Being socially conscious and, importantly, demonstrating that this is authentic rather than just paying lip service is fundamental in today’s world of work. In this context, procurement professionals have a unique opportunity, as well as a responsibility, to drive positive change. Building a diverse supplier base isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage that can enhance innovation, resilience and community impact. Here’s how procurement teams can take actionable steps towards a more inclusive and diverse supply chain.

Understanding the Importance of Supplier Diversity

Supplier diversity refers to the proactive inclusion of businesses owned by individuals from underrepresented groups, such as women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans and people with disabilities, into the supply chain. This approach offers several benefits:

  • Innovation and Creativity: Diverse suppliers bring unique perspectives and solutions, fostering innovation within the supply chain.
  • Risk Mitigation and Resilience: A varied supplier base reduces dependency on single sources, enhancing supply chain resilience.
  • Community Impact: Engaging diverse suppliers stimulates local economies and supports social equity.
  • Competitive Advantage: According to McKinsey companies with diverse supply chains often experience improved financial performance and customer loyalty and diversity among suppliers benefits the economy.

Steps to Build a Diverse Supplier Base

1. Set Clear and Measurable Goals

Establishing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART) goals is crucial. For instance, aim to increase the percentage of spend with diverse suppliers by a certain figure within a set timeframe. This approach provides a clear direction and facilitates progress tracking.

2. Assess the Current State

Conduct a thorough assessment of your existing supplier base to understand its diversity composition. This involves analysing procurement data, engaging with current suppliers, and identifying areas for improvement. Understanding where you stand is essential before setting objectives.

3. Leverage Technology

Utilise eSourcing platforms and supplier diversity databases to identify and engage with diverse suppliers. These tools streamline the sourcing process, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Atamis is a great example of a flexible platform with sharp functionality to support procurement teams in managing supplier diversity effectively.

4. Engage with Diverse Supplier Networks

Participate in industry events and organisations that focus on supplier diversity. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with potential suppliers, share best practices, and stay informed about the latest trends. Coventry Building Society hosted an inspiring event in 2024 that was a prime example of these forward thinking initiatives.

5. Provide Training and Development

Offer training programmes to diverse suppliers to enhance their business capabilities. This could include mentorship, financial literacy workshops or operational efficiency training. Such initiatives empower suppliers, fostering long-term partnerships.

6. Integrate Diversity into Procurement Policies

Incorporate diversity considerations into your procurement policies and procedures. This ensures that diversity is not an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of the procurement process. Clear policies guide procurement teams in making inclusive sourcing decisions.

7. Monitor and Report Progress

Regularly track and report on your supplier diversity metrics. Transparency in reporting builds trust and accountability, both internally and externally. It also allows for the identification of areas needing improvement.

Overcoming Challenges

While the benefits are clear, building a diverse supplier base comes with challenges:

  • Identifying Diverse Suppliers: Smaller or newer diverse businesses may not be easily identifiable. Leveraging technology and networks can aid in discovering these suppliers.
  • Ensuring Fair Evaluation: It’s essential to evaluate suppliers based on merit and capability, not just diversity status. Implementing standardised evaluation criteria helps maintain fairness.
  • Addressing Unconscious Bias: Training procurement teams to recognise and mitigate unconscious bias ensures that diverse suppliers are given equal consideration.

Building a diverse supplier base is more than a compliance exercise; it’s a strategic approach that can lead to enhanced innovation, resilience and community impact. By setting clear goals, leveraging technology, engaging with diverse networks and providing support to diverse suppliers, procurement professionals can create a more inclusive and effective supply chain.

As outlined by the Supply Chain Sustainability School, supplier diversity is woven into the social value agenda. The UK government’s Social Value Model (PPN 06/20), talks about diverse supply chains under the theme, ‘tackling economic inequality’ and there is a significant pool of evidence to underline the commercial upside of an inclusive approach to procurement: “Proven benefits include increased innovation, brand enhancement and competitive advantage. Research shows that supplier diversity also has a positive effect on the long-term growth of an organisation, while helping to develop and nurture long-term, mutually beneficial supplier relationships”.

There’s further insight on supplier diversity in Procurement Magazine’s article on  The Top 10 Supplier Diversity Best Practices as well as Supply Chain Magazine’s Top 10 Supplier Diversity Best Practices: 

By embracing supplier diversity practices, procurement professionals can contribute to a more inclusive, responsible and sustainable business environment.