000+ visitors, host 100+ exhibition stands, hear from 100+ speakers and facilitate over 300+ meetings in the buyers and specifiers lounge.

Throughout the two days, you can come and chat with the School team at our exhibition stand Z14. Our director, Ian Heptonstall, will also be speaking on the ‘Training, Skills & Innovation‘ panel at 3pm on Wednesday 20th September at the Offsite Alliance Stage.

Register for your free ticket to Offsite Expo here: https://bit.ly/offsite-expo-scss

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has launched the first in a series of 35 new video resources for  members.

The first 6 videos feature case studies from School Partners and members working across the built environment, focusing on how they have tackled a sustainability issue, the challenges and business benefits. They aim to inspire other organisations to explore what action they can take around cutting carbon, reducing packaging waste and delivering more sustainable projects. They are all free to access in our resource library; please share with your colleagues.

Take a look at the new videos below:

Thanks to all of our Partners and members who were involved in the filming to develop some fantastic new resources for the whole sector.

Watch this space for the next launch of new resources!

Today, we released our 2023 Impact Report, which surveyed over one thousand of our members across the country to get their thoughts on what is important to their organisation and supply chain, plus find out how the School has continued to positively impact their organisation and supply chain, through the School’s free practical learning and support.

The past few years have been challenging for the built environment industry; the pandemic made for a very unsure time, closely followed by the global economic downturn putting pressures on the industry with material shortages and steep rises in costs. However, sustainability remains firmly at the top of the agenda worldwide, meaning more opportunities for the School to continue to grow and widen its impact.

Reflecting this, the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s engagement figures are up significantly, with 24,160 (+44%) individuals from 5,503 companies (+30%) actively learning through the School. This has driven a 35% increase in resource views compared to the previous year. At the same time, quality ratings for the training received by the members remain very high, with 95% rating the training by Action Sustainability consultants as good or excellent.

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, commented: “It’s been another brilliant year for the School and we are thrilled to have over 24,000 individuals training through our learning platform. However, we recognise that there is still a way to go to achieve our vision of an industry where everyone will have the skills and knowledge to deliver a sustainable future. To achieve mass impact, technology will be a key focus moving forward. It is our hope that this additional technological investment and expertise will not only support the School’s growth, but ensure it is armed for arising opportunities so we can continue to provide membership with accessible and credible learning.”

Organisations are becoming increasingly interested in understanding sustainability and embedding more sustainable practices. Many members have identified the School as a powerful tool to help them do this. Almost three-quarters of members (73%) reported that the School has helped them to better understand their organisation’s sustainability impacts. The School has also helped 65% of members improve their understanding of modern slavery, and 54% to increase their understanding of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect.

Members also shared how the School has helped them to improve their sustainability impacts. This includes reductions in carbon emissions (52% of members) and total waste (50%), as well as increased community engagement (57%) and apprentice numbers (50%). Read the full report here.

Julia Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer at Willmott Dixon, commented: “The School continues to drive massive change for the industry by providing free virtual learning across a huge range of subjects. This year once again, it’s proven that through collaboration the industry can thrive. To increase our sustainability impacts further, we would love more members to register and learn through School, and more Partners to work with us to identify key issues and share new ideas.”

The School is delivered by Action Sustainability and part-funded by CITB and industry Partners, with over 190 Partners leading the direction of the School. Working in collaboration, Partners share knowledge and free resources to inspire the UK built environment to drive positive change.

Last year, the School and our team were awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in recognition of the significant environmental, social and economic benefits we have delivered.

If you are working or aspire to work within the built environment industry, sign up to the Supply Chain Sustainability School for FREE this spring. You will benefit from over 400 free training sessions, tailored assessments with action plans and a library of over 3,300 online resources.

If you are already a member or Partner, spread the word! https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/about/membership/

The Supply Chain Sustainability School have launched new maturity guidance to support you to sign up to the People Matter Charter.

