Procurement

Procurement Policy

Southeastern prides itself in sourcing goods, works and services in a fair, transparent and responsible way. It is important to us that our current and prospective suppliers align to our core values and strategy and support us in delivering outstanding service for our passengers, staff and the communities that we serve.

We published our new Procurement Social Value Charter in Summer 2022 which outlines our ambitions to integrate social value into our procurements and outline the minimum expected requirements from our supply chain. This charter includes a wide range of elements including economy, diversity and inclusion, health and wellbeing, sustainable communities, environment and ethics. Our tender process will incorporate relevant social value factors and we will be seeking a proactive approach from suppliers working with us on supporting these objectives.

We recently refreshed our Procurement Policy, outlining how we operate fair and transparent sourcing processes which demonstrate value for money for our stakeholders and comply with relevant regulatory requirements, a PDF version of our Procurement Policy is available to download.

As a member of the rail community, Southeastern utilises two main routes to market for high value requirements: the ‘Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme’ (“RISQS”) and the UK Government’s ‘Find A Tender Service’ (“FATS”). RISQS requires a subscription and applicable audits for the relevant categories of supply. FATS is an open portal and requires no subscription. The vast majority of new sourcing requirements will be via these sources and, in order to ensure transparency, we are unable to accept unsolicited approaches to apply for tender opportunities with for high value or safety critical goods, works or services outside of these methods.

We are always keen to engage with local suppliers in our regions or those with new, innovative products or services to develop our supply chain. If you would like to get in touch, please contact: procurement@southeasternrailway.co.uk

Our higher value or complex requirements typically require a bespoke contract (available via the procurement process). However, our lower value or non-complex requirements are governed by our standard purchase order terms, you can download a copy of the terms & conditions on our purchase order terms page.

Download our Procurement Policy PDF

Social value

Social Value is the value created by an organisation through its financial and non-financial day-to-day activities in terms of the wellbeing of individuals and communities, social capital created and the environment. By considering social value, we can see how our activities can benefit stakeholders and wider society.

Our latest Social Value report sets out how we are making a difference in the context of economic, environmental, and social wellbeing. Southeastern is the first rail company to work with the Purpose Coalition to break down barriers to opportunity. Our work with them will help boost social mobility in the communities we serve and enable them to thrive. We are proud to serve the people and the communities of the southeast of England. Our ambition is to enable communities to flourish around our railway, connecting them to what is important, be it family, friends, work, education, and/ or leisure.

Download our Social Value report 2024 PDF

Download our Social Value report 2023 PDF

Social Mobility Plan

We have partnered with The Purpose Coalition to create our Social Mobility Action Plan, which charts our activities to boost social mobility across our network against a framework of ‘Purpose Goals’. Southeastern is the first passenger train operator in the country to produce a Social Mobility Action Plan, which maps out 14 barriers people might encounter as they seek to progress in life and how Southeastern is working to overcome these obstacles and support the communities and regions we serve.

Download our Social Mobility Plan PDF