Loughborough University and the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) have announced their fifth annual conference providing an insight into innovative tools and guidance used for responsible sourcing in the construction industry.

Taking place on 24 November in London, the conference will examine responsible sourcing and mitigation of reputational and economic risks through better supply chain management. The event will provide insights on how ethical sourcing can enhance company reputation.

Peter Caplehorn, Policy Director and Deputy Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, will deliver the keynote address. Delegates will hear speakers from the value chain discuss the integration of responsible sourcing throughout the construction process, the challenges of this, and improving collaboration between client, designer, specifiers and contractor.

Breakout sessions will examine:

• Social impacts  and ethical dimensions of engineering and construction
• Mitigating reputational risk in supply chains through responsible sourcing 

The conference is being organised by the Action Programme for Responsible Sourcing (APRES) in association with CIRIA.

APRES was established by Professor Jacqui Glass, School of Civil and Building Engineering.  It is a network for knowledge sharing and dissemination of responsible sourcing in the construction industry.  The APRES network currently involves more than 100 member organisations and 200 individuals. 

Professor Glass, Network Manager, said: “We are delighted that the fifth conference features a range of high-profile speakers from across the industry, who have extensive experience and insights on responsible sourcing. 

“With recent legislative changes around modern slavery and social value, construction companies are waking up to the importance of supply chain auditing – in other words – knowing where your materials come from.

“APRES was an industry-focused initiative; business delegates who have attended previous events have praised the open and frank discussions, and excellent networking on the day.”

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