CIPS Futures

About CIPS Futures

Conversations that matter for procurement and supply chain professionals. CIPS Futures, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, explores the forces that are shaping the future of the profession with global experts who will make you think differently. Whether you're a chief procurement officer, category buyer or supply chain manager, the profession is stepping into the spotlight at a time of profound change. Join us every month to access fresh perspectives, step inside strategic minds and hear from global leaders you won't hear anywhere else. Expect actionable advise as we cover the big topics - from managing supply chain risk and the impact of AI, to sustainable sourcing and the future skillsets you'll need to succeed - all with a practical lens. If you're passionate about the future of procurement and supply, CIPS Futures is here to keep you inspired and informed. Subscribe to keep up to date with our monthly episode releases!

Publisher

CIPS

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Dec 2023

Latest episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

41 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Corruption in the digital age: how to ask the difficult questions to prevent it

   Corruption in procurement is changing. It is no longer simply a buyer taking a bribe from a supplier. Nor does it exist only in certain geographies or industries. As global supply networks become more complex, risks are becoming harder to spot, from hidden beneficial ownership and inflated intermediary fees to manipulated e-auctions, tailored specifications and AI-generated documentation designed to look legitimate.We’re joined by Sope Williams, Distinguished Visiting Professor in Government Contracts Law at George Washington University and CIPS Global Head of Sustainability Maxfield Weiss, to explore why corruption remains a persistent challenge in modern supply chains. And what procurement professionals can do about it.We discuss why traditional compliance programmes often fail to change behaviour, how technology can both expose and enable misconduct, and why digital literacy is now a core procurement competency. The conversation also examines the importance of asking difficult questions early, strengthening transparency across supply chains, and ensuring that subcontractors and their suppliers can be trusted.Plus, why leaders must "walk the talk" and give their teams genuine authority to challenge corrupt practices. Further reading: Learn more about the CIPS Ethics test - free for CIPS members! The CIPS Corporate Code of Ethics Contribute to The Great Conversation Find out more about Sope Williams, our guest for the episode

2. 

   24 Aug 2026

   How Tony’s Chocolonely is tackling exploitation in cocoa supply chains

   Part two of the CIPS Foundation special features Tony’s Chocolonely Chief Impact Officer, Pascal Baltussen, sharing how the company exists to end exploitation and child labour in cocoa farming. Pascal talks us through the company’s five sourcing principles – and why all of them must be done in a united impact model, consistently, to bring about real systemic change.

3. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Tackling child labour in cocoa supply chains

   In the first of a two-part series, CIPS Foundation lead Emma Scott speaks with ActionAid programme officer, Afram Kwame, about the work being done by the charity in West Africa to address the problem of child labour in coca supply chains.

Who has been a guest on CIPS Futures

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sarah Collins
• Emma Morrow
• Gareth Williams
• Michael Posner
• Jane Wagner

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

33

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

81

Contact CIPS Futures

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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