This guidance will help you:

  • Evaluate your organisation’s maturity against the eight commitments in the People Matter Charter
  • Understand what best practice looks like for each of these eight commitments
  • Develop and progress your workforce strategy
  • Complete the confidential People assessment in the School as accurately as possible.

Completion of the People assessment is a required step for organisations who wish to become a signatory of the People Matter Charter.

Think of this guidance as a sense checking tool to help you understand which of the five levels of the People assessment best reflect your progress to date, against each of the eight commitments. This guidance includes examples of the types of evidence that would support your claim to be at, for example, ‘advanced working practice’ level for a specific commitment. This is to help you check that your response is accurate and realistic. This guidance is not designed to be used for audits.

Access the guidance >

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has partnered with UK Construction Week (UKCW) to support the industry in being more sustainable.

With sets of common goals, the School and UKCW will strive to work towards a more sustainable built environment and provide innovative solutions for customers, both at the events and via the School’s free online learning platform – enabling members access to over 3,000 learning resources, 400 virtual training sessions each year, and a range of diagnostic and benchmarking tools to support companies on focusing their sustainability strategies.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, commented: “UK Construction Week is delighted to be working with Supply Chain Sustainability School as an official show partner. This is a significant step up for their involvement in the show as we increase our focus on sustainability. We look forward to welcoming the School to UK Construction Week and hearing from their leadership team on best practices and how we can all work together towards a more sustainable future.”

UKCW is the UK’s largest event for the built environment, taking place at ExCeL London between 2-4 May 2023 with a second show at Birmingham’s NEC on 3-5 October 2023. This year’s theme is Celebrating Culture Change in Construction, whereby UKCW London will host three days of debate and discussion from top speakers on how the industry can move forward to tackle its biggest issues, including sustainability, offsite manufacturing, mental health, and improving diversity and inclusion.

Ian Heptonstall, Director of Supply Chain Sustainability School, commented: “We are thrilled to be working closely with UK Construction Week to drive real sustainable change within the industry and support their mission of improving inclusivity throughout the built environment.”

The School delivers the industry’s leading Fairness, Inclusion & Respect programme and will share free resources and training sessions with delegates.

School Members are offered free VIP tickets to the events, whereby they can attend a busy programme of high-profile thought leadership panels, hosting experts from Supply Chain Sustainability School: Shaun McCarthy OBE; Dr James Cadman, Helen Carter and more.

VIP registration for UKCW London is now live. Register your team for FREE VIP tickets at https://ukcw-london-2023.reg.buzz/vip-supply-chain-school or if you have any further questions, please get in touch with the organisers via [email protected]

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has partnered with Balfour Beatty for the second year in a row, undertaking a joint survey targeting hundreds of supply chain partners across the UK to understand the barriers and opportunities faced in decarbonising the sector.

Recognising the important role that the construction and infrastructure sector has to play in achieving Net Zero, the companies set out their findings and recommendations for policy makers, customers, and the industry more widely in their latest thought paper – “2022 Greening the Supply Chain”.

Despite the positive steps that have already been taken across the industry, achieving Net Zero is not a foregone conclusion with 68% of respondents saying that the sector is not well enough prepared, 53% saying that the development pipeline for low-carbon materials is not sufficient to meet demand and 81% indicating that construction practices are changing too slowly.

In addition, 96% of those who responded said that they are experiencing a shortfall in access to skilled people, specifically relating to carbon, sustainability, digital and other related roles, which risks holding back efforts to decarbonise the sector.

In “2022 Greening the Supply Chain”, the School and Balfour Beatty highlight the importance of bringing in supply chain partners earlier to put in place the best, low carbon solutions. An area that also requires more focus is the creation of robust measurement and up-to-date reporting standards – these are key for consistency and driving forward progress.

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of Supply Chain Sustainability School said: “These reports offer a major insight into what the built environment requires to meet our net zero targets by 2045/50 and it is great to see that the sector is invested in the challenge! But there is still a long way to go. We must urgently address the skills shortage, as well as the speed in which construction practices are changing to utilise low-carbon technology and methods. Innovation, communication, and collaboration are key!”

