Modern Slavery StatementThe Challenge:
Contracting a supplier that can tangibly improve the economic, social or environmental well-being within its local community is a key part of every tender at Stirling Council.
So, when Banner was awarded the Office Products contract under Crown Commercial Services’ RM6059 Framework, the community benefit (CB) programme formed a key area of focus.
“The biggest issue we have is identifying what benefit would best deliver for the local community. It does not have to match the commodity under contract, but should offer the best outcome possible. A donation of the right type of goods to the right people at the right time would deliver something that would have a positive impact in a more meaningful way” Scott Campbell, Procurement Specialist at Stirling Council.
Banner was tasked with contributing to a range of national and local outcomes relating to tackling inequalities in a way that was additional to the main purpose of the contract.
Collaboratively, the team at Stirling Council and Banner quickly began investigating potential CB opportunities and soon identified an initiative that could be delivered and, most importantly, would benefit the local community.
The Process:
The first CB project to get underway was in response to the immediate need to support people living in temporary accommodation and people without homes, especially as winter was approaching and temperatures were starting to drop.
The decision was made to supply warm kits and sleeping bags by prior engagement and consensus among the Foodbank coordinators, which was organised and managed by Jim O’Hara from Banner. A wide range of products were reviewed and considered as part of the process until a suitable solution was found.
The pre-packed warm kits include essential products that could provide comfort and even save lives during cold weather, such as a thermal mug (420ml), hand warmers, thermometer, hot water bottle, gloves, socks and a thermal blanket.
To get the project off the ground, Jim O’Hara from Banner worked collaboratively with multiple contacts, customers, foodbanks and suppliers who all played a key role in getting the donation in to the hands of those who need it.
“The thought and care that was put into getting this over the line has reinforced the strong relationship that Banner and Stirling Council have built up over the last few years.” Scott Campbell, Procurement Specialist, Strategic Commissioning, Stirling Council
The Result:
Through close relationships and a collaborative approach, Banner has demonstrated its commitment to achieve best fit social value from our community activities. In this example we have been able to show how, together, we can tangibly improve the economic, social or environmental wellbeing within customers local community, and we are very proud of the result.
So far, the warm kits and sleeping bags have been distributed across five foodbanks across the region: Start-Up Stirling (Stirling), Coatbridge Foodbank (North Lanarkshire), Castlemilk Foodbank (Glasgow City Council), Still Waters (Perth & Kinross Council), St. Paul’s Cathedral soup kitchen (Dundee City Council).
“Once we had established the type of goods we were offering, and Jim had consulted and prepared the warm kits, it came time to deliver on the promises made; and Banner did. A donation of warm kits that will benefit the local community in a viable and socially responsible way and help the more vulnerable people in our society.” Scott Campbell, Stirling Council.
The Responsible Procurement requirements required of this contract that have been met by Banner are:
☑️ Reduction in waste – packaging and/or further use of residue from processes etc.
☑️ Reduction in consumption – use of raw materials (consumables, utilities, Palm Oil etc.)
☑️ Recycling and/or reuse of products.
☑️ Product Innovation – Suppliers can provide sustainable alternatives to the core product list.
Banner takes pride in an inclusive and active engagement across the UK, wherever possible to support those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
Our corporate social responsibility framework ensures we take a consistent and impactful approach to the environment, wellbeing in our workplace, the environmental and social government performance of our supply chains and our role in our local communities.
Banner continues to develop our integrated programme that has good governance and solid foundations. With our set targets and performance measures, we will continue to be an accountable and transparent business. To find out our CSR commitments, download our CSR charter below.
