News: Jo Meehan - UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL

Jo Meehan is Professor of Responsible Procurement and the founding Director of the Centre for Sustainable Business at the University of Liverpool Management School. Her research focuses on modern slavery in supply chains, social value in public procurement, and the role of power in commercial relationships. She works closely with government bodies to provide evidence that informs responsible procurement legislation, guidance, and standards, and in 2025 was recognised in the UK’s Top 50 Net Zero list. 

Through her research and teaching, Jo explores how commercial practices can reinforce social inequality and environmental, and importantly, how procurement systems can be redesigned to create more equitable and sustainable outcomes. Her work has received numerous international awards and has informed thinking across organisations including the World Bank, the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, the UK Government, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, and a wide range of businesses.

Before moving into academia, Jo built over a decade of procurement experience in the private sector working as a buyer for a global blue-chip company. She continues to work closely organisations across sectors, connecting research with practice to support meaningful change in policy and decision-making.

She has attended IPSERA (nearly!) every year since it was held in Nantes in 2013 and has served on the Executive Committee since 2023.