About Us

The charter of the GSC states “The mission of the Global Sourcing Council is to promote an exchange of ideas and information among businesses, trade organizations, government agencies, and academics; to discuss and define practices in global sourcing; and to encourage progressive economic growth leading to increased trade, investment and social good, all with an aim to increase knowledge, deepen trade relations and broaden commercial and cultural ties among nations.”

The mission will be carried out through the sponsorship of meetings where open discussion of issues associated with sourcing, both pro and con will be discussed. “Most of the existing professional organizations in the outsourcing space are focused on the business aspects – the success of companies illustrated through case studies, the determination of best business practices, etc. The GSC is unique in tying together the business and social aspects. For example, sourcing relationships have brought jobs and technology into rural areas where there was very little opportunity for local people to have careers. This is an excellent social impact – improved training and education, improved standards of living. However, an interesting question to raise is to what extent do the companies bringing in the work even think about the social impact. In most cases they are thinking about the economic value of a cheap workforce!” comments Christine Bullen, the first President of the Global Sourcing Council.

“The GSC will champion the concept of planning for the social impact, that is, socially responsible sourcing. And taking on this viewpoint requires that any negative impacts will also be anticipated and potentially avoided,” adds Bullen.

GSC HISTORY
by David Kinnear and John Stacey

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" [Gandhi]

In early 2007, standing in the gardens of the United Nations, two stalwarts of the international outsourcing community, David Kinnear and John Stacey discussed a very "big idea" - with David seeking out a like-minded individual in John who could commit to architect and build The Global Sourcing Council together. Each agreed that no matter how seemingly daunting the goal of creating such an organization, this was indeed an organization whose message was essential and timely - creating a cohesive international dialog between both private and public sector around business success in the sourcing sector and worldwide socio-philanthropy. Fundamentally, this had to be a place where business leadership could meet public sector eye-to-eye and engage in business-oriented social responsibility in a most tangible and productive way - providing an example for others to follow.

Drawing on the inspiration and leadership demonstrated by Andrew Carnegie in particular, David and John pondered what an industry sector as large and growing as "outsourcing" could do for socio-philanthropy around the world. No one much recalls what Andrew Carnegie did for a living - but everyone recalls the impact of his socio-philanthropy - using business and business disciplines as a means to bring positive change for so many through thoughtful and focused 'giving back'.

The "big idea" conversation led to numerous meetings, conversations and requests of countless volunteers to donate their time, energy and thought leadership in giving life to what we now know as The Global Sourcing Council. From this emerged the tireless leadership of our first President, Christine Bullen and our first Board. The team members were each enthusiastic and committed enough to work through the August 2007 vacation period in order that - against all the odds - The Global Sourcing Council could host its Inaugural Forum on October 25, 2007. No one who attended will forget the extraordinary way in which legendary television documentary producer Bill Mosher helped us all to understand our role in telling the story of how business and humanity can and should combine in a common cause.

In this growing business sector so many around the world simply know as "outsourcing", there is a vast opportunity for positive social impact far beyond the boundaries and reach of typical charitable efforts - if our voices and efforts are coordinated - and our resources also.

As we enter 2008, our numbers are growing and our visibility also - not least thanks to the marvelous work undertaken to produce the GSC's website.

We welcome you to join the dialog. All are welcome.

David Kinnear & John Stacey
New York
January, 2008