I-Tel Group, a leader in procurement and supply chain solutions, has been honoured as a finalist in the prestigious CIPS Awards for the “Best initiative to deliver social value through procurement.” This nomination recognises I-Tel Group’s critical response to the unprecedented challenges faced by the social care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in partnership with Real Life Options and United Response.
Prior to the pandemic, I-Tel Group had conducted a comprehensive procurement audit with Real Life Options, establishing a robust baseline to forecast future needs accurately. As the pandemic escalated and the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) soared against dwindling supplies, immediate and strategic action was crucial.
I-Tel Group responded by implementing a dynamic forecasting model that successfully adapted to a ten-fold increase in demand, managing the associated financial risks effectively. Key strategies included:
- Prioritising the procurement of essential PPE to ensure availability where most needed.
- Collaborating with service managers to forecast a three-month supply of critical items, optimising resource allocation.
- Expanding sourcing channels, notably through innovative cross-industry procurement, including sourcing medical gloves from the automotive sector, and ramping up national efforts to secure the necessary PPE stock.
The successful strategy not only demonstrated I-Tel Group’s commitment but also earned them high praise from industry leaders. Ian Hardcastle, COO of Real Life Options, remarked, “From the outset, I-Tel’s professional approach and attention to detail built tremendous trust within our leadership team. When COVID-19 impacted globally, it had serious implications for our core operations. The sourcing and provision of PPE was critical, and I-Tel rose to the challenge. Quite simply, we would not have coped without them.”
Further affirming their pivotal role during the crisis, I-Tel Group also received a letter of recognition from the Health Secretary, underscoring the significant impact of their work.
