ICT investment is one of the biggest ongoing costs for schools and trusts. It keeps lessons running, data secure, and staff connected. But it also has influence — over supply chains, local jobs and how budgets ripple out into the wider community.

That doesn’t mean turning procurement into a moral crusade. It simply means getting the best deal in a way that reflects your school’s values and makes a bit of difference beyond the classroom.

Below, we look at how procurement can support communities, open doors for pupils and reinforce trust culture — and how Everything ICT makes this simpler and fully compliant.

Ethical supply chains that stand up to scrutiny

Accountability is something every school understands. Parents and governors expect it; staff and pupils benefit from it. The same applies to the technology being bought. Schools want to know their equipment is sourced responsibly, but it’s unrealistic to expect anyone to audit complex supply chains on top of everything else.

Everything ICT suppliers are already vetted for quality, reliability and ethical standards, so schools can buy with confidence, knowing social responsibility has been taken care of..

Tech spend that supports local futures

Every ICT contract represents public money being put to work. Keeping more of that spend in the local area can mean jobs for local businesses, apprenticeships for young people and partnerships with suppliers who know your school and community.

Through Everything ICT, schools can work with suppliers who already invest in their local areas — creating apprenticeships, supporting skills development and working with nearby businesses. It’s a practical way to get reliable ICT services while making sure some of the benefit stays within the community.

Inclusion isn’t a slogan

There’s been progress on diversity in tech, but the sector’s still not where it should be. Schools are in a strong position to support suppliers working to change that — companies that train, hire and promote people from a broader range of backgrounds.

It’s not about badges or pledges; it’s about building a supply base that reflects the students sitting in your classrooms. The result tends to be better ideas, better understanding, and better outcomes for schools.

ESG that means something in practice

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), is simply a way of making sure decisions balance good value with wider responsibility.

• Environmental looks at how your choices affect the planet: energy use, waste, and carbon footprint.
• Social is about people: fair employment, wellbeing, diversity, and community impact.
• Governance focuses on how decisions are made: transparency, accountability and value for public money.

Because our DfE-approved framework is already aligned with ESG principles, schools can show they’re making responsible choices without adding more admin or paperwork. It’s a practical way to put values into action while staying compliant and efficient.

Why this approach matters

Responsible procurement isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about smart, everyday decisions that stretch budgets further and make outcomes last longer. Working with suppliers who share your values often leads to stronger relationships, lower risk and greater trust within your community.

Everything ICT helps turn that ambition into action — simply and compliantly.

🔗 Get in touch to find out how we can support your school or trust.