Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Recommendations:-

1.    That approval be given to the Ethical Procurement Policy.

Consideration was given to a report which introduced the Ethical Procurement Policy, which set out a range of measures and policy decisions/commitments that have been taken by the Council over the years (including the recent Social Value Policy) to achieve this and drive ethical practice, with the aim to encompass this into one comprehensive policy.

In presenting the Policy, the report explained that ethical behaviour was at the core of the Council’s procurement activity and the Council expected the suppliers it does business with to share similar values and ethical ethos in the way they deliver their services. 

It was noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board had reviewed the report at its meeting on 15 January 2020 and had made the following recommendations, which were agreed by Cabinet:-

·         That when engaging with external contractors, arrangements be made to ensure that ethical outcomes are effectively captured and presented in an annual report to be published on the Council’s website

·         That, with regard to corporate policy review mechanisms within the Authority, such reviews be undertaken on a three yearly cycle, unless a statutory or previously agreed local framework has already been prescribed.

Resolved:-

1.    That  the Ethical Procurement Policy be approved.

2.    That when engaging with external contractors, arrangements be made to ensure that ethical outcomes are effectively captured and presented in an annual report to be published on the Council’s website

3.    That, with regard to corporate policy review mechanisms within the Authority, such reviews be undertaken on a three yearly cycle, unless a statutory or previously agreed local framework has already been prescribed.