Portsmouth Water have been supplying reliable and high-quality drinking water to Portsmouth and the surrounding area since 1857. The population exceeding 700,000 that it supplies extends from the River Meon in the West, to the river Arun in the East.
The drinking water from the springs, wells, boreholes, and surface water sources in the Hampshire and West Sussex areas is treated to supply domestic properties, varied commercial businesses, important industries and large defence establishments.
To improve its supplier assurance and due diligence, Portsmouth Water joined UVDB Powered by Achilles. This partnership helps them assess, monitor, and engage suppliers. It is especially important in a changing regulatory environment and with rising stakeholder expectations about ESG.
The Challenge: Elevating ESG Standards Across a Complex Supply Chain
As ESG performance becomes more central to corporate and regulatory agendas, Portsmouth Water identified the need to improve visibility across its supplier base. This involved raising ESG standards.
It also meant improving the accuracy and consistency of supplier data. We encouraged more participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The business was also looking to reduce duplicated assessments and streamline how suppliers demonstrate compliance.
To achieve these goals, Portsmouth Water required a structured framework that could not only manage supplier risk effectively but also make it easier for suppliers to meet evolving ESG and procurement requirements, all while maintaining high standards expected in the UK utilities sector.
The Solution: A Collaborative Approach to Building an ESG Framework
The joint initiative delivered measurable results. Over 266 suppliers have been assessed and assured, starting with those categorised as high-risk or business-critical. As a result, Portsmouth Water now has 100% coverage of all its strategic suppliers, and a more robust understanding of ESG risk across its supply base.
The partnership has improved how suppliers engage. It has reduced repeated assessments. Now, everyone follows the same high compliance standards. It has also improved Portsmouth Water’s ability to show ESG alignment to stakeholders and regulators. This helps position the company as a responsible and forward-thinking utility.
Key Assurance Areas: Setting the Standard for Best Practice
This supplier assurance framework was created with Achilles. It now gives Portsmouth Water reliable and clear coverage in several important risk areas. These include:
- Certifications and Compliance: Validating health and safety, quality, and information security certifications.
- Ethical Business Practices: Confirming the absence of bribery, corruption or legal convictions, alongside clear anti-fraud policies.
- Risk and Business Continuity: Reviewing formal risk assessments and contingency planning.
- Data Protection and Cyber Security: Ensuring policies are in place and staff are appropriately trained.
- Insurance and Liability: Verifying appropriate levels of cover are held by suppliers.
- Community and Sustainability: Reviewing environmental initiatives and employee development programmes.
Conclusion: A Scalable and Sustainable Model for Utilities
Portsmouth Water’s collaboration with Achilles has established a best-in-class supplier assurance model that aligns commercial needs with ESG priorities. By creating a clear and steady framework, the utility has improved its supply chain performance.
It has also reduced risk and supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This helps the sector raise its overall standards. This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when a utility works hand-in-hand with its supply chain and partners to embed ESG into day-to-day procurement.