Jo Gilroy, Group Director of Sustainability at Balfour Beatty, said: “The global climate change emergency is one of the biggest challenges that we have ever faced. It is a challenge requiring us to all pull in the same direction, together.

With approximately 80% of the sector’s carbon emissions stemming from our supply chain, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the barriers our partners face and where they need more support. By sharing our findings and learnings, we hope that the sector will move forward more quickly – together – in achieving Net Zero.”

To read “2022 Greening the Supply Chain” in full, please click here.

The Value Toolkit is a new way of thinking for the construction industry. It represents a step change in the way that projects are conceived, developed and, most importantly, how value is delivered through the project lifecycle. The Value Toolkit has been developed by the Construction Innovation Hub, in collaboration with HM Government and key players in the UK construction sector.

The School is pleased to be able to host 6 pilot training courses to allow our Partners and Members to understand better this new procurement approach, click below to book and find out more:

  1. Supply Chain – Tuesday 6th September – 13.30 to 17.00 (face-to-face in Birmingham) – Understanding the government’s new approach to procurement – The Value Toolkit for the Supply Chain
  2. Facilitator – Thursday & Friday 8/9th September – 9:00 to 5:00 (face-to-face in London) –  The Value Toolkit – How to facilitate your clients’ adoption of value decision making
  3. Commercial Professionals – Friday 16th September – 09:30 to 13:00 (face-to-face in London) – Understanding the government’s new approach to procurement – The Value Toolkit for Commercial Professionals
  4. Supply Chain – Thursday 22nd September – 9.00 to 12.30 (virtual) – Understanding the government’s new approach to procurement – The Value Toolkit for the Supply Chain
  5. Facilitator – Thursday & Friday 22/23rd September – 9:00 to 5:00 (face-to-face in Birmingham) – The Value Toolkit – How to facilitate your clients’ adoption of value decision making
  6. Commercial Professionals – Friday 23rd September – 09:30-13:00 (virtual) – Understanding the government’s new approach to procurement – The Value Toolkit for Commercial Professionals

The Sustainability Tool, a software application designed to help organisations and supply chains track and measure their sustainability performance, has been used to record the largest-ever data survey on employee diversity within the transport sector.

Between July and September 2021, data was collected from over 250,000 employees across 88 supply chains of 4 major transport infrastructure companies: HS2, National Highways, Network Rail and Transport for London.

Nick Harris, CEO at National Highways, said: “By collaborating across the transport sector we can better understand the challenges we face in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. By sharing best practice, we can help each other to understand where we can improve and effectively make change.”

The annual diversity survey, carried out within the Sustainability Tool, plays an integral role in supporting the transport sector on their mission to engage and raise awareness on diversity, equality and inclusion. Supply chain organisations are engaged to input their employee data voluntarily within the Tool, with categories including Gender, Age, Religion & Belief, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, Disability, Voluntary Leavers, Part-Time Status, and Attraction & Recruitment. Each category informs subsequent indicators that align with the ONS’ standard of diversity data collection.

A standardised version of the Sustainability Tool software system has been custom-built for the diversity survey to provide an anonymous and aggregated view of all responses, offering insights into the diversity make-up of the sector. Respondents have free access to in-depth and interactive dashboards, that compare their employee-base with the sector’s and the ONS UK population statistics.

Philip Hewson, Head of Strategy & Performance, Procurement & Supply Chain at Transport for London, said: “Data is the key to understanding and driving meaningful diversity and inclusion in our own organisation and throughout our supply chains.”

Results of the survey are used to set aspirational targets at all levels for recruitment, retention and progression of under-represented groups that reflect the demographic of the UK population. Highlights include:

  • Gender inequality remains, with only 23% being female employees
  • An increased representation of ethnic minority groups in the transport sector versus 2019, but ethnic minorities representation was still 0.4% below the ONS UK population average
  • Lack of data collection around disability, with 31.8% of employees not disclosing if they have a disability or not
  • Disclosure in the LBTQ+ sexual orientation category is progressively increasing across the sector, yet 1.5% LGBTQ+ employees reported across the sector is still below the ONS UK population average of 3.4%

The survey provides an in-depth record of diversity data, which is built upon annually to track progress in the construction sector, establish benchmarks and set targets to work toward.

