How SMEs can shine by meeting NHS sustainability due diligence requirements

If you’re an SME looking to work with the NHS, you might have heard about their sustainability due diligence requirements. While it might sound a bit formal, the truth is this is an exciting opportunity, not just to secure valuable contracts but to make a real difference. 

The best part? The NHS Evergreen Maturity Matrix lets you work at your own pace, allowing you to grow your sustainability and social value initiatives step by step.

Why sustainability (and social value) matter to the NHS

The NHS aims to become the world’s first net-zero national health service by 2040, and they need suppliers who share this vision. The NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap requires suppliers with contracts over £5 million annually to have a carbon reduction plan (CRP) by April 2024. By 2027, this applies to all suppliers, regardless of contract size.

But the NHS is about more than just reducing carbon. It is equally focused on social value, creating positive community impacts, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting health and well-being. For SMEs, this is a chance to showcase eco-friendly practices and how they contribute to society.

The Evergreen Maturity Matrix: Progress at your own pace

The NHS Evergreen Maturity Matrix is perfect for SMEs because it offers a clear but flexible path to demonstrating their sustainability credentials. The matrix is designed to let you set your own priorities, whether it’s cutting emissions, boosting social value, or enhancing supply chain transparency. You can build momentum at a pace that suits your business, celebrating small wins along the way.

Achieving Evergreen status is a real badge of honour. It boosts your visibility to NHS procurement teams looking for responsible suppliers and shows your commitment to long-term sustainability and social impact.

5 Steps to meeting NHS sustainability requirements

Create a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP)

Start with practical steps: Measure your current carbon footprint, set achievable reduction targets, and outline how you’ll achieve them. Many SMEs find quick wins by improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and optimising logistics.

Use the Evergreen Matrix to guide your journey.

The Evergreen matrix is all about flexibility. Whether you want to focus on emissions, social value, or supply chain transparency, you can choose what works best for your business and progress at your own speed.

Deliver tangible social value.

Social value can take many forms, from supporting local employment, promoting workforce diversity, and engaging in community initiatives. Many of our customers are already doing incredible work here. For example, Clinