Working with APUC as a Supplier

APUC works with suppliers as delivery partners in supporting Scotland’s universities and colleges to meet their legal duties, sector commitments and Net Zero ambitions.

Our Strategic Sourcing approach is designed to be transparent, proportionate and focused on continuous improvement, innovation and long‑term value.

Suppliers appointed to APUC framework agreements are expected to work collaboratively with APUC and our member institutions to deliver positive social, environmental and economic outcomes alongside high‑quality goods and services.

The Policy and Strategic Context

APUC’s Responsible Procurement requirements are shaped by Scotland’s public procurement and climate policy landscape, including:

  • The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, including the Sustainable Procurement Duty, Fair Work Practices and Community Benefit requirements
  • The Scottish Government’s declaration of a climate emergency and its statutory commitment to net zero emissions by 2045
  • The Scottish university and college sector’s commitment to reach net zero by 2030 for supply‑chain emissions, set out in the Supply Chain Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy (SCCEES)

Through Strategic Sourcing, APUC translates these national and sector‑level commitments into clear, proportionate requirements within Framework Agreements.

What We Expect from Suppliers

Suppliers bidding for and appointed to APUC Framework Agreements should expect Responsible Procurement considerations to be embedded throughout the procurement lifecycle.

This typically includes:

  • Demonstrating how your organisation manages social, ethical and environmental impacts across its operations and supply chains
  • Commitment to the Sustain Supply Chain Code of Conduct, which sets minimum standards aligned to international conventions on labour rights, human rights, ethics and environmental management
  • Providing information on areas such as climate impact reduction, circular economy solutions, ethical sourcing, Fair Work Practices and community benefits, where relevant to the contract

Specifically, in regard to Climate Action and Net Zero:

  • Setting, measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions targets, with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Supporting institutions and APUC with supply‑chain emissions data, where required, to enable sector climate reporting and progress towards net zero
  • Working with APUC to align contract delivery with the SCCEES and sector climate priorities

Specifically, in regard to Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency:

  • Offering solutions that reduce waste, extend product life and support reuse, repair and take‑back schemes
  • Providing information on recycled content, packaging reduction, material choices and whole‑life impacts
  • Supporting innovation and new delivery models that reduce environmental impact over the contract lifecycle

Specifically, in regard to Fair Work, Community Benefits and Ethical Practice:

  • Demonstrating fair and responsible employment practices, including alignment with Fair Work First principles where relevant
  • Working with APUC and institutions to identify and deliver community benefits linked to Framework Agreement use

Contract Management and Continous Improvement

Responsible Procurement does not end at contract award. APUC takes a partnership‑based approach to contract management, supporting suppliers to improve performance over time.

This may include:

  • Ongoing monitoring of responsible procurement commitments through KPIs and reporting
  • Participation in supply‑chain due diligence processes, including structured questionnaires and, where proportionate, third‑party sustainability assessments
  • Sharing good practice, innovation and case studies with APUC and member institutions
  • Open dialogue to address risks, challenges and opportunities collaboratively

Our aim is to work with suppliers to raise standards across the sector, recognising different starting points and supporting practical, achievable progress.

Working in Partnership

By working with APUC, suppliers play a key role in supporting Scotland’s universities and colleges to deliver teaching, research and services in a way that contributes to national climate goals, inclusive economic growth and positive social impact.

We value suppliers who are open, proactive and committed to responsible and sustainable business practices, and who see Responsible Procurement as an opportunity for innovation, resilience and long‑term value creation.