BSI and CIPS form strategic alliance to deliver independent assessment for CIPS Corporate Certification

13 December 2013

BSI, the business standards company and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) have created a global partnership to provide independent assessment against CIPS Corporate Certification.

CIPS Corporate Certification is based on an industry standard that helps an organisation’s procurement and supply chain policies, strategies, procedures and processes. Through the partnership with BSI, CIPS is seeking to grow the number of organisations achieving certification to this industry standard worldwide. As part of the partnership BSI will independently assess against the CIPS scheme, verifying that organisational risks are properly identified, assessed and managed, while formalising procurement processes, procedures and documentation.

The CIPS Corporate Certification standard provides organizations with a framework for effectively managing and improving their procurement activity. By adhering to the standard, organisations will gain increased control through performance measurement and management. It is particularly suitable where there is a need to display operational efficiency and manage supplier performance and risk.  Compliance with the standard will also reduce the likelihood of any fraudulent activities within the procurement and supply chain

An initial pilot for the programme will be undertaken by BSI and following successful completion, the partnership will be rolled out globally.

Howard Kerr, Chief Executive at BSI said “By partnering with CIPS, we are able to provide robust and rigorous assessment to help procurement specialists ensure they have the right policies and processes in place. Our assessment process, combined with CIPS industry expertise allows us to work together to provide customers with assurance that their internal processes match industry best practice. It ensures procurement processes are transparent and stand up to third party scrutiny both internally and externally. The combination of our global network and CIPS international reputation makes the partnership a good fit, as together we are committed to helping organizations worldwide perform better and manage their risks.” 

David Noble, Group CEO of CIPS added “BSI’s world-class audit and assessment expertise made them the ideal choice for this partnership, providing assurance to our customers that they are being assessed to the highest standards. CIPS Corporate Certification continues to be one of the most respected standards and benchmarks in our profession and we are glad to add BSI to our network of delivery partners. Our reputation in this field alongside BSI’s strong global footprint will enable us to ensure that more organizations can benefit from achieving procurement and supply chain efficiency.”

Following award of the CIPS Corporate Certification Standard, organisations can work towards the higher awards - platinum, gold and silver. Each of these demonstrates how well an organizations procurement and supply function is performing and will help deliver efficient, effective and economic ways of working.