Best product/services innovation

Your award submission should provide an overview of how your organisation meets the key criteria with supporting evidence.
The category criteria sets out the scale, importance, and clarity of benefits as a whole.

• Demonstrable innovation to the CPC supply chain.
• The problem or need that your product is solving or addressing for the wider education sector and CPC member community.
• The value proposition and benefits of your product for our members, as well as your competitive advantage and differentiation in the market.
• The market size, demand, and trends for your product, as well as the existing and potential competitors and substitutes.
• The customer segments you are targeting.
• The product development process, including the ideation, design, prototyping, testing, validation, and launch stages.
• Demonstrate the functionality, design, and usability of the product.
• Performance and value for money proposition for CPC members.
• The product performance, delivery, and service.
• The sustainability and social responsibility of the product
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members (including Tenet Education), and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• Effective project management, governance, and member/stakeholder engagement
• Clear objectives and deliverables
• Examples of innovation and best practice
• Examples of measurable outcomes
• Benefits as a result of the project i.e., VFM savings, income growth, enhanced customer satisfaction
• Examples of environmental and social impact benefits • Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members, and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• The scope, scale and ambition of the organisation’s carbon reduction/footprint, sustainability goals and targets to net zero emissions.
• The strategies, policies and actions implemented by your organisation to achieve its carbon reduction and sustainability objectives, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture, offsetting, etc.
• Supporting certification and reporting to verify your carbon footprint and sustainability performance, using recognised standards and frameworks.
• Demonstrable outcomes and benefits of your organisation’s carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives, such as cost savings, revenue growth, stakeholder satisfaction, reputation enhancement.
• Using life cycle assessment criteria to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and services, such as carbon emissions, water consumption, waste generation, etc.
• Sourcing from suppliers who adhere to ethical, social, and environmental standards, such as human rights, labour rights, and fair trade.
• Implementing economy principles to reduce, reuse and recycle materials and resources, such as packaging, energy, water, etc.
• Measuring, reporting, and verifying the sustainability performance and impact of the procurement activities, using recognised frameworks and indicators.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• Establishing clear and measurable goals and policies for diversity and inclusion in procurement, such as increasing the representation of women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, or social enterprises in support of the Equality Act protected characteristics.
• Implementing effective strategies and tools to identify, attract, develop, and retain diverse talent and suppliers, such as mentoring, training, networking, outreach, certification, recognition, etc.
• Supporting social and economic development by creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
• Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the progress and impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives in procurement, using relevant metrics, indicators, and benchmarks.
• Promotion of an inclusive environment and culture in your organisation, such as promoting awareness, education, communication, feedback, collaboration, etc.
• Enhancing innovation and creativity by leveraging diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
• Increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty by meeting their diverse needs and expectations by providing barrier free accessible services.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• Quality, functionality and usability of the products or services provided by the supplier.
• The delivery, performance, and service of the supplier, such as timeliness, accuracy, responsiveness, and flexibility.
• The value, impact, and benefits of the supplier for the organisation and its stakeholders, such as, innovation, customer satisfaction, risk reduction, and sustainability.
• Demonstratable value for money and cost savings for CPC members.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• Quantitative and qualitative results and outcomes of the procurement projects or initiatives that they have led or participated in, such as cost savings, value creation, innovation, quality, risk reduction, sustainability, etc.
• Testimonials and feedback from internal and external stakeholders, such as CPC members, senior management, associated suppliers etc that highlight their performance, delivery, and service, as well as their skills, competencies, and behaviours.
• Awards, recognitions, and certifications that they have received or achieved, either individually or as part of a team, from their organisation or professional body.
• Examples of their leadership, influence, and impact, both within and outside the procurement function, such as mentoring, coaching, training, networking, volunteering, etc.
• Examples of their continuous learning and development, such as pursuing further education, qualifications, or courses, attending events, webinars, or podcasts, reading books, articles, or blogs, etc.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• The size, scope and nature of the supplier’s business and its products or services.
• The challenges and opportunities faced by the supplier in the market and the industry.
• The value proposition and benefits of the supplier for our members, such as cost savings, innovation, quality, reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, etc.
• Evidence of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, such as metrics, feedback, testimonials, awards, etc.
• The differentiation and competitive advantage of the supplier in the market and the industry.
• The sustainability and social responsibility of the supplier, such as environmental, social, and ethical practices and impacts with evidence.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• The size, scope and nature of the supplier’s business and its products or services.
• The challenges and opportunities faced by the supplier in the market and the industry.
• The value proposition and benefits of the supplier for the business and its stakeholders, such as cost savings, innovation, quality, reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, etc.
• The evidence of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, such as metrics, feedback, testimonials, awards, etc.
• The differentiation and competitive advantage of the supplier in the market and the industry
• The sustainability and social responsibility of the supplier, such as environmental, social, and ethical practices and impacts
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• The size, scope and nature of the supplier’s business and its products or services.
• The challenges and opportunities faced by the supplier in the market and the industry.
• The value proposition and benefits of the supplier for the business and its stakeholders, such as cost savings, innovation, quality, reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, etc.
• The evidence of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, such as metrics, feedback, testimonials, awards, etc.
• The differentiation and competitive advantage of the supplier in the market and the industry
• The sustainability and social responsibility of the supplier, such as environmental, social, and ethical practices and impacts
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• Clear objectives, scope, and deliverables of the collaboration.
• Effective project management, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Innovative and best practice approaches, methods and tools used in the collaboration.
• Measurable and significant outcomes and benefits achieved, such as cost savings, innovation, quality, reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, etc.
• Lessons learned and continuous improvement opportunities identified.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• The novelty and uniqueness of the innovation idea or concept.
• The value proposition and benefits of the innovation for the business and its stakeholders, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, quality, reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, etc.
• Evidence of the innovation performance, delivery, and service, such as metrics, feedback, testimonials, awards, etc.
• The differentiation and competitive advantage of the innovation in the market and the industry.
• The sustainability and social responsibility of the innovation, such as environmental, social, and ethical practices and impacts.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• The scope, scale and complexity of the cost reduction challenges and opportunities faced by the supplier.
• The objectives, outcomes, and benefits of the cost reduction initiatives, such as cost savings, value creation, profitability, efficiency, etc.
• Evidence of the cost reduction performance, delivery, and service, such as metrics, feedback, testimonials, awards, etc.
• The innovation and best practice approaches, methods and tools used in the cost reduction process, such as strategic sourcing, category management, supplier relationship management, contract management, spend analysis, etc.
• The collaboration and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, with our members, suppliers, senior management, internal workforce, and regulators, etc., to align objectives, share information and drive improvement.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

