Procurement is no longer a cost centre it’s a power centre. In an era characterised by waves of disruption, the teams managing supplier relationships hold the keys to resilience. Yet social risks are still treated as a compliance issues rather than a strategic levers.
The smartest procurement leaders are flipping this narrative. They’re identifying social risk hotspots not as liabilities to avoid, but as opportunities to build supplier partnerships that withstand disruption, attract investment, and deliver competitive advantage. The ROI isn’t theoretical- it’s measurable.
This session reframes procurement’s role in managing social risk:
- How to identify and prioritise social risks in complex, multi-tier supply chains
- How procurement teams can communicate the resilience and ROI case for social sustainability to boards and investors
- Third-party verification: Use certifications and external audits to validate supplier compliance and build competitive differentiation
- Best practices for integrating responsible purchasing practices into sourcing decisions: payment terms, lead times and contract design that protects workers
- Build resilience through supplier relationships, shared risk management, and human rights due diligence
What to expect from this type of session...
Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.
