Why responsible sourcing matters
BY MATT ALLENSBY
From supply chain transparency and modern slavery to textile recovery and the transition to a greener future, our suppliers were challenged to think differently about where the goods and services they provide come from during The Salvation Army’s annual Supplier Forum on Thursday 3 September.
Hosted by the Procurement team and MC’d by Procurement Officer Kaiyah Atreides, the forum brought together over 100 representatives from across The Salvation Army and our supplier network to connect, share ideas and explore how organisations can work together to create more responsible, transparent and sustainable supply chains.
The annual forum provides an opportunity for both Salvation Army representatives and suppliers to strengthen their understanding of responsible sourcing practices, while considering the role collaboration can play in identifying modern slavery risks and creating positive change.
Strong partnerships start with transparency
Following an Acknowledgment of Country led by Reconciliation Action Plan & Projects Manager Sue Hodges, Secretary for Business Support Major Marco Lupis and General Manager Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Ian Girvan welcomed attendees and reflected on the importance of strong supplier partnerships.
The Salvation Army’s Major Marco Lupis (left) and Leanne Carty.
Leading why responsible sourcing matters, Procurement Manager Leanne Carty and Responsible Sourcing Manager Robyn Ormerod from the Procurement team highlighted the value of collaboration and greater visibility across supply chains, including how openly sharing information and working towards common goals can help organisations better understand where products come from and the conditions under which they are produced.
That theme carried into the first panel of the day, with General Manager Transformational Gifts Joanne Bishop joined by Kate Betts, Head of the NAB Foundation, and Natalie Driessen, Community Engagement Manager, Corporate Affairs at Bunnings discussing the importance of holistic partnerships.
The theme was also echoed by Gabby Ashworth from the Office of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner as she shared updates of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Strategic Plan.
In the following session, Sue Hodges welcomed yarning and ideas shared from Jessica Lakey (Supply Nation) and Jason Thompson (Connecting Brands) on how we can increase Indigenous supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes aligned with TSA’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
Hearing the human impact
One of the day’s most powerful moments came from Mamutjan, who joined the forum via video link to share his lived experience of forced labour.
Speaking through interpreter Ramila Chanisheff, President of the Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women’s Association, Mamutjan reflected on the profound and lasting impact forced labour has had on his life and the challenges he faced seeking safety.
His testimony brought the human impact behind why responsible sourcing is essential into sharp focus, with attendees visibly moved by his story.
“Lived experience stories like Mamutjan’s are powerful lessons, teaching us the vital importance of ensuring supply chain transparency,” said The Salvation Army’s Responsible Sourcing Manager Robyn Ormerod.
Looking beyond modern slavery
Focus on the textiles sector opened the next session with a presentation from TSA’s Sarah Furnell on the recently established TSA Textile Recovery Facility in Queensland, highlighting the importance that we can do more than recycling.
The conversation continued with a panel led by Robyn, featuring representatives from our valued clothing and textile suppliers and support organisation from the textiles sector including Leanne Corcoran (Workwear Group), Angela Bell (Ethical Clothing Australia), Andrew Rankin (Accommodation Linen and Nguyet Nguyen Timber, Furnishing & Textiles Union – TFTU which explored why responsible sourcing extends beyond identifying modern slavery risks and looking a little further for risks.
Panellists discussed the importance of visibility throughout supply chains, including the role of announced and unannounced audits. Importantly, they also highlighted that responsible sourcing starts with listening to workers themselves – understanding their experiences and working to ensure their rights and wellbeing are protected.
Working together for an ethical and greener future
The forum concluded with Robyn joined by valued TSA suppliers Lisa Forsyth (Custom Fleet), Tim Su (AGL), and subject experts Fiona David (Fair Futures), and Ramila Chanisheff (AUTWA) for a discussion about the intersection between modern slavery and environmental sustainability.
Solar energy was one example discussed, highlighting the importance of looking beyond the environmental benefits of a product to understand its entire supply chain and identify potential modern slavery risks.
It was a fitting conclusion to a day centred on one clear message: responsible sourcing is not something organisations can achieve alone.
“By asking questions, increasing visibility and listening to the people within supply chains, [The Salvation Army] and our suppliers are continuing to work towards establishing supply chains that are more transparent, sustainable and socially responsible,” explained Ian Girvan, General Manager Strategic Sourcing and Procurement.
Want to know more?
Learn more about The Salvation Army’s approach to responsible sourcing by reading our Modern Slavery Statement.
