NHS England has launched the Evergreen Assessment tool for suppliers to engage with the NHS on their sustainability journey and understand how to align with NHS net zero and sustainability ambitions.
The online self-assessment and reporting tool serves as a pathway for communication and data gathering between suppliers and NHS decisions makers across NHS organisations and will provide a mechanism for suppliers to showcase their net zero progress and wider sustainability efforts.
Suppliers completing the assessment will receive a sustainability maturity score against NHS priorities, signposting their current position and pathway to progress. The assessment score has not been designed to be included in procurement.
The maturity score will be valid for 12 months, but suppliers will be able to update their annual assessment with significant updates throughout the year. It is recommended that suppliers complete the assessment annually.
NHS England has set out the key benefits of using Evergreen.
For suppliers
- Benchmark against current and future NHS priorities
- One conversation with the NHS
- Supports sustainability ambitions
For NHS organisations
- Supports understanding of supply chain for trusts and integrated care boards
- One conversation with suppliers
- Improved contract management
To find out more about the Evergreen Assessment click here.