Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/204

Contact: Fiona Williams, Head of Category (Fiona.Williams@oxfordshire.gov.uk), Melissa Sage, Head of Procurement (Melissa.Sage@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Executive Director for Resources and Section 151 Officer (CA10).

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Approve the implementation of the Ethical Procurement Policy (attached at Annex 1).

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report on a proposed Ethical Procurement Policy. The purpose of the policy was to outline the Council’s position on various aspects of ethics in procurement as well as to provide appropriate detail on how the Council approached such matters and how it expected its suppliers and potential suppliers to approach such matters. The policy included a large section on modern slavery and other areas such as expectations for suppliers, responsibilities of staff, fair employment practices in the supply chain, as well as reporting and whistleblowing.

Councillor Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report emphasising its purpose to set out the Council's procurement principles in one place. He said that the policy aimed to ensure that suppliers and partners understood the Council's expectations regarding ethical practices, including the treatment of staff, environmental considerations, and social value. The policy consolidated existing practices and introduced new guidelines to enhance transparency and accountability in procurement processes.

During discission, a member highlighted the importance of the policy in promoting fairer and healthier working conditions. He emphasized that ethical treatment of staff contributed to their psychological and physical well-being, aligning with the Council's core objectives.

The Chair clarified that while the Council was not legally required to address modern slavery, it has chosen to do so voluntarily.

Councillor Levy moved and Councillor Sudbury seconded the recommendation, and it was approved.

RESOLVED to approve the Ethical Procurement Policy (attached at Annex 1 to the report).