Case Study: BHP

As The Kids Research Institute Australia’s Strategic Partner, BHP’s generous support has helped the Institute create a world-class research environment by supporting the employment of our key researchers, funding research projects in the Pilbara and inspiring our scientists to ‘think big’ with the innovative BHP Blue Sky Awards.

Building on this partnership, BHP’s Supply Chain Improvement (SCI) team has played a hands-on role in helping improve some of the behind-the-scenes work at the Institute.

In August 2018, The Kids moved to its new home in the Perth Children’s Hospital. The layout of the state-of-the art laboratories presented new challenges for The Kids in the way we worked and supported our researchers in the laboratories. One of the challenges was to develop a new system to purchase, manage and store laboratory supplies and consumables.

With expertise and experience in supply chain logistics, the SCI team from BHP volunteered their time to work with The Kids to identify, develop and implement new ways of working. During a process that involved investigative tours, questionnaires, interviews and workshops, key members of the team worked closely with a special project group of The Kids’ staff from the procurement, facilities and laboratory management teams. 

Through the introduction of a simple, standardised system, The Kids was able to roll-out a new lean approach that streamlined the logistical process, avoiding excess stock and ensuring that researchers have access to the supplies they need when they need them.

This exchange of knowledge, skills and understanding resulted in much more than just the successful implementation of new work processes.

For BHP SCI team’s project lead Olivia D’Arrigo working with the The Kids’ teams was a unique team building activity.

“Our team was looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and working with The Kids was a fantastic chance for us to use our skills and experience to help the great work being done at The Kids,” Olivia said.

“We’ve all had the opportunity to stretch ourselves and develop our improvement skills further while supporting a fantastic cause.”

For The Kids, the experience was just as valuable.

“Working with BHP has provided us with new skills and allowed us to develop different ways of working, which we’ve been able to share more broadly across other groups in the Institute.”

“From a personal development perspective, the relationship with BHP has expanded our team’s skills and networks, developed project and change management expertise, widened viewpoints and enhanced our knowledge and confidence,” Procurement & Contract Manager Emma Gillespie said.

“And by making it easier for our researchers to work, we can make a real difference to the lives of kids everywhere.”