Ensuring Duty of Care with Spring Environmental
Client Overview
One of the UK’s leading telecoms providers — delivering fixed-line, mobile, and broadband services nationwide — sought to strengthen its environmental and energy management practices. With a vast and complex supply chain, the company is committed to minimising environmental harm, preventing pollution, and improving energy efficiency.
To align suppliers with its environmental values, the provider partnered with Spring Environmental to conduct robust supplier audits focused on environment, health, and safety compliance.
Targeting High-Risk Suppliers
Spring Environmental works closely with the client’s Environmental, Compliance, and Sourcing teams to identify and audit ‘high-risk’ suppliers — particularly those managing waste streams.
The primary aim is to reduce risk by:
- Preventing non-compliance with environmental and H&S legislation.
- Minimising reputational and operational risks linked to supplier activities.
Audits typically focus on waste contractors, facilities management companies, and vehicle operators involved in waste handling or transport.
Audit Approach
Acting as independent experts, Spring Environmental leads the full audit process, from preparation to reporting and follow-up.
The process includes:
1. Pre-audit Coordination: Once the client introduces the supplier, Spring liaises directly to gather background information and schedule the audit.
2. On-Site Audit: A thorough review is conducted, covering:
- Environmental governance and waste management processes
- Relevant permits and licences
- Waste storage, transport, and documentation
- Site security and nuisance controls
- Health and safety procedures
- Environmental risks to soil or groundwater.
3. Reporting: Findings are documented in a comprehensive report shared with both the telecoms provider and the supplier. This includes:
- Major and minor non-conformities
- Opportunities for improvement.
4. Follow-up & Closure: Suppliers are expected to address findings. Spring supports the resolution process, setting deadlines and verifying corrective actions, ultimately enabling supplier approval.
Improvement Through Support
A key part of Spring’s approach is to educate underperforming suppliers rather than penalise them outright. This is particularly valuable for smaller or newer businesses that may lack the resources or awareness of larger firms.
By helping these organisations improve, the telecoms provider gains access to a broader pool of compliant waste partners — strengthening its supply chain without compromising on standards.
Expert Team, Real-World Insight
Spring Environmental’s audit team brings first-hand experience from across sectors including environmental services, manufacturing, oil & gas, and construction. This deep industry understanding ensures audits are rigorous yet fair.
Get in Touch
If you’re reviewing supplier compliance for environment or health and safety — or just want to learn more — contact the Spring Environmental team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.