Responsible and sustainable supply

Suppliers should familiarise themselves with key requirements as listed below, which may apply to their organisation, products and services.

Sustainability and social value requirements

Everyone’s long-term health is affected by social, environmental and economic factors. Applying social value provides an opportunity to improve patient lives and the communities they live in by the way we buy and manage contracts. In turn this creates healthier communities and reduces demand for NHS services.

The NHS has committed to reaching net zero by 2040 for emissions it controls directly, and by 2045 for the emissions we influence, through the goods and services we buy.

Policies and regulations 

Three government policies inform our roadmap to achieving this commitment, which suppliers should review prior to bidding for any of our contracts:

1. The Social Value model (PPN002)
2. Taking account of Carbon Reduction Plans (PPN006)
   • NHS England Carbon reduction plan and net zero commitment requirements for the procurement of NHS goods, services and works
3. The National Health Service (Procurement, Slavery and Human Trafficking) Regulations 2025
   • The National Health Service (Procurement, Slavery and Human Trafficking) Regulations 2025
   • NHS England » Tackling modern slavery in NHS procurement

Social Value Themes 

Suppliers should be aware that from April 2022, all NHS procurements have had to include a minimum of 10% net zero and social value weighting to their procurements with social value applying to both PCR2015 and PA23 contracts. The social value model is found in PPN 002 and includes five themes:

1. Kick starting economic growth

2. Make Britain a clean energy superpower

3. Take back our streets

4. Break down barriers to opportunity

5. Build an NHS fit for the future.

These themes are likely to be tested within upcoming tenders, with suppliers expected to be able to demonstrate value in tackling health and economic inequalities and improve outcomes in communities.

PPN 026

On 5 August 2026 PPN 026 was published, narrowing the themes to two:

1. Good Jobs
2. Skills

Further guidance is expected in Autumn 2026 for an implementation on 1st January 2027.

What suppliers need to consider 

Suppliers are also encouraged to complete the NHS Evergreen Assessment. This allows them to test their current sustainability and social value activities against NHS policy and have one conversation with buyers.

At NHS LPP, most of our frameworks will request the following from bidders and suppliers:

• A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) updated yearly

• Evidence of your actions to reduce and mitigate the risk of modern slavery in your service and supply chain

    - Proportionately based on risk

• Suppliers to commit to delivering social value in their call off contracts, providing evidence and assurance of their ability to do so