The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) together with LCP Consulting (LCP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Supply Chain Academy (SCA) to work together to provide learning and capability development in the full scope of end to end supply chain management.

The Supply Chain Academy, has four main offers: a calendar of open courses, a bespoke supply chain capability development programme, facilitated workshops and leadership development. Since incorporation it has been delivering programmes to major retailers, manufacturers and service companies.

Using a combination of CIPS and CILT accredited course content and retail specific courses developed by LCP, the Academy seeks to provide learning which embraces every point in a supply chain from product costing and procurement, through contract negotiation and production planning to freight, logistics and distribution. The SCA deals with the supply chain as a total and interdependent entity and emphasises the need for an aligned understanding and the development of “T-shaped” managers.[1] (http://#_ftn1)

The supply and movement of goods into the UK market and to export markets around the world is a key enabler for the success of the vast majority of businesses in the country. The collaboration of CIPS, CILT, LCP and the SCA in the pursuit of a powerful offer in end to end supply chain understanding and advanced practice recognises the importance the supply chain plays in enhancing and protecting margin and in fulfilling critical customer satisfaction.

Zen Yaworsky, Programme Director of the SCA said. “In CILT, CIPS and LCP we have high quality allies in the development of the Supply Chain Academy. With them we have been able to provide high quality learning and development to some of the UK’s largest retailers, manufacturers, property companies and banks; all of whom are seeking to add value to their business through a modern understanding and execution of the supply chain. We see CIPS, CILT and LCP as being best-in-class in this field and we welcome their important collaboration. We look forward to a productive and exciting future together as the Academy and its offer grows. ”

David Noble, CIPS CEO said: “This is an excellent advancement in the understanding and development of supply chain management, and is an opportunity for organisations of all kinds to acquire knowledge and enhance and acquire skills to support their business.

“This is also a great example of partnership working between academia and other institutes as we all bring all our specific expertise together. We’re stronger in this collaboration, adding to the body of knowledge in supply chain issues.”

Steve Agg, Chief Executive of CILT commented, “Our common objective is to focus attention on the value of collaborative working across the supply chain and to raise professional standards for everyone. It is vital that professionals are exposed to leading edge thinking enabling them to develop best practice within the operational environment. CILT is fully committed to these aims and this collaboration is itself an example of interested parties working together for a common good”.

Professor Alan Braithwaite, Chairman of LCP Consulting, said: “This is a major commitment to making skills and organisational development accessible both end-to-end and at all levels in supply chain and logistics. The SCA is unique in this vision, is a private sector investment and aligns to the national and regional imperatives for growth through competitive capabilities. LCP is pleased to support the SCA in this endeavour”