Assigning Responsibilities for Responsible Sourcing

Objective

To support companies in formally assigning responsibility for the development and implementation of responsible sourcing and supply chain due diligence activities.

Why this matters

Establishing internal ownership of responsible sourcing is a foundational step. Whether it is a dedicated individual, a small team, or an existing staff member with expanded responsibilities, having someone clearly responsible helps ensure that the work progresses in a coordinated and consistent way.

Clear responsibility provides accountability and oversight, helps embed responsible sourcing into company decision-making, enables external stakeholders to identify a point of contact, and supports long-term implementation and continuous improvement.

Key actions checklist

• Appoint a responsible sourcing lead
  Choose a person or small team to co-ordinate the company’s responsible sourcing activities. This could be someone in compliance, sustainability, procurement, or leadership.
• Define roles and responsibilities
  Clarify what the Responsible Person(s) will do — developing policies, managing supplier questionnaires, reviewing risk assessments, co-ordinating reporting. Roles can evolve as systems mature.
• Secure leadership buy-in
  Ensure company leadership supports the appointment and provides time, authority, and resources as needed.
• Communicate internally
  Let staff and teams know who is leading the responsible sourcing work so they can support and contribute where needed.

The RACI Framework

• R – Responsible: The person(s) who carry out the task or activity.
• A – Accountable: The person ultimately answerable for correct and thorough completion. Only one ‘A’ per task is recommended.
• C – Consulted: Those whose input is sought before a decision is made. Two-way interaction.
• I – Informed: Those who need to be kept updated on progress or decisions, but are not actively involved.