Introduction to Sustainability in Procurement

Introduction to Sustainability in Procurement, offered by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), is a four-hour online course providing an introduction to sustainability within public-sector procurement and contract management. The course focuses on how organisations spending public money can integrate sustainability objectives into procurement processes, supplier relationships, contract management, and performance monitoring.

Core Content

The curriculum covers the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their connection to the UK Social Value Model, stakeholder engagement, sustainable procurement reporting, supplier selection, pre-market supplier engagement, sustainability criteria, and performance measurement. Learners also explore how procurement and contract management teams can establish KPIs, monitor social value creation, assess supplier performance, and take action when agreed sustainability outcomes are not achieved.

Key Skills

Participants will develop the ability to connect sustainability objectives with procurement and tender assessment criteria and communicate sustainability expectations to relevant stakeholders. The course builds practical skills in sustainable procurement, stakeholder engagement, supplier assessment, contract management, KPI development, social value measurement, performance monitoring, sustainability reporting, and supplier accountability.

Target Learners

This course is designed for professionals working in the public sector, particularly those in specialist procurement positions or management and finance roles with procurement responsibilities. It is relevant for professionals who need to understand how sustainability can be incorporated into procurement decisions, supplier management, and contract performance.

Learning Format

Hosted by CIPFA, the course is delivered online through CIPFA’s online learning environment and takes approximately four hours to complete. Participants receive access to the learning materials for three months and can complete the programme at their own pace. The course carries four CPD hours and currently costs £99 plus VAT, with CIPFA members eligible for a 10% discount.

Additional Benefits

The course provides a practical introduction to using procurement as a mechanism for delivering measurable sustainability and social value outcomes. Its focus on the UK Social Value Model, supplier engagement, KPIs, and performance monitoring makes it particularly relevant to public-sector organisations seeking to incorporate sustainability into procurement and contract management. Completion also contributes towards participants’ continuing professional development through four recognised CPD hours.

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