TAFE NSW procurement initiatives

At TAFE NSW, we are committed to building a sustainable future through inclusive and ethical procurement practices. We work collaboratively with internal business units and suppliers to deliver innovative, sustainable and cost-effective outcomes for the organisation, its students and the community.

Our efforts include promoting social, environmental, and ethical procurement, as well as combatting modern slavery.

We transact electronically with Suppliers using our award-winning SAP Ariba solution that results in faster payment times, real-time visibility of purchase orders and payments and provides access to tendering opportunities.

TAFE NSW enacts social procurement by prioritising diverse suppliers, such as Aboriginal-owned businesses and disability enterprises, to drive positive social and economic outcomes.

Supporting social participation through tenders and contracts helps foster inclusive and diverse communities. It also improves social and economic outcomes.

Opportunities are provided for:

• Aboriginal peoples.
• Small and medium enterprises.
• Local community participation.

We actively encourage Aboriginal-owned businesses and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in our tenders and contracts.

Monitoring and reporting

To ensure transparency and track progress, TAFE NSW reports on social participation through reporting.buy.nsw. Contracted suppliers are required to submit regular reports to show the progress of their social procurement initiatives.

Below are useful resources and guides for suppliers to include in tenders and assist with ongoing contract reporting.

Resources for suppliers

Aboriginal Participation Plan:

• Template - Aboriginal Participation Plan
• Example - Aboriginal Participation Plan
• How to complete an Aboriginal Participation Plan
• Reporting.buy.nsw - Supplier User Guide

Supporting trainees and apprenticeships is a core strategic purpose of TAFE NSW.

We work with suppliers who share this commitment, and we aim to increase opportunities for apprentices and trainees through our contracts.

We have established targets for engaging apprentices and trainees, particularly in construction projects over $10 million under the Skills, Training and Diversity in Construction Plan.

Visit our Becoming a Supplier page to learn more.

TAFE NSW supports local and regional suppliers, with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or businesses, in regional NSW. We aim to make a difference to these suppliers, especially those in regional and remote communities across NSW.

We use TAFE NSW corporate cards for immediate purchase of low-value goods and services.

Our approach also includes:

• applying procurement exemptions to engage SMEs directly when it's cost-effective under the Procurement Opportunities for Small (and Medium) Businesses Arrangement.
• 5-day payment terms for registered small businesses, in line with the Faster Payment Terms Policy.

The NSW Small Business Commission is dedicated to supporting the State's small businesses by improving the economic and regulatory environment.

Eradicating modern slavery

At TAFE NSW we understand modern slavery is a serious human rights issue affecting millions of vulnerable people around the world.

We are committed to upholding human rights within our supply chains that are ethical and sustainable.

For more information on how we plan to eradicate modern slavery in our buying operations, please view the TAFE NSW Modern Slavery Statement.

TAFE NSW commits to transparent and equitable processes.

We operate our business:

• under the TAFE NSW Statement of Business Ethics, and

• using the NSW Government Procurement Policy Framework