Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to provide you with

► general understanding of social organizations

► a complete introduction to social procurement and its relevance

► a demonstration of existing social procurement collaborations and expert opinions

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️the transformation of supply chains
• ✔️the definition and impact-potential of social procurement
• ✔️the difference between social business, social enterprise, social joint-ventures, and impact enterprises & their connection to diverse businesses.
• ✔️the role that social procurement is playing in other organizations already

Watch Module 1

Additional Resources

In our experience, the first challenge of social procurement is the

wording 💬

Which social organizations are there? How do they differ? Which ones are relevant for us if we want to practice social procurement? We hope that the following overview will shed some light on the subject 🔦

Because there are no global or European standardized terms or definitions the overview can not be regarded as exhaustive ⚠️

See more here

Although the practice of social procurement is still in its early stages, it is already today recognized for its great impact potential. To give you an idea of its importance, we have compiled 4 articles from reputable journals.

A simple click on the title will take you directly to the article 📖.

See more here

Our Social Procurement Manual was designed for Social Procurement Ambassadors just like you! 🤗

In it, we share insights and frameworks to help you better understand:

• 📝the concept of Social Procurement
• 📝its value for corporations
• 📝the tools needed to create partnerships with social businesses more efficiently, increasing the impact on social businesses and corporate partners alike.

While you will be provided with the relevant chapters of the Social Procurement Manual throughout the different modules of this online course, we recommend you download the manual to have a complete handbook at your disposal.

See more here

The “10 inspiring Social Procurement Cases” chapter from our Social Procurement Manual invites you to explore success stories.

See more here

Thought-Leader Testimonies

Peter Smith

With more than 35 years of experience in procurement and supply chain as a procurement director, consultant, analyst, and writer, Peter Smith is recognized as one of the UK’s leading experts in public and private sector procurement performance improvement. He is also the Managing Director of Procurement Excellence and the author of the books Bad Buying and Procurement with Purpose.

Watch Peter Smith Testimony

Oliver Hurrey

Oliver wants to drive positive change faster in businesses and their supply chains, by making it simpler and easier to identify with whom to collaborate and get things done.

He has helped develop and launch the Sustainable Procurement Pledge and works with a number of supply chain peer groups (AIM-Progress tackling Human Rights; Scope 3 Peer Group tackling supply chain carbon emissions; 2degrees network as a global sustainable business collaboration platform ) and has worked with clients across industry sectors (e.g. Unilever, Mars, Johnson & Johnson, and Sky).

Watch Oliver Hurrey Testimony

Professor Muhammad Yunus

Prof. Yunus is a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the concepts of microcredit and microfinance. In February 2011, Yunus co-founded Yunus Social Business – Global Initiatives (YSB) together with Saskia Bruysten, Sophie Eisenmann, and Hans Reitz.

Watch Professor Muhammad Yunus Testimony

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to

► uncover the strategic relevance of social procurement for procurement and supply chain management

► share insights into how social procurement fits into other existing strategies

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️why companies are shifting to purpose-driven initiatives
• ✔️the underestimated “S” in “ESG” and its impact areas
• ✔️the different steps of the sustainable supply-chain leadership ladder
• ✔️changing from risk mitigation to driving positive impact
• ✔️the link between social procurement and supplier diversity
• ✔️the market opportunity for social procurement

Watch Module 2

Additional Resources

The following report points out how the massive contributions of supply chains to companies’ ESG footprints can already be tackled by redirecting only 0.1% percent of procurement budgets toward social suppliers. 🤯

See more here

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to

► look at the tangible benefits of social procurement

► give tips on how to sell social procurement internally and speak to various stakeholders

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️the 3 layers of value created through social procurement
• ✔️breaking the myths about social businesses and/or social enterprises
• ✔️ways that companies lead social procurement through HR, procurement, or CSR already today
• ✔️the importance of leadership buy-in
• ✔️the value of in-person visits

Watch Module 3

Additional Resources

Social Procurement is anything but charity! 🖐️⛔

The following chapter “The Value of Social Procurement ” of YSB’s Social Procurement Manual demonstrates the business case behind this business powerful activity.

See more here

Testimonies by corporate Social Procurement Ambassadors

We are delighted to present you to corporate managers who are walking the social procurement talk already 👣.

P.S. make sure to grab your notebooks📝, because the following videos are full of gems, such as:

• 📝valuable insights
• 📝hands-on experiences
• 📝best-practices

SUEZ

Faced with growing challenges, such as pollution increase or climate change and its impact on resources, SUEZ is committed to supporting their clients across the water and waste value chains, and thus to becoming a partner of choice for environmental services.

SUEZ promotes and implements responsible behaviors, more efficient technologies, and circular solutions to recycle and make the best possible use of the finite resources of the Earth.

