FirstGroup has been awarded the coveted CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) Standard of Excellence accreditation for its procurement and supplier management activity in the UK.
Ian Grindlay, FirstGroup’s procurement and supplier management director, led his team through a programme which reviewed the company’s procurement and supplier management processes, policies and procedures against criteria in areas such as strategy, sustainability, environment and ethics.
“I am delighted we have achieved the CIPS Standard of Excellence,” said Grindlay. “It is a positive endorsement of FirstGroup’s commitment to best practice procurement & supplier management.”
He added: “We are the first public transport operator to have received such accreditation – it’s pleasing to be in a position where we set new industry standards.
“The award reflects the passion for improvement of the FirstGroup procurement and supplier management team. They richly deserve the credit this accolade brings given the amount of hard work and expertise they provide.”
Chris Gallagher, strategic development director of CIPS, said: “FirstGroup has developed an outstanding approach to procurement and now join an elite group of organisations who can boast CIPS accreditation. Knowing their commitment and passion, I have every confidence this team will continue to set new standards.”
The CIPS is the body which represents the field of procurement and supply chain management. Its certification programme is a benchmark of excellence in organisational procurement competence.