The survey continues to be complemented by Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme activities. Funded by CITB and run by the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the FIR programme is an industry-wide initiative that aims to make workplaces better for everyone. It provides free industry-endorsed training and resources, as well as guidance and materials, supporting businesses to be more innovative and profitable, by addressing workplace culture challenges and helping to attract and retain people from a full pool of talent.

Emer Murnaghan OBE, Innovation Director at GRAHAM said: “As an organisation that actively engages in this annual survey, we’ve gained key insights into the diversity of our own workforce and can compare our performance against the industry standard. This enables us to focus on the specific areas where we need to accelerate change in our business. We welcome this leading, integrated, and collaborative approach from key transport industry clients. We applaud Supply Chain Sustainability School for their key role in developing the tool and making it available to the wider industry.”

The diversity survey will re-open in Summer 2022, whereby all organisations working in the sector will be invited to complete it on a voluntary basis. To support organisations with their submissions, the School will also be running online workshops to explain how to access and use the Tool.  Suppliers with over 250 employees will be automatically directed to complete a more detailed submission, and those with less than 250 employees will complete a ‘Lite’ version to encourage smaller SME and Tier 2 business engagement.

Ian Heptonstall, Director of Supply Chain Sustainability School (and owner of the Sustainability Tool), said: “We’re delighted to support the major transport clients in their ambitions to improve diversity within the sector. To obtain a survey sample size of over 250,000 employees is phenomenal and provides unprecedented insights into the problems at hand. We’re now seeking to expand this initiative across other sectors and organisations.”

The diversity survey is also available for usage across other industries, whilst the Sustainability Tool can help businesses report and manage sustainability performance across more than just diversity, whether that be within an organisation, its projects, contracts and supply chain.

Organisations wishing to use the diversity survey or wider Sustainability Tool within their own supply chain should contact [email protected]

The transition to net zero, delivering biodiversity net gain, working towards a more circular economy, delivering social value and combatting modern slavery are just some of the challenges faced by the homebuilding industry, and groundworkers have a pivotal role to play.

In collaboration with the School’s Homes Leadership Group, we’ve developed a new beginner level learning pathway, alongside other industry clients, main contractors and trade contractors, which is designed to help groundworks companies address those high priority issues.

The pathway is being endorsed by over 10 major housebuilders and trade contractors, all encouraging their groundworks supply chain to complete the pathway to ensure we reach a consistent level of understanding on these issues across the trade, and are equipped to tackle them. As a beginner level pathway, it explains what the issues are, why they’re important, and gives hints and practical tips on how to address them.

Want to find out more? Take a look at the pathway and start learning here: ENROL NOW

This pathway is endorsed by:

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JUST LAUNCHED!  Sustainability for Groundworks Learning Pathway

The transition to net zero, delivering biodiversity net gain, working towards a more circular economy, delivering social value and combatting modern slavery are just some of the challenges faced by our industry, and groundworkers have a pivotal role to play.

In collaboration with the School’s Homes Leadership Group, we’ve developed a new beginner level learning pathway, which is designed to help groundworks companies address those high priority issues.

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March’s featured topic: Air Quality

Reducing the impacts of poor air quality is a significant issue which we need to take into account in how we run our construction sites and the kinds of plant and equipment we use. Start your learning on the topic to understand why air quality is a key issue on construction sites and what you can do to reduce air pollution with these recommended resources:

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JUST LAUNCHED! Sustainability for Groundworks Learning Pathway

The transition to net zero, delivering biodiversity net gain, working towards a more circular economy, delivering social value and combatting modern slavery are just some of the challenges faced by our industry, and groundworkers have a pivotal role to play.

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February’s featured topic: Fairness, Inclusion and Respect

The Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme is an industry-wide initiative that aims to make workplaces better for everyone.

