Sheffield City Council’s finance department has received significant praise following its attempts to introduce higher ethical standards for firms dealing with the council.

The updated framework, introduced in 2017 by Head of Ethical Procurement Glen Swaby, replaces the previous financial-focused model.

The new approach places greater emphasis on ensuring suppliers meet strict ethical standards before being awarded council contracts, including compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and wider human rights protections across their supply chains.

A central feature of the policy is a process allowing companies to “self-clean” if ethical issues arise within their operations. Rather than immediately excluding suppliers, the council will work with them to resolve concerns and improve practices where possible.

“The law requires a remedy of the issues,” Mr Swaby explained. “We have to give an opportunity for the provider to self-clean if the issues haven’t been mitigated.” 

If problems remain unresolved, the council will undertake a verification process and carry out an assessment before deciding on further action. According to Mr Swaby, the aim is to identify potential risks early while still encouraging companies to raise their standards.

The framework introduces expanded disqualification tests, allowing the council to take action against parent companies and subsidiaries if ethical violations are identified elsewhere within a corporate group.

At the Financial Performance Committee meeting on Wednesday 25 February, councillors such as Douglas Johnson were full of praise for the persistent effort to increase the morals of businesses in Sheffield acknowledging the “emphatic” progress Swaby and his team had made.

In a brief interview following the meeting, Glen Swaby stated that “back in 2016 I [he] was horrified” and that the changes were necessary and long overdue.

Swaby also elaborated on their progress, stating that “we are currently procuring ethically — it’s about having the tools to demonstrate that.” He added that increasing relationships with local providers, particularly SMEs and voluntary sector organisations is a key target.

Swaby recalled raising concerns as far back as 2016 through his comments. ”It has taken a long time, but it’s important.”

With procurement weighted toward social value and local economic impact, the council is using its purchasing power to secure services and drive higher standards, whilst adapting its strategy to strengthen Sheffield’s economy.