Watch Suez Testimony

SAP

SAP develops software solutions that are used by small businesses, midsize companies, and large corporations. Their software collects and processes data on one platform, helps companies analyze and efficiently design their value chain, and can also be used to create forecasts. In addition, SAP helps customers link operational data on business processes with experience data on emotional factors. SAP is one of the biggest drivers of Social Procurement and one of the most important supporters of the Social Economy.

Watch SAP Testimony

Chandos Construction “We are Chandos. We Build Better Together.”

Chandos is one of North America’s most collaborative and innovative commercial builders. They are 100% employee-owned and we are proud to be the first and largest B Corp Certified commercial builder in North America, meaning they put their values at the center of everything activity. In addition to its strength in Construction Management, Chandos is the Canadian leader in Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

They believe in giving everyone a fair shot – which is why Chandos champions the idea of inclusive hiring – a practice that nurtures diverse talent. They practice social procurement, investing at least 5% of their addressable spend, and deliver over 80% of their work using collaborative delivery models.

Watch Chandos Construction Testimony

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to:

► look at social procurement from the supplier perspective

► get to know different social organizations

► learn about the challenges that social organizations face when engaging in social procurement

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️products and services offered by social organizations
• ✔️the impact that different social organizations are creating
• ✔️the challenges different social organizations are facing when engaging in social procurement
• ✔️examples of existing social procurement partnerships

Watch Module 4

Additional Resource

Acumen and the World Economic Forum created a list of 100 social enterprises that are corporate-ready. This is not an exhaustive list of course, but it will give you a hint on the diversity of social enterprises around the world. Go through the list and get inspired!

You can find it here: 100 Corporate Ready Social Enterprises.

Testimonies by Social Entrepreneurs

It’s once again time for YSB to remain 🙊 and make other people’s voices heard. This time: Social Entrepreneurs! 🙌

AmaliTech

AmaliTech is a social enterprise that harnesses the potential of remote working to build the future of work in sub-Saharan Africa. Their approach combines training with employment and continuous learning.

They have committed to train 3000+ individuals and provide 1000+ direct jobs in Ghana and Rwanda by 2025 while putting a focus on the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and the youth.

Watch AmaliTech Testimony

WildHearts

WildHearts Group is a portfolio of companies that, through their activities and profits, create global social change. Their products and services are tailored to the demands of today’s business world. WildHearts Office, for example, is the UK’s leading social B2B business offering more than 35,000 products.

WildHeart social initiatives are diverse and tackle topics such as gender equality, social mobility, mental well-being, and financial equity.

Watch WildHearts Testimony

Waste Ventures India

Waste Ventures India is a waste management social enterprise working with informal waste pickers and bulk waste generators to create inclusive, financially viable, and environmentally sustainable waste management models.

Simply put, they help you divert waste from the landfill to green end-points.

Watch Waste Ventures India Testimony

HEYHO!

“HEYHO! doesn’t hire people to roast oats, it roasts oats to hire people.”

The social roastery believes in the power of second chances and, therefore, creates prospects for people who are excluded from the primary labor market. Whether someone was once incarcerated, struggled with addiction, or can’t perform as well as someone else for mental health reasons – they are estimated team members of HEYHO.

Watch HeyHo Testimony

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to give you high-level insights into the creation of a social procurement strategy.

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️setting social procurement goals
• ✔️choosing the procurement categories for social procurement
• ✔️determining governance
• ✔️developing policies, procedures & resources
• ✔️making the connection to diverse suppliers
• ✔️showcasing other companies’ sustainable procurement strategies

Watch Module 5

Additional Resources

Are you an Explorer 🧭, Supporter 🪜 , Integrator 🧩, or Hustler 🛠️ ?

The following chapter “The Engagement Strategy Matrix” of YSB’s Social Procurement Manual is explaining each of these social procurement strategies and helping you find the one that suits your organization best.

See more here

Despite the fact that social procurement is a relatively new topic, several multinationals are already applying it. 💪

The slides below introduce you to the strategies and commitments chosen by other companies.

See more here

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to provide you with

► provide cross-industry best practices to find social suppliers

► introduce you to the different intermediaries already working in the sector

► give a nuanced definition of the term “social enterprise”

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️ repeating the core quality of social businesses and social enterprises
• ✔️ showcasing why the help of intermediaries is essential to your social procurement success
• ✔️ social procurement communication (externally)
• ✔️ questions to ask yourself and your potential supplier

Watch Module 6

Additional Resource

Finding social suppliers can be quite a challenge – but you’re not alone in this endeavor!

Intermediaries around the world are well-positioned to help companies like yours with their scouting efforts. The document below lists some of these intermediaries.

See more here

Testimonies by Intermediaries

Social Entrepreneurship Netzwerk Deutschland (SEND)

SEND connects social enterprises and promotes their exchange through, e.g. regional groups, workshops, and events. The network is also advocating for improving the general conditions for social enterprises in Germany and promoting the visibility of social enterprises and their solutions in the public eye. In its role as an intermediary, SEND establishes connections to different stakeholders ranging from civil society, politics, and the world of business, to welfare.

Watch SEND Testimony

Social Enterprise UK (SEUK)

SEUK is the UK’s membership body for social enterprises. They lead the world’s largest network of businesses with a social purpose who together are helping to create a fairer economy and a more sustainable future for everyone. SEUK exists to be a strong voice for social enterprise, to evidence the difference that social enterprises are making, and to demonstrate solutions and influence decision-makers to create an environment in which social enterprise can thrive. They work with mainstream businesses and public sector institutions to help them bring social enterprises into their supply chains.

Watch SEUK Testimony

Agora Partnerships

Agora Partnerships is a Latin American non-profit organization that is motivated by a vision of a world where business is truly driven by social and environmental sustainability. It pursues the transformation of growing small businesses and the visibility of social businesses by facilitating access to technology & financing, providing capacity-building, and creating market linkages.

Watch Agora Partnerships Testimony

Buy Social Canada

Buy Social Canada believes in building community capital: healthy communities that are rich in human, social, cultural, physical, and economic capital. By redefining how goods and services are bought and sold Buy Social Canada is leading the movement for community capital creators across the country. They do so by connecting purpose-driven purchasers and social value suppliers to build business relationships that generate social benefits for communities across the country. Buy Social Canada supports the community, private sector, and public sector through the provision of training, co-developing of policies, and sharing of resources. They also offer a recognized, Canada-wide Social Enterprise certification that opens the door to their growing network of social purchasers.

Watch Buy Social Canada Testimony

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to provide you with

► a step-by-step approach on how to adapt your supplier evaluation process and contract settings

► create empathy for the challenges of social suppliers (especially on funding)

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️creating transparency regarding your procurement process
• ✔️providing social suppliers with one reliable point of contact
• ✔️incorporating social value into your selection process
• ✔️using your payment terms to solve the financial challenges of social suppliers

Watch Module 7

Additional Resource

The following chapter “The 5-S Adaptation Framework” of YSB’s Social Procurement Manual is walking you through the 5 business areas to be considered when tackling the actual integration of Social Business into your supply chain.

See more here

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to explore effective approaches to balancing volume expectations and feasibility.

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️ IKEA’s approach to creating new partnerships with Social Enterprises
• ✔️ Examples of successful companies that have co-developed products with their Social Suppliers

Watch Module 8

Additional Resource

The IKEA guide below is a result of the company’s past experiences in working with Social Enterprises. It can be used as a tool for mapping, developing, and scaling partnerships with Social Enterprises 🛏️ 🏬.

You’ll find chapters like:

• ✔️ Finding and developing new social business partners
• ✔️ Key success factors for growth
• ✔️ Following up on the progress

See more here

Dear Corporate Managers,

the objective of this module is to develop a framework for the impact evaluation of social enterprises and understand how to communicate the suppliers’ (stories of) impact throughout your organization.

We, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️ the importance of measuring social impact
• ✔️ the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• ✔️ the Theory of Change
• ✔️ YSB’s adapted Impact Classes Matrix
• ✔️ tips on how to communicate your social supplier’s impact

Watch Module 9

Mentioned Methods

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 🎯

are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

You can read more about them here: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

A theory of change 📑 is a causal framework that explains how your suppliers’ intervention, or set of interventions, is expected to lead to a desired social change.

The overview below is providing you not only with the abstract theory but a practical example.

See more here

It is important to keep in mind that your social supplier’s impact is different from your impact: you are not the one creating impact, but with your purchases and/or funding you are supporting the impact that the Social Enterprises are making. ⚠️

YSB’s following Social Procurement Impact Classes Matrix showcases both your and your social suppliers’ possible types of impact.

• ✔️ the columns: speaking to different kinds of impact that can be generated by social suppliers.
• ✔️ the rows: displaying four combinable contributions that corporate buyers can make.

See more here

Dear Corporate Managers,

in this module, we will be looking beyond social procurement and exploring new forms of social collaboration that have the potential to:

► boost your corporate innovation

► help you deliver on strategic company goals

We will, therefore, cover topics like:

• ✔️ the potential Social Enterprises bear for corporate innovation
• ✔️ different ways of collaborating with Social Enterprises (Volunteering, Investing, Incubators, Accelerators)
• ✔️ creating innovation from within through Social Intrapreneurship (building social businesses, enabling others to become social innovators)
• ✔️ practical tips on deciding the direction of your social journey

Watch Module 10