Community and Ethical Purchasing 

At Hornchurch High School, we are committed to making responsible decisions that support our students, families and the wider community. Alongside ensuring good value for money, we carefully consider sustainability, ethical sourcing and environmental impact when purchasing goods and services across the school. 

We believe schools have an important role to play in modelling positive social responsibility. The choices we make as an organisation help contribute towards a safer, fairer and more sustainable future for our local and global communities. Wherever possible, we work with suppliers and organisations that demonstrate strong commitments to ethical working practices, environmental sustainability, employee wellbeing and reducing carbon emissions. 

This includes considering: 

  • fair treatment and wellbeing of employees  
  • sustainable and environmentally friendly products  
  • ethical supply chains and anti-slavery commitments  
  • reducing waste, pollution and unnecessary environmental impact  
  • responsible energy and resource usage  
  • supporting organisations with recognised environmental and safety accreditations  

Many of the organisations we work with publically commit to internationally recognised standards and sustainability pledges. For example: 

  • Amazon UK is part of The Climate Pledge, committing to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and increasing the use of renewable energy across its operations.  
  • GLS UK is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and works to uphold standards around human rights, labour, environmental responsibility and anti-corruption.  
  • YPO operates a zero-to-landfill policy and actively invests in recycling, sustainable transport and employee wellbeing initiatives.  
  • Oxford University Press continues to develop sustainable procurement, recycling and energy reduction strategies across its organisation.  
  • PHS Group works to reduce carbon emissions and divert waste away from landfill through energy recovery and recycling initiatives.  
  • SECOM PLC highlights commitments to environmental responsibility, employee care and positive community impact.  
  • Better Equipped maintains a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and unethical working practices throughout its supply chain.  

By working with responsible suppliers and making sustainable choices wherever possible, we aim to ensure that the school continues to serve the community with integrity, responsibility and care