Suppliers
EDI as a strategy branches beyond the internal operations of an organisation, and so this section of the toolkit offers recommendations on how to foster and sustain diverse and inclusive supply chains. There are some really practical steps that you can take to embed EDI at the heart of your supplier strategy that do not require you to uproot your existing supply chain; here you will find some suggestions to increase the relevance of EDI in existing supplier relationships and also some suggestions on how you can adapt your procurement processes to attract future diversity.
Make a proactive effort to seek out and use diverse suppliers
Think about developing a supplier diversity policy and ensure your procurement team is accountable for delivering against this commitment. This policy should clearly outline how contractors will be assessed in their approach to EDI, both in the initial tendering process and throughout the length of the contract. This policy should be included as an appendix to all procurement documents, including invitations to tender and requests for proposals. Where possible, prioritise working with suppliers in your local community.