Sheffield City Council\u2019s finance department has received significant praise following its attempts to introduce higher ethical standards for firms dealing with the council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The updated framework, introduced in 2017 by Head of Ethical Procurement Glen Swaby, replaces the previous financial-focused model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A central feature of the policy is a process allowing companies to \u201cself-clean\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe law requires a remedy of the issues,\u201d Mr Swaby explained. \u201cWe have to give an opportunity for the provider to self-clean if the issues haven\u2019t been mitigated.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a brief interview following the meeting, Glen Swaby stated that \u201cback in 2016 I [he] was horrified\u201d and that the changes were necessary and long overdue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swaby also elaborated on their progress, stating that \u201cwe are currently procuring ethically \u2014 it\u2019s about having the tools to demonstrate that.\u201d He added that increasing relationships with local providers, particularly SMEs and voluntary sector organisations is a key target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swaby recalled raising concerns as far back as 2016 through his comments. \u201dIt has taken a long time, but it\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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