Ethical and Local Supplier Guidelines

Purpose

Future Group’s (FG) investment impact sees members making a direct contribution to reducing climate change and inequality. We acknowledge however that FG’s day-to-day business operations can have a direct and indirect impact on environmental and social inequality. 

We strive through these Ethical Supplier Guidelines to take social and environmental practices and performances into account when selecting suppliers, for example choosing companies that mandate better environmental performance, or actively using Supply Nation as a first port of call for new procurement. 

Goals

Our goal is to be knowledgeable around our suppliers’ attitude to social and environmental responsibility and make purchasing decisions accordingly. 

Scope

Suppliers are screened out if they: 

• Invest in, or have strong links to the fossil fuel industry

• Flout the Modern Slavery Act 2018 

• Have animal cruelty in their supply chain

• Have engaged in illegal business practices

Suppliers are screened in if they:

• Actively hire Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff, or are working to address reconciliation 

• Are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned business or certified with Supply Nation

• Encourage gender equality targets in their company policies

• Use renewable energy sources or are Climate Active certified

• Prioritise recycling and/or reuse of waste and/or e-waste

• Prioritise LGBTQIA+ owned or supportive businesses

• Prioritise locally produced goods and services (see Local Supplier Guidelines below) 

• Are a Certified B Corporation, social enterprise or not-for-profit organisation

• Energy and/or Green Star Certified 

• Have other rigorous and independent third-party certifications e.g. Supply Nation or Fair Trade

Threats/Risks

• FG’s reputation/brand tarnished by its procurement decision

• Limited options for a particular product, e.g. OfficeWorks stationery

• Difficulty accessing company information on the ethical nature of its supply chain

• Time-consuming ethical screening assessment process

Local Supplier Guidelines

Purpose

Future Group are committed to proactively supporting and enabling local benefits through supporting local businesses in the first instance. 

By prioritising local procurement in our day-to-day business operations, we can make a  direct environmental and social impact in a number of key ways such as reducing fossil fuels and supporting the local economy through building communities and local employment.

Target for local procurement

To ensure that for every new procurement opportunity, FG considers a local company and/or opportunity.

Definition of a local supplier

Local is defined as being within 80 km of the business operations. While the size and distance of a community may vary by context, they should generally be based on small-scale economically and culturally connected areas like a metropolitan area, in rural settings or surrounding vicinities.  

Guidelines

• Where possible, ensure contracted services use locally manufactured or sourced goods and services in their supply chain

• Ensure requests for quotation are free from specifications or requirements that could hinder or rule out opportunities for local suppliers

• Keep requested documentation to a minimum, including payment terms

• Try not to over specify requirements for quotation or service delivery

• If a specific brand has been used before, test this assumption and consider why a local supplier could not be used instead

If you have any questions, please email us at peopleandculture@futuregroup.com.au