Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain. This report will also be considered for information by the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee on 19 July 2016.

The Committee considered a report of the Chamberlain which provided the Responsible Procurement Strategy 2016-2019 for the Committee’s approval. The Strategy would seek to maximise the benefits that could be gained for the local community, the environment and everyone associated with the Corporation’s supply chains. In addition, a specific Procurement Policy had been developed to support the Corporation’s published Air Quality Strategy.

A Member asked how the Strategy would promote social inclusion and diversity. The Chamberlain explained that a Responsible Procurement Officer was in post, who would participate in all Procurement Category Board meetings to ensure that social inclusion and diversity promotion policies were included within Invitations to Tender. This would include policies such as targeted employment of socially excluded groups and training with communities and social enterprises. The Chairman suggested that City Procurement could also work with Members to identify best practice in this area from the private sector.

A Member asked whether the Corporation was seeking to be an exemplar of best practice in relation to air quality. The Chamberlain explained that the Procurement Policy was only a part of the work being undertaken in conjunction with parties around the rest of London. A Member, also Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, explained that this was an area in which his Committee was particularly active.

RESOLVED – That the Committee approves the City of London Responsible Procurement Strategy and the Procurement Policy to support the Air Quality Strategy.