A peer discussion on implementation and impact informed by Kumi’s Responsible Sourcing Barometer

Breakfast discussion | Thursday 19 November | 8:00–9:00am

Signia by Hilton, California Room, San José

Companies now have more responsible sourcing policies, risk data and due diligence processes than ever. But are we confident that this activity is leading to better outcomes in practice?

That is the question we want to explore in this breakfast discussion on the sidelines of the RBA conference.

Drawing on confidential input from 110 multinational companies across 13 sectors, including several RBA members, Kumi’s Responsible Sourcing Barometer highlights a persistent challenge: identifying risks and building processes does not necessarily translate into effective action or measurable impact.

Only 14% of participating companies reported being able to point to clear improvements resulting from their responsible sourcing efforts. Of all the findings in this year’s report, we believe this is the one that deserves the most attention from responsible sourcing professionals.

We will use the findings to kick-start an open discussion among peers and practitioners about the realities of implementation: where programmes are working, where they are getting stuck, and how companies can better determine whether their efforts are making a difference.

The discussion will explore:

• The disconnect between identifying risks and acting on them
• When more supplier information improves decisions, and when it leads to “paralysis by analysis”
• Important due diligence actions that are still missing from many programmes, and the practices behind more effective programmes
• What companies can realistically measure to understand whether their programmes are delivering impact

This is not a presentation of the full Responsible Sourcing Barometer or another overview of due diligence expectations. It is an opportunity for a peers’ conversation to compare experiences, discuss real implementation challenges and identify practical lessons that can support better decisions.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Places are limited. Please complete the registration form (under the map) to reserve your place and let us know if you are no longer able to attend so that we can release it to someone else.

The event is being held at Signia by Hilton – a less than 5 minute walk from the Convention Center – see map below.