A GLOBAL CIVIC UNIVERSITY

The University of Bristol is a global, civic institution, one that listens to and works collaboratively with people, communities, organisations and industries in its local area; that behaves responsibly, working to align its interests with those of society and the environment, locally and globally; and that anticipates, plans for and co-creates new possibilities and futures for the city, region and for communities around the world.

These aims inform our work as an employer, as educators and students, and in leading research and innovation that is engaged in the widest sense. 

The University is a Living Wage employer, having achieved accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation, meaning that the University commits to paying all its staff at least the real Living Wage, and expects suppliers to adopt a similar approach.

The University is committed to encouraging inclusion across the city and the wider region, including those forced to flee conflict and persecution to find safety and sanctuary elsewhere, as defined by the Cities of Sanctuary initiative.

COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL VALUE

The University recognises its obligations under the  Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 as well as its moral and ethical obligations as an Higher Education Institution and the University of Bristol is committed to encouraging environmental sustainability, education,  training work placements, apprenticeship opportunities, inclusion and employment, through our contracts, which will contribute to the  social, environmental and economic, wellbeing of the University, city and the wider region and globally.

The University of Bristol has its main campus in the city of Bristol, which is a successful and globally connected city, but where there are significant pockets of deprivation and groups of people who are furthest away from participation in the labour market and the benefits of a well-connected city. The University seeks to promote inclusion in learning, research, civic engagement and other activities.

We recognise that demands placed on our suppliers must be proportionate and must not impose such a burden that the successful delivery of the contract, in time and within budget is placed at risk.

Supply Chain Initiatives

The University has an aspiration that a rising proportion of external expenditure is delivered through micro, small to medium businesses, social enterprises and voluntary and community organisations.

Bidders are encouraged to detail their intended percentage spend within its proposed supply chain, which will be delivered by these sectors of the market and provide supporting evidence of how this will be achieved. Bidders who are themselves micro, small to medium businesses, social enterprises and voluntary and community organisations should describe the supply chain they are currently working with.

The University expects all suppliers to comply with their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act, including the requirement for larger organisations to publish a Modern Slavery Statement that describes their efforts to reduce forced labour throughout their supply chain.