CIPS offers global standard guidance and support on ethics and training

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CIPS is a not-for-profit global organisation that trains individuals and teams on procurement and supply matters, including public sector and businesses on how to spot and prevent fraud, corruption and bribery in procurement, increase transparency in supply chains, and work with suppliers to encourage best practice. CIPS South Africa is the only SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) recognised professional body in the country. Fully qualified CIPS members sign up to a code of ethics and can complete an annual ethics test to raise their membership status further and become Chartered members.

Procurement and supply in SA

Dr Sara Bux, the general manager of CIPS South Africa, says: "This professional body and the CIPS for Business team, always challenges procurement leaders to remain relevant by becoming Chartered members and/or for organisations to achieve the CIPS ethics mark, demonstrating they have the latest insights, up-to-date skills and are committed to ethical practices."

CIPS South Africa head of professional body, Sarie Homan responsible for professional standards in education says: "Procurement and supply managers must adopt good practices in their respective organisations and departments, and these can be simple such as advertising policies and processes to combat fraud or creating a confidential whistleblowing helpline for staff and suppliers to raise concerns. Managers can also draw up policies around gifts and hospitality often intended to influence decision-making where these instances are logged and reported on regularly."

Standard guidance and support

Craig O’Flaherty, head of CIPS for Business in CIPS South Africa, adds: "Responsible procurement is a reputational and economic imperative, whether it is a state-owned or private business.

"Procurement teams where day-to-day business decisions are made should focus on automatically doing the right thing, to enhance the reputation of their business as well as meeting regulations and world-wide standards," he says.

"We may be suffering from the effects of uncertainty at the moment, but like any terrain, formidable leaders can conquer these challenges with the right knowledge, the right equipment and the right skills. Armed with an inquisitive and decisive attitude, and influential and persuasive skills, a strong procurement and supply management leader can steer not only their teams but their organisation to success."