Social Procurement
Social procurement is about using your purchasing power to support positive social and economic outcomes. At Western, this involves intentionally selecting suppliers that reflect our values and contribute to our sustainability goals. By engaging with a range of suppliers, including diverse suppliers, social enterprises, and Indigenous-owned businesses, we help advance equity, inclusion, and local economic development. Staff and faculty are encouraged to contribute to these efforts by considering who they buy from in their everyday purchasing decisions.
The Social Procurement Vendor Portal
As part of our commitment to advancing social procurement, Western University has joined York University’s Social Procurement Vendor Portal. Through this collaboration, Western buyers can identify and engage with eligible suppliers across a wide range of product and service categories.
The initiative also aligns with Western’s strategic priorities outlined in Toward Western at 150, supports our Sustainable Procurement Strategy, and reinforces the University’s commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including:
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- SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
To browse the portal and start engaging with social suppliers, visit
Social Procurement Vendor Portal | Social Procurement
Policies and Requirements
Please note that this portal is a tool for identifying diverse suppliers and does not imply or ensure a future contractual relationship with Western University. It does not negate the requirement to follow MAPP 2.8 Procedures for the Procurement of Materials and Services, and buyers must continue to adhere to Western’s standard procurement policies and procedures. For more information, please refer to the Competitive Bid Process and Purchasing Methods.