As a sector, we need to embrace FIR in order to attract, recruit, train and retain the skills to address the industry-wide skills shortage. Construction clients and large contractors are increasingly expecting their supply chain partners to work with them to achieve this. Take a look at some of the key resources available to support you on this:

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The transition to net zero, delivering biodiversity net gain, working towards a more circular economy, delivering social value and combatting modern slavery are just some of the challenges faced by our industry, and groundworkers have a pivotal role to play.

In collaboration with the School’s Construction Leadership Group, we’ve developed a new beginner level learning pathway, alongside other industry clients, main contractors and trade contractors, which is designed to help groundworks companies address those high priority issues.

The pathway is being endorsed by over 20 main contractors and clients, all encouraging their groundworks supply chain to complete the pathway to ensure we reach a consistent level of understanding on these issues across the trade, and are equipped to tackle them. As a beginner level pathway, it explains what the issues are, why they’re important, and gives hints and practical tips on how to address them.

Want to find out more? Take a look at the pathway and start learning here: ENROL NOW

This pathway is endorsed by:

 

 

 

22 November, London, UK — The Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS), a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, has partnered with Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and Nottingham Trent University to launch a construction-focused training hub.

Funded by CITB, the Collaborative Construction Procurement Training Hub (CCPTH) is dedicated to improving the quality of procurement practices in the built environment industry. The sector has not increased its productivity over the last forty years and SCSS members often cite procurement as a blocker to innovation and improved performance.

The new procurement hub will be launched during CECA’s 25th Anniversary week-long virtual conference, with the event taking place between 14:00-15:30 on 26 November 2021. The event will discuss the purpose of the hub – to increase the skills level for those who buy products and sub-contract services within the industry. By improving these procurement skills, the CCPTH hope to drive productivity improvements, and increased value for clients.

The objective is to create a single eco-system of procurement skills and development – including a single online portal for accessing training tools, toolkits and both virtual and face-to-face training. It will also set out to create a collaborative engagement strategy, as well as offer free, publicly available lean construction training materials and tools, developed by LCI-UK through CITB funding.

By visibly improving construction project performance, the hub will establish a strong procurement function with an efficient and effective supply chain, who can deliver materials and services to a construction project, on time and to budget. Most importantly, the hub will support the evolution of the construction industry, by equipping its’ workforce to handle an ever-changing business and operating model. The methods laid out by the CCPTH will embrace evolving procurement models and processes, hopefully leading to industry adoption.

 

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “Procurement skills are essential to help the construction sector to achieve new levels of safety and productivity and to achieve more sustainable profit margins. The Supply Chain Sustainability School is delighted to work with CECA and Nottingham Trent University to create a knowledge hub to help all those contributing to procurement decisions and working with supply chains to improve their skills.”

Alasdair Reisner, CEO, CECA, said: “The Government and the industry’s clients are increasingly recognising the importance of effective procurement to deliver outstanding outcomes for construction projects and programmes. But this relies on high quality procurement capability across the sector. We are delighted to be working with such brilliant partners to develop training to make this a reality.” 

To register your interest for the launch event taking place on the 26 November 2021, register here.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Lydia Higgins

[email protected]

About Supply Chain Sustainability School:
The Supply Chain Sustainability School is a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains. With more than 39,000 registered users, the School provides free practical learning and support in the form of sustainability training, events and networking, e-learning modules, tailored assessment and a library of over 2,900 online resources.

The School is part-funded by CITB and industry Partners. It is delivered by an independent third-party consultancy, Action Sustainability. Leadership is provided by a School Board comprising elected representatives of Partners, responsible for fiscal governance and strategic direction. A Code of Ethics is signed by all Partners as part of the School Constitution and Partners lead the direction of the School content and activities through leadership groups. https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/

About CECA:

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association is the representative body for companies who work day-to-day to deliver, upgrade, and maintain the country’s infrastructure. With more than 300 members split across eight regions, CECA represents firms who together carry out an estimated 70-80 per cent of all civil engineering activity in the UK, in the key sectors of transport, energy, communications, waste and water.