Supply Chain Digital Magazine February 2025 | Page 98

SUSTAINABILITY

in terms of employment , a greater reach in terms of talent to allow you to become a better organisation and to fulfil your growth and recruitment needs .

“ Trying to get good recruitment , effective recruitment , having a wider pool to work with because of your policies and processes allows you to gain a diverse organisation , makes you a fitter and stronger , more resilient and innovative organisation . I see that in many organisations as well as within Bureau Veritas .”

How can you define supply chain D & I ? The principle could hardly be clearer . But what is supply chain D & I in practice ?

Broadly , it refers to deliberate , often targets-driven work by businesses to embed in their supply chain a wide range of suppliers , partners and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups .

The intention is to create a more equitable and innovative business ecosystem while also enhancing supply chain resilience and competitiveness .

Ken says : “ I think it ’ s the same in the supply chain as in any form of organisation , which is about diversity in ethnicity , diversity in gender , diversity in race , in sexuality and religious beliefs .

“ So it ’ s looking at that in terms of true practical diversity of every form . And then the inclusion that comes with that is actually how the working practices are of an organisation .

“ Do they include diverse people in the culture and the way of the working of the organisation ?”

TITLE : VP SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY EUROPE

COMPANY : BUREAU VERITAS

INDUSTRY : ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

LOCATION : UNITED KINGDOM

Ken Smith has worked at Bureau Veritas for just over 12 years , moving from MD Certification to CEO Bureau Veritas UK and recently to his current role . His LinkedIn says he is a “ purpose-based leader ” who “ focuses on value and cultural change ”.

KEN SMITH VP SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY EUROPE , BUREAU VERITAS

98 February 2025