Supply chain
Supply chain is material to Reed Elsevier because unless we maintain the same high standards across the company, we risk damaging our business, relations with key stakeholders, and reputation.
2008 Objectives:
- Expand SRS database to 325 entries
- 85% of suppliers as Code signatories
- 25 external audits of high risk suppliers
We require our suppliers to meet the same high standards we set for ourselves. Our Supplier Code of Conduct stipulates adherence to all laws and best practice in areas like human rights, labour, and environment. In 2008, we expanded our Socially Responsible Supplier (SRS) database to 368 suppliers, 90 of which we deem to be high risk according to guidelines from the OECD and the US State Department. 74% of all suppliers were signatories to the Supplier Code, and specialists ITS conducted 19 external audits of high risk suppliers by year end. Going forward, we are engaging more people within the business to reach a higher Supplier Code return rate; the smaller number of external audits correlates to suppliers who deferred their 2008 audit to first quarter 2009, and a number with whom we ceased to do business.
2009 Objectives:
- Expand SRS database to 550 entries
- 85% of suppliers as Code signatories
- 40 external audits of high risk suppliers