Last year our client BDO LLP kindly invited us to take part in the UN Global Compact Sustainable Suppliers Training Programme as one of their suppliers.
BDO was one of eight leading organisations that participated in the 2025 programme, with each involving many of their suppliers across the world.
A modular programme run by UN Global Compact Network UK, the Sustainable Suppliers Training Programme was developed to train suppliers in corporate sustainability, help them improve their sustainable business practices, and assist them to prepare for requirements set by regulatory sustainability frameworks.
Insolvency Support Services’ Kim Guthrie represented the firm on the programme, which covered different facets of sustainability, including integrating Sustainable Development Goals within the business, reducing its carbon footprint, working towards a gender equity plan, creating a supply code of conduct, and reporting on sustainability metrics.
While much of the course was more relevant for large-scale businesses, there were several important learning points for small and medium-sized businesses like ours. We very much agree with, and endorse, the principles of the UN Global Compact, including supporting the elimination of discrimination in the workplace, promoting greater environmental responsibility, and working against corruption. As a result of taking part in the programme, we reviewed and reconfirmed various aspects of how we work, including work-life balance and flexible working hours, the hiring of local businesses as suppliers, and minimising our environmental impact (e.g. by providing training course materials electronically rather than printed). We are also in the process of updating our policies in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, where relevant.
Thanks very much again to BDO for giving us this valuable opportunity to learn practical steps to improve Insolvency Support Services’ sustainability.
