Developing a Centre of Excellence for AIM-Progress

AIM-Progress had already implemented a number of tools to support its members in developing their responsible sourcing capability including:

• a Responsible Sourcing Journey (RSJ) self-assessment tracking tool to help members identify where they are in terms of their responsible resourcing and how they can accelerate their development
• a Resource Hub on the Members’ Zone website
• training for both suppliers and members

The next step was to create a bespoke Centre of Excellence (CoE) that was engaging, scalable, easy to use and helpful to members wanting to create a step-change in their responsible sourcing approaches.

We engaged AIM-Progress members in the development process and worked closely with the core Capability Building team.  We also engaged the wider membership through 1:1 and group conversations and facilitated their feedback into the Members’ meeting.

Through researching other CoE frameworks and models, we clarified that, for AIM-Progress, the CoE needed to comprise:

• a community of practice – sharing expertise, knowledge and experience
• a knowledge management system – with up-to-date information, tools and resources
• a training system – publicising training that’s available to members and suppliers.

We investigated and benchmarked a number of different technology platform solutions and recommended a shortlist of providers who could meet the brief.