Buyers gain access to qualified voluntary, community and social enterprise suppliers, with free network membership for eligible organisations invited to join.
Dublin, Ireland — Achilles, a global leader in supply chain risk and performance management, has announced a new initiative to help buying organisations embed social value in their supply chains by connecting them with qualified voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) suppliers. Achilles applies the same approach to supplier qualification used across other sectors, assessing compliance, capability and readiness to deliver against buyers’ requirements.
Launched at Achilles Live Dublin, the initiative helps buyers consider a wider range of providers that can meet their purchasing needs while contributing to social and environmental outcomes, including organisations supporting local employment, skills development, and community services. Eligible suppliers can join Achilles networks at no membership cost when invited by a buyer.
Katie Ferrier, Regional Director at Achilles, said:
“Across Ireland, public and private sector organisations increasingly need to show how purchasing and supply-chain decisions support reliable delivery while creating credible economic, social and environmental outcomes.
“We want to make it easier for them to consider charities and social enterprises, while retaining the checks that underpin a sound purchasing decision. Removing the membership fee is a practical step towards that.”
Under the scheme, buying organisations can invite eligible suppliers to join at Silver level in Supply-Line, or at Member+ or Silver level in Achilles Network, at no membership cost. Suppliers will still need to demonstrate that they meet buyers’ requirements for compliance, capability and reliable delivery.
Participating suppliers can create a reusable profile covering their products, services, credentials and social impact. This can reduce repeated administration and improve visibility with buyers and main contractors seeking suppliers, subcontractors and delivery partners.
Buyers can use structured supplier information to assess governance, compliance, financial standing, workforce practices, sustainability, capability and risk. This supports consistent comparison and helps identify specialist or local providers that conventional sourcing routes may overlook, widening participation while maintaining expectations for assurance and reliable delivery.
For buyers preparing bids or delivering contracts, that information can help connect supplier capabilities and commitments to measurable employment, skills, inclusion, community and environmental outcomes. Validation, monitoring and audit, where appropriate, can help buyers demonstrate what was promised and delivered, supporting their assessment of supplier performance and supply-chain resilience.
The announcement formed part of Achilles Live Dublin, introduced by British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen. The event explored how Irish organisations could embed social value throughout procurement to support business performance and benefit communities, within Ireland’s procurement framework and national guidance.
Under the initiative, buyers can invite eligible VCSE organisations to join at no membership cost at Silver level in Supply-Line or Member+ or Silver level in Achilles Network.
Further Information:
Hayley van Leeuwen
Chief Marketing Officer, Achilles
Hayley.vanleeuwen@achilles.com
BlytheRay
Public Relations
