Consistent Sustainability Reporting in the UK

To ensure the successful adoption of GRI standards in public procurement and contract management, several stakeholders in the UK public sector and associated sectors hold the authority and influence to make this vision a reality:

1. Central Government and Regulatory Bodies

• HM Treasury:

  • Oversees public spending and procurement policy, ensuring alignment with national priorities like sustainability and net zero targets.

  • Could mandate GRI standards as part of the Public Procurement Rules.

• Cabinet Office:

  • Responsible for public procurement reform and implementing policies such as the Social Value Model (PPN 06/20).

  • Could incorporate GRI standards into procurement frameworks and evaluation criteria.

• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA):

  • Leads on environmental sustainability policies and could support the integration of GRI standards into public procurement to meet net zero and biodiversity goals.

• Department for Business and Trade (DBT):

  • Supports SMEs and international trade, ensuring that GRI standards adoption enhances market access for diverse suppliers.

• UK Parliament and Committees:

  • Committees such as the Environmental Audit Committee and the Public Accounts Committee can advocate for the integration of GRI standards into public sector practices.

2. Local Authorities and Regional Bodies

• Local Councils:

  • As significant procurers of goods and services, local councils could lead by embedding GRI standards into their procurement processes and supporting local businesses in compliance.

• Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs):

  • Play a key role in regional economic development and could support businesses in adopting sustainability standards to access public contracts.

• Greater London Authority (GLA):

  • Given its leadership in sustainability initiatives, the GLA could pilot GRI standards in its procurement activities.

3. Public Sector Procurement Networks

• Crown Commercial Service (CCS):

  • As the largest public procurement organization in the UK, CCS can incorporate GRI standards into its framework agreements and procurement processes.

• NHS England and Procurement Hubs:

  • As one of the largest purchasers of goods and services, the NHS could drive adoption through its contracts, particularly aligning with carbon reduction and social value priorities.

• Transport for London (TfL):

  • Could lead adoption in the transport sector, emphasizing supplier sustainability in infrastructure and operations.

• UK Universities and Research Councils:

  • Major procurers in education and research, these institutions could integrate GRI standards into their supplier requirements.

4. Professional and Industry Bodies

• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS):

  • Provides guidance and training for procurement professionals, making it a key influencer in the adoption and implementation of GRI standards.

• Local Government Association (LGA):

  • Represents councils in England and can provide policy guidance and support for GRI standards adoption.

• CIPFA

  • Could help align the GRI standards with the existing Social Value Model and promote their adoption among public sector buyers as well as provide training, consultancy and support

5. Businesses and Supplier Networks

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB):

  • Advocates for SMEs and could support the proportionality of reporting requirements, ensuring GRI adoption benefits small businesses.

• Confederation of British Industry (CBI):

  • Represents large businesses and can influence industry-wide adoption of GRI standards.

• British Chambers of Commerce:

  • Supports businesses in navigating public sector opportunities and could promote GRI standards training and awareness.

6. Sustainability and Reporting Organizations

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI):

  • Could work directly with UK stakeholders to tailor their standards for the public procurement landscape.

• Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA):

  • Provides sustainability expertise and could collaborate on capacity-building efforts for suppliers and public sector bodies.

• Carbon Trust:

  • Offers support in emissions reduction and could align GRI standards with carbon reduction initiatives.

• UK Green Building Council (UKGBC):

  • Could advocate for the integration of GRI standards in construction and infrastructure procurement.

7. Auditing and Assurance Professionals

• National Audit Office (NAO):

  • Could recommend the use of GRI standards as part of its reviews of public spending and value for money assessments.

• Third-Party Assurance Providers:

  • Independent auditors could support the adoption and verification of GRI-aligned reports in public procurement.

8. Advocacy Groups and Civil Society

• Sustainability NGOs and Think Tanks:

  • Groups like ClientEarth, Green Alliance, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation could advocate for GRI standards as a tool to improve accountability and transparency in public procurement.

• Trade Unions:

  • Could support GRI adoption by highlighting its benefits for workers and local communities.

Tried and Tested Approach to Stakeholder Engagement

To drive GRI adoption:

1. Policy Advocacy: Work with central government and regulatory bodies to mandate GRI standards through procurement legislation.

2. Pilot Programs: Collaborate with local authorities, CCS, and NHS to test GRI integration in specific sectors.

3. Capacity Building: Engage CIPS, FSB, and CIPFA to train procurement professionals and suppliers.

4. Public Awareness: Partner with industry and advocacy groups to demonstrate the benefits of GRI adoption for transparency, diversity, and sustainability.

By engaging these stakeholders collaboratively, the UK public sector can unlock the full potential of GRI standards, driving sustainability while fostering an inclusive and diverse supply chain.