Responsible Procurement Live 2026: Turning commitment into action

Overview

As part of a growing sector-wide commitment to sustainability, this event will explore how Further and Higher Education (FHE) institutions are embedding responsible procurement practices—particularly in relation to Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services. Organised by members of the wider Responsible Procurement Group (RPG – jointly run by UKUPC / BUFDG / EAUC / UKRI), the event aims to strengthen collaboration, promote alignment, and drive innovation across the FHE sector in support of shared environmental and social goals. 

Hosted by Imperial College London at their White City campus, in the heart of the White City Innovation District, this workshop recognises that procurement decisions are central to institutional sustainability and offers a platform for open exchange, reflection, and practical learning. It will bring together experts and practitioners from across the UK to share tools, approaches, and challenges in advancing responsible, ethical, and environmentally conscious procurement. 

Outline: This workshop will explore practical approaches to embedding sustainability across research operations, procurement, and supply chains, including:

• Translating sustainability strategies into operational and procurement actions.
• Engaging high-emission suppliers and improving data transparency.
• Designing procurement approaches that reduce environmental and social impacts.
• Exploring innovative demand management approaches across estates, ICT, and laboratories.
• Identifying collaborative opportunities to accelerate sustainability across the research sector.

Each session will feature short, focused presentations from institutional representatives, followed by structured discussion. The aim is to identify common ground, share innovative practices, and explore gaps in tools or frameworks that may hinder progress. 

Full agenda to follow! 

Date: Thursday 8th October 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (TBC) 
Location: Stadium Room: Corporate Event Space Hire - Scale Space White City   
Format: In-person and virtual (viewing only)

If you wish to attend this event virtually (viewing only) please contact MRC.EventsandCommitteesTeam@mrc.ukri.org. 

Note: If you have received this, we would appreciate your attendance or a nominated delegate. The event has limited capacity. Once we reach full registration, we will not be able to accept additional sign-ups. Please register your in-person attendance as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We ask you to complete this survey to enable us to track your attendance for safety purposes, accessibility needs and dietary requirements. We also use the survey to gather email addresses for those who can attend so you do not miss out on any correspondence leading up to the event. Thank you for your cooperation.