It's estimated that public sector purchasing represents between 11 and 18% of the UK’s gross domestic product - or at least £150 billion per year.

As such its power and influence as a ‘consumer’ is greater than any other UK purchaser. In addition, individual consumers can learn from and use information gathered by larger institutions.

Since 1993, Ethical Consumer has been campaigning for ethical procurement in all institutions – from local authorities to schools and colleges, and from commercial companies to charities.

From July 2008, Ethical Consumer magazine introduced an occasional column on public procurement issues called Public Purse.

Procuring Fairtrade products still tied down by legal difficulties

The 2005 ‘Sustainable Procurement Action Plan’ established the UK Government’s desire to be ‘recognised as a leader in Sustainable Procurement’ within the EU by 2009.

As this deadline approaches, Matt Fawcett assess the legal obstacles which stand in the way of buying fair trade products. Read more ..

 

An island of hope in a sea of mediocrity?

Sustain’s "Good Food on the Public Plate" project is designed to change the face of public sector food procurement. A pilot scheme for the project aimed to try to increase the purchasing of 'sustainable food' in four London Hospitals.

One hospital was able to more than double Sustain's targets and continues to exceed expectations.   Read More ..

UK Government funds new guide to responsible procurement

Over the last year or so Traidcraft and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and supply (CIPS) have been working on a guide to help procurement professionals manage social, environmental and labour issues in their supply chains. Read More ..