MAXIMUS/CDG Merlin Plus: integrated business process and positive partnership working
MAXIMUS/CDG merlin plus is based on a shared ethos of how best to create, manage and support healthy and high performing supply chains. The initiative builds on our commitment to the DWP Code of Conduct and Merlin Standard. It sets out the way we behave as a prime contractor, communicating and deploying our process and procedures, and utilising our combined corporate strength and capability.
merlin plus links three dimensions, as shown in the diagram below.
Merlin Standard: how process and organisational strengths support the principles in the standard related to supply chain design, commitment, conduct and review, plus performance success for customers, communities and the commissioner
MAXIMUS/CDG process - people and technology: how we progress our performance culture by the way we jointly develop, implement, monitor, manage, review and optimise supply chains for mutual benefit
MAXIMUS/CDG organisational capacity: how we use corporate financial strength, experience, and international reach to support successful supply chains
We will measure and review our success in meeting our commitments at senior management level, and through partner feedback as part of our business planning and review process. Sharing of best practice and organisational learning will lead to our continual improvement, allowing us to understand and exhibit exemplar supply chain management behaviour to support evolving supply chains and customer needs.
merlin plus achieves consistency through a set of commitments that are supported by established business process and international experience:
Design successful supply chains
- We will consider the diverse needs of customers when designing supply chains and work with supply chain partners who compliment us in meeting customer needs, by supporting high quality, innovative and value-for-money delivery
- We will be open and honest with potential supply chain partners before, during and after contract requirements are known regarding possible partnering arrangements and position in any supply chain
- We will understand and take into consideration the position of supply chain partner organisations and their support needs, including fair payment structures for specialist, voluntary and community organisations
Manage excellent relationships
- We will communicate openly and honestly at all times to supply chain partners, in line with our declared values and business principles
- We will formalise working relationships and funding arrangements to provide clarity for both sides to support high performance and success
- We will encourage the sharing of best practice to continually improve both supply chain performance and the breadth and quality of service for customers
Lead and develop healthy and high performing supply chains
- We will utilise established processes for performance review to continually drive improvements to the mutual benefit of customers, partners and the commissioner
- We will openly share policies and procedures, making sure that partners are compliant with our approach to subjects such as quality assurance, health and safety, equality and diversity, safeguarding and data security
- We will manage the sharing of data, including customer feedback within a documented performance monitoring regime, to achieve or exceed contractual commitments and targets
Utilise review activity and feedback to improve performance
- We will seek the feedback of customers and supply chain partners to influence the improvement of our services
- We will provide a structure of regular reviews with supply chain partners based on honesty and a focus on excellent performance and delivery
- We will provide feedback to the commissioner, on behalf of supply chain partners and customers, to support improved approaches and service delivery
Both MAXIMUS and CDG enthusiasticly believe this initiative will help us further develop our commitment to the DWP Code of Conduct and Merlin Standard. We are confident that it will confirm our supply chain leadership credentials and create an environment where healthy and high-performing supply chains thrive.
