CIPS Futures | The Procurement and Supply Chain Podcast

"This is VUCA on steroids." The Trump administration's constantly-changing US tariffs are wreaking havoc on the markets – and on procurement professionals' planning. To find out what it means and how you can mitigate the risks, we speak to CIPS global economist, Dr John Glen.

Could the turmoil forge fresh connections between the UK and EU post Brexit? Will we see opportunities in emerging markets in Africa and South America? John explains the fundamentals of tariffs and answers your burning questions in this special edition of the podcast.

Further reading:

• Join the discussion thread on the CIPS Community platform
• Dr John Glen's analysis of the CIPS Pulse Q1 2025 results
• Watch Dr John Glen speaking to international media outlets about supply chain disruptions
• CBS article: "Walmart, Target CEOs privately warned Trump tariffs could lead to empty shelves soon"

CIPS resources and events:

• CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply 
• CIPS Futures Conference - London, 1 July

CIPS CEO Ben Farrell reflects on his first 100 days in the role. After connecting with the global CIPS community across the world, Ben unveils his exciting vision for the future of CIPS and the wider profession. His message: today's procurement and supply professionals are tomorrow's business leaders.
 
Plus, hear Ben's thoughts on the transformational impact AI is having on procurement; the role CIPS must play in amplifying global best practice; and leadership lessons from his time serving in the British army and leading John Lewis' pandemic response.

Further reading:

• Ben Farrell shares his insights from conversations with CIPS members in the Asia Pacific region
• The CIPS Foundation
• Watch: CEO Ben Farrell shares his vision for CIPS

 

To celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we hear from two inspiring female procurement leaders. Lauren Feery, group procurement director of global packaging company DS Smith, shares why curiosity and speaking up are valuable tools in your career arsenal.

Plus, you might have more in common with David Bowie than you think… Executive coach, CIPS trustee and ex-procurement and sustainability leader Juliet Sotnick reveals the common signs of imposter syndrome and offers five ways to overcome it.

Additional links and further reading:

• International Women’s Day CIPS
• Global voices: Inspirational women in procurement and supply

Findings from the CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide 2024, supported by Hays, showed hiring procurement and supply talent remains a critical challenge globally. So, how can you think differently to recruit and develop a well-rounded and capable team? 

Dave Jones, Head of Procurement – IT & Digital, Virgin Media & O2; and Dan Robertson, Global MD, Fairer Consulting, discuss the positive impact an inclusive culture has for recruitment, retention and talent development. Plus, why diverse skills and perspectives set your procurement function apart to drive future success. 

The CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Survey 2025 is now live! Share your views on inclusive practices and other important areas to contribute to this year's findings. Just follow the link below:

• Take the CIPS Procurement & Salary Survey 2025, supported by Hays, here >>

To find out more about the 2024 findings at the CIPS Salary Guide hub, use the Salary Calculator, or explore the findings on ED&I in procurement and supply, follow the links below:

• Salary guide hub 
• Driving equality, diversity and inclusion: time to make this a priority

 

How do you build capacity within your procurement function to deliver the value now expected? Sebastien Bals, CPO at Merck Group, reveals how his team is using digital solutions and AI at scale to create new ways of working, enable process orchestration and meet the pharmaceutical and technology giant's wider sustainability goals. 

Further reading:

• CIPS Sustainable Procurement Pioneers - 30 innovators shaping the future of sustainable procurement
• CIPS AI in Procurement and Supply Report - How automation will change your career and the function, supported by Posterity Global

Good procurement is not just about initial cost, but also about whole life value. The Procurement Act has been designed to transform procurement and create engaging, competitive and open marketplaces, says the UK's Cabinet Office. Rebecca Rees and Alan Heron explore the mechanisms that have been put in place to enable practitioners to create more competition and flexibility in their procurement processes. Will new skills be required of practitioners to take full advantage of the opportunities? 

Plus, hear Rebecca and Alan's final thoughts on the expected impact of the Procurement Act 2023 once it goes live in February 2025.

Further reading:

• An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub
• Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office
• What is Public Sector Procurement?
• Procurement Hub

This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

With around £300 billion a year spent on public sector procurement each year, professionalism and integrity are essential characteristics of good procurement officers. How is this being addressed in the new Procurement Act? Will the new regulations drive further use of framework providers? And, how will the debarment list of suppliers work in practice?

Rebecca Rees and Alan Heron help unravel these very questions for you on episode three of the CIPS Preparing for the Procurement Act podcast series. 

Further reading:

• An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub
• Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office
• What is Public Sector Procurement?
• Procurement Hub

This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

Transparency is 'hard baked' throughout the Procurement Act, but what does this mean in practice? Episode two of the CIPS Preparing for the Procurement Act series focuses on the new notice requirements, the resulting practical implications for contracting authorities and how you can prepare for the changes.  

Rebecca Rees, partner and head of public procurement at Trowers & Hamlins joins the Procurement Hub's Alan Heron to provide you with an expert perspective. 

Further reading:

• An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub
• Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office
• What is Public Sector Procurement?
• Procurement Hub

This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

A new CIPS Futures Podcast mini-series to help UK public sector practitioners and suppliers prepare for the incoming Procurement Act. Lindsay Maguire, deputy director for procurement reform at the Cabinet Office shares the motivations behind the new Act, the opportunities it will create for public sector practitioners and the long term ambitions for public procurement. 

Plus, the Procurement Hub's Alan Heron offers a practitioner's perspective. 

Further reading:

• An Essential Guide to the Procurement Act 2023, from Procurement Hub
• Procurement Act guidance documents from the Cabinet Office
• What is Public Sector Procurement?
• Procurement Hub

This mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in partnership with the Procurement Hub, part of Places for People. 

What are the telltale signs of corruption? Lenushka Parannath MCIPS explains what red flags to watch out for. And shares how to take control of the procurement process to avoid becoming a 'mailbox' between suppliers and the business – leaving the door open for corrupt deals. Plus, is a hierarchical structure to decision-making holding your function back?

Mentioned in this podcast:

• CIPS Salary Guide hub, in partnership with Hays
• CIPS Code of Conduct
• Watch highlights from the 2024 CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards
• Watch highlights from the 2024 CIPS Africa Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards