As schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) keep up with our changing world, it's becoming more and more important to consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values when making purchasing decisions. In this blog post, we'll discuss how schools and MATs can use ESG principles in their procurement plans to create a more sustainable future for education in the UK. If you need a hand in bringing ESG values into your next ICT procurement, our DfE-recommended framework can lend you the support you need throughout the entire process.
As outlined by the Department for Education (DfE), schools have a responsibility to promote sustainable development and environmental awareness. The DfE emphasises that schools and MATs should consider the environmental impact of their purchases and choose products that minimise waste and promote energy efficiency.
Keeping these guidelines in mind, using ESG principles in the procurement process is key for schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) to reach their sustainability targets. By partnering with frameworks and suppliers who prioritise green practices and include environmental factors in their tendering process, educational institutions can successfully reduce their carbon footprint and pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.
Social responsibility is an integral component of ESG in education procurement. Schools and MATs can promote social responsibility in their procurement process by following these steps:
Prioritise diverse suppliers: Actively seek out partnerships with suppliers who embrace diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a variety of perspectives and experiences are represented in your procurement process.
Support ethical labour practices: Engage with suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to fair working conditions, such as fair wages, safe working environments, and adherence to labour laws.
Encourage community involvement: Collaborate with suppliers who are engaged in community initiatives, volunteering, or other social impact activities. This helps strengthen the local community and fosters a sense of social responsibility.
Establish clear ESG criteria: Incorporate social responsibility metrics into your procurement criteria, such as evaluating suppliers' diversity policies, ethical practices, and community engagement initiatives.
By implementing these strategies, schools and MATs can ensure their procurement practices contribute to positive social change while effectively addressing their ICT requirements.
Being open and ethical in how you manage and run things is really important for building trust and using resources wisely. By choosing to work with suppliers who adhere to strong values like honesty, compliance, and transparency, schools and MATs can create a reliable procurement system that protects public money and brings lasting benefits for everyone involved.
Embracing ESG principles in procurement gives schools and MATs a chance to make sustainability a part of their day-to-day operations. By doing so, they create a learning environment that mirrors the values they teach their students, and in turn, the values that their students demand from them. This commitment to ESG paves the way for a more sustainable future for years to come.
As an ICT procurement framework specialising in the education sector, we're all about helping schools and MATs put ESG strategies into action. Contact us to explore how our framework can support your institution in implementing ESG-focused strategies.