Positive About Inclusion was delighted to partner with Westworks to deliver a webinar exploring the role of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the procurement process. The session brought together both buyers and suppliers to consider how EDI can be meaningfully embedded across the procurement lifecycle.
A central message of the webinar was that EDI is far more than a set of statements or policies. When applied effectively, it fundamentally shapes how organisations design tenders, select suppliers, manage contracts and measure success. It also creates a shared responsibility between buyers and suppliers to deliver fairer, more inclusive outcomes and maximise social value.
We began by unpacking what we mean by equity, diversity and inclusion, and why each element matters. Attendees explored how procurement decisions are not neutral; they can either reinforce existing barriers or actively help to widen access to opportunity, improve outcomes for communities and generate tangible social value.
Building on this, we examined how EDI shows up in practice across the procurement lifecycle, from initial planning and market engagement through to evaluation and contract delivery. Drawing on our own experience, both as former buyers in social housing and now as suppliers through Positive About Inclusion and we shared practical examples of what works in reality, and where common challenges arise.
From a buyer perspective, the session highlighted the importance of designing fair and proportionate processes, removing unnecessary barriers for suppliers, and embedding EDI objectives from the outset. This includes actively engaging a broader and more diverse supplier base and focusing evaluation on real evidence of EDI in action, rather than policy statements alone. Equally, because what gets measured gets done, EDI must be carried through into contract management, with a clear focus on monitoring delivery and impact.
For suppliers, the discussion focused on the need to move beyond high-level commitments and demonstrate how EDI will be delivered within specific contracts. This includes providing clear, proportionate evidence at tender stage, ensuring delivery teams are aligned to commitments, and working collaboratively across supply chains to maintain consistent standards.
The webinar also explored some of the key challenges faced by both buyers and suppliers. These ranged from a lack of clarity around what ‘good’ looks like, to difficulties in measuring impact and balancing competing priorities. For suppliers, common issues include turning commitments into deliverable actions, influencing supply chains and building strong partnerships with local community organisations.
To support attendees in putting the learning into practice, we shared a set of practical actions to help bring EDI to life in procurement. These included taking a proportionate approach based on the ‘people impact’ of a contract, removing unnecessary barriers, using clear and accessible language, and aligning responses and delivery approaches to the specific needs of local communities. After the session attendees were provided with a resource/ action plan, providing top tips for embedding EDI throughout the procurement process.
The session reinforced that while embedding EDI in procurement is not without its challenges, it is both achievable and essential. Done well, it enables organisations to deliver better services, create more inclusive opportunities and maximise the positive impact of their spend.
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