Suppliers
We recognise that we cannot do this alone – it requires accountability and a sustained effort in conjunction with our suppliers, partners and the wider Monash University community.
Our suppliers vary from common goods and services to some of the most specialised suppliers worldwide that support our leading research projects. We also undertake research in a multitude of remote areas across the world.
After a thorough consultation process with key suppliers and stakeholders throughout the University, we are now implementing the following actions to assess and address operational and supply risks.
All new suppliers must confirm they are compliant with relevant modern slavery requirements as part of our supplier onboarding process. They are not able to be paid until they have completed this process, including electronically confirming they are compliant with all relevant obligations. A failure to confirm compliance stops the onboarding process and initiates manual intervention and review.
A robust framework of template wording has been created for implementation in key formal template agreements (where Monash is procuring goods or services). These are being continuously improved as our program of work progresses. In addition, we provide comprehensive written responses to all queries from third parties seeking to clarify the Monash component of their supply chain or as part of sponsorship and funding applications.
Recognising the wide diversity of our global supply chain, an additional supplier questionnaire has been created. This includes clear expressions of requirements and guided steps in English. This is used in conjunction with dialogue to achieve an understanding of the supplier’s practice and culture and to identify the best way to work in partnership with suppliers, beginning with directly-engaged suppliers.
Using a combination of reliable resources including those from the Department of Home Affairs, Global Slavery Index, International Labour Organisation, and the Walk Free Foundation in addition to industry and academic expertise, we have identified areas within our supply chain that are considered to be of high-risk. This risk assessment approach allows us to delve deeper into our supply chain to enhance transparency. We use the risk assessment outcomes to prioritise actions against each high-risk area.