In celebration of World Quality Week 2024, the Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) reinforces our dedication to quality and sustainability within our procurement strategy. Our alignment with the Sustainable Procurement Guidance Standard ISO 20400:2017 reflects not only our commitment to responsible sourcing but also our proactive approach to enhancing performance. By embracing these principles, we are able to deliver high-impact outcomes that benefit both our clients and the communities we serve.
Understanding sustainability and quality
At PFSCM, we recognize that sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This involves balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. By integrating these principles into our operations, we enhance not only our alignment with standards but also our overall performance and impact on the communities we serve.
Michael Harrigan, PFSCM’s Chief Quality & Risk Officer, emphasizes the significance of this alignment:
“ISO 20400:2017 is more than a standard; it represents our commitment to elevating quality from compliance to performance. Our procurement activities must reflect the impact of how and what we procure, and we are dedicated to partnering with those who share this vision for sustainability and quality.”
ISO 20400:2017 and its role in performance
ISO 20400:2017 provides a framework for organizations to incorporate sustainability into their procurement processes. This standard emphasizes the need to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in procurement decisions. For PFSCM, aligning with this standard enables us to shift our focus from simply adhering to regulations to actively driving performance improvements in our procurement practices.
Key benefits of ISO 20400:2017 for PFSCM
- Structured framework for performance:
By following ISO 20400:2017, we establish a structured approach to setting measurable objectives for sustainability. This framework helps us track our progress and continually enhance our performance. - Enhanced stakeholder trust:
Alignment with this standard strengthens our credibility with stakeholders, demonstrating our commitment to not just meeting minimum requirements but striving for excellence in sustainable sourcing.
Delivering value to our clients
Our alignment with ISO 20400:2017 allows PFSCM to deliver significant value to our clients through:
- Transparent practices:
Clients can trust that our procurement processes prioritize sustainability and responsible sourcing, which fosters confidence in our partnerships. - Improved outcomes:
Our dedication to sustainable procurement leads to better environmental and social outcomes, aligning with the growing expectations of stakeholders and the global community. - Leadership in best practices:
By adhering to ISO 20400:2017, we position ourselves as leaders in sustainable procurement, setting benchmarks for performance that reflect global best practices.
Impact on the communities we serve
Our commitment to ISO 20400:2017 benefits not only PFSCM and our clients but also has a profound impact on the populations we serve:
- Healthier communities:
By prioritizing sustainable procurement, we ensure that the health products we source are safe, effective, and produced responsibly, contributing directly to the well-being of communities worldwide. - Social responsibility:
Our focus on ESG factors means that we consider the broader social implications of our procurement decisions, including support for fair labor practices and equitable access to health resources.
Looking ahead: quality as a continuous journey
As we move forward, our alignment with ISO 20400:2017 is just the beginning. PFSCM is committed to continuously enhancing our sustainable procurement practices and driving performance improvements across our operations.