Supply Chain Policy

Written by Adil Abrar, Company Director,

1st October 2023

1. Introduction

At Mastered Studios, we recognise the critical importance of a well-managed and responsible supply chain in achieving our business objectives. This Supply Chain Policy outlines our commitment to conducting ethical, sustainable, and efficient supply chain operations.

2. Objectives

Our supply chain policy aims to:

a. Ensure transparency, integrity, and compliance in all supply chain activities.

b. Minimise environmental impact and promote sustainability throughout the supply chain.

c. Foster positive relationships with suppliers, customers, and stakeholders.

d. Enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of our supply chain operations.

Our subcontracting arrangements are driven by strategic objectives designed to:

Address Regional Skills Demands: We collaborate closely with local providers to address specialist skills shortages
Expand Qualification Offerings: Our goal is to diversify our range of qualifications, offering advantages to both our existing and new employer network.
Encourage Collaboration and Innovation: We facilitate a platform for the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches, benefiting Mastered Studios and also our clients and Subcontractors.

3. Ethical Practices

We commit to:

a. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in our supply chain operations.

b. Prohibit child labour, forced labour, and any form of discrimination within our supply chain.

c. Uphold workers' rights and fair labour practices, including fair wages and safe working conditions.

d. Respect intellectual property rights and confidentiality agreements.

4. Sustainability

We are committed to minimising our environmental footprint and promoting sustainability:

a. Reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote recycling in our supply chain.

b. Promote sustainable sourcing of materials and products.

c. Strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

d. Encourage suppliers to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

5. Supplier Relations

We value our relationships with suppliers and aim to:

a. Select suppliers based on ethical, environmental, and quality criteria.

b. Promote open and honest communication with suppliers.

c. Collaborate with suppliers to improve efficiency and quality.

d. Evaluate and monitor supplier performance regularly.

6. Risk Management

We actively manage risks within our supply chain by:

a. Identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.

b. Maintaining contingency plans for supply chain disruptions.

c. Ensuring product safety and quality through rigorous testing and inspection.

7. Continuous Improvement and Quality Assurance Processes

We are committed to continuous improvement by:

a. Regularly reviewing and updating our supply chain policies and procedures.

b. Seeking feedback from employees, suppliers, and customers for improvement opportunities.

c. Investing in technology and processes that enhance supply chain efficiency.

We expect our sub-contractors to liaise with our Quality manager to ensure that their monitoring systems are robust and encompass the following elements:

Self-Assessment and Financial Due Diligence: Questionnaire
Quality Improvement Plan:
Learner Evaluations: Learner Evaluation Surveys at learner mid-point and program end
Observation of Teaching and Learning: Annual assessment of teaching practices.
System File Audits: Annual Quality Audit Monitoring Visits.
Performance Management Review Meetings: Dependent on the contract, are required to occur weekly, monthly or quarterly.
In-learning Progress Reports: Produced by subcontractors, these reports are compiled monthly or quarterly.

8. Compliance and Reporting

We require all employees, contractors, and suppliers to adhere to this supply chain policy. Non-compliance may result in corrective actions, including termination of contracts or employment.

Employees are encouraged to report any violations or concerns related to this policy through our established reporting mechanisms.

9. Management Fee and Justification:

Mastered Studios applies a subcontract management fee of 10-20% gross margin. This fee is determined by the outcome of the subcontract expression of interest, due diligence, track record, learner volumes, and other relevant factors. It encompasses a range of essential support mechanisms and processes, including:

Designated point of contact for each Subcontractor.
Administration and processing of all electronic and hard copy sub-contract provider documentation.
Bi-monthly Quality assurance checks on each Subcontractor.
Provision of training and documentation on our company's quality standards.
Issuing and analysing Subcontractor monthly performance reports.
Conducting regular Subcontractor review meetings with progress reports.
Granting Subcontractors access to relevant learner and employer online training, including equality and diversity, safeguarding, and other pertinent courses.
Providing quality training related to preparation for Ofsted inspections and invoicing.

10. Conclusion

At Mastered Studios, we believe that a responsible and sustainable supply chain is vital for our success and the well-being of our stakeholders. This Supply Chain Policy represents our commitment to conducting business in an ethical, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner.

This policy will be communicated to all employees, suppliers, and relevant stakeholders and will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.