• The scope, scale and complexity of the customer service challenges and opportunities faced by the supplier.
• The objectives, outcomes, and benefits of the customer service initiatives, such as customer satisfaction, loyalty, retention, advocacy, etc.
• Evidence of the customer service performance, delivery, and service, such as metrics, feedback, testimonials, awards, etc.
• The innovation and best practice approaches, methods and tools used in the customer service process, such as customer segmentation, customer journey mapping, customer feedback mechanisms, customer relationship management systems, etc.
• The collaboration and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, with our members, suppliers, senior management, internal workforce, and regulators, etc., to align objectives, share information and drive improvement.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
Evidence of how your organisation has responsibly contributed positively to the communities in which you serve by prioritising social value to enhance well-being, promote inclusivity whilst addressing societal challenges.
· Sourcing from suppliers who adhere to ethical, social, and environmental standards, such as human rights, labour rights, and fair trade.
· Employment, evidence to support employment of local people, job creation, apprenticeships, fair wages – minimum ‘Living Wage’ to support sustainable economic growth.
· Apprenticeships, support skill development through apprenticeship programs.
· Environmental responsibility, evidence of eco-friendly practices.
· Supporting responsible businesses – encourage growth of local responsible businesses.
· Giving Back, initiatives where your organisation has provided funding to support and advance education and learning.

• The scope, scale and complexity of the customer service challenges and opportunities faced by the supplier.
• The objectives, outcomes, and benefits of the customer service initiatives, such as customer satisfaction, loyalty, retention, advocacy, etc.
• Evidence of the customer service performance, delivery, and service, such as metrics, feedback, testimonials, awards, etc.
• The innovation and best practice approaches, methods and tools used in the customer service process, such as customer segmentation, customer journey mapping, customer feedback mechanisms, customer relationship management systems, etc.
• The collaboration and engagement with internal and external stakeholders, with our members, suppliers, senior management, internal workforce, and regulators, etc., to align objectives, share information and drive improvement.
• Impact, the extent to which the supplier has delivered measurable and significant value education sector, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or social and sustainable impact.
• Innovation, the degree to which the supplier has demonstrated creativity, originality, and ingenuity in solving education sector challenges or meeting their needs, such as developing new products, services, processes, or technologies.
• Collaboration, the level of cooperation, communication and trust between suppliers, CPC members and the wider education sector.
• Excellence, quality, consistency and reliability of the supplier’s performance, delivery, and service, as well as their adherence to our standards, policies and expectations when delivering services.
• Validation from third parties such as suppliers, members, and associated stakeholders where applicable. For independence purposes, validation cannot be gained from any person(s) currently or previously employed by CPC.

You may, if you wish, send in additional supporting material with your entry.
However, this must be limited to 4 single-sided sheets of A4 and should not be repeat information of your entry, the panel of judges will expect to see this supporting evidence with your main submission.
Your supporting materials can include validation from third parties and may include;
• Testimonials
• Case studies
• Endorsements from your internal employees or other suppliers (no CPC endorsements allowed)
• Press releases/extracts
• Performance data
Any supporting material must be in Word (.doc), Excel (xls), PowerPoint (.ppt) or PDF (.pdf) formats only.
All supporting materials must be sent to info@connectin.co.uk by midday on the 28th May 2024.
Your submission material should be cleared with your clients so it can be used for publicity purposes and to comply with GDPR.