Social Traders Leader members Mirvac and Icon, have partnered with Social Traders on the Elevate Program – an initiative designed by Social Traders to strengthen social performance across the supply chain.
Mirvac and Icon are supporting a cohort of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their impact and operational maturity within Tier 2 supplier networks - setting an example for how companies can work together and lead in implementing social procurement practices.
This 10-month program delivered by Social Traders aims to equip and empower SMEs with practical resources and know-how to improve their operations.
Mirvac is sponsoring Soclean, Cirka, GTC Engineering and Proline Group, while Six Degrees Architects, AMA Precast and SQG Group are sponsored by Icon.
“We know many SMEs suppliers, do not have the necessary internal resources or expertise to drive social performance compared to larger organisations. Social performance is about how businesses affect people –— including employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities they operate in.
Through the Elevate Program, both companies can help improve the social performance of their supply chains by leveraging the expertise of Social Traders and the groups they are sponsoring. Together, we provide the SMEs with the tools and support they need to grow their impact and make progress more easily.” – Tara Anderson, CEO Social Traders.
The program provides participants five core components:
- Assess and identify business maturity levels in social procurement and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
- Build practical skills across ESG and social procurement with tailored training sessions.
- Network and connect with other SMEs and social enterprises on the program to foster meaningful collaboration.
- Track spend and impact throughout the program to inform future strategy and procurement decisions.
- Access various tools, resources and advice that further support efforts to drive meaningful social value and impact.
Commenting on the program, Daniel Rowe, EGM – Environmental, Social, Governance at Cirka said.
"The program has given our business a better understanding of the opportunities to partner and support social enterprises which extend beyond the traditional goods and services we procure.”
Last month, a few participating SMEs including Cirka and Six Degrees Architects visited Social Traders certified social enterprise, Ability Works Australia as part of the Elevate Program site visit experience – to learn more about social enterprises and identify opportunities to collaborate in the future.
Ability Works Australia creates long term meaningful employment to members of their community with a disability and those experiencing social disadvantage.
The site visit provided participants a first-hand experience on how Ability Works Australia supports employees with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that creates a sense of belonging, independence, pride and joy. Participants also witnessed how employees with different abilities and skillsets create quality products and services.
“It was great to understand the opportunities an organisation like Ability Works provides to our community. I found it particularly insightful how they have continued to innovate to remove barriers to long term employment.” – Daniel Rowe, EGM – Environmental, Social, Governance at Cirka
“We got to experience some of the social outcomes generated firsthand. Seeing how happy and dedicated the employees are to their work at Ability Works, reaffirms businesses spending with social enterprises, create real change amongst the communities we interact with.” – Oliver Sanders, ESG Consultant at Cirka
The Elevate Program shows how large organisations can unlock value by increasing the capability of their supply chains. Mirvac and Icon are leading the way, but there's a big opportunity for others to follow and help create a fairer, more equitable and sustainable economy.
By sponsoring cohorts of SMEs, large organisations can accelerate supplier development, improve procurement outcomes, and create measurable social impact. The Elevate Program offers a practical pathway to strengthen social performance and drive long-term value, and it can be adapted to suit major projects or broader supply chain strategies.
Now is the time to act.
Think about how Elevate could support your supply chain - whether for a flagship project or as part of your wider ESG and procurement goals.
Learn more about the Elevate Program. If you would like to have a discovery call, contact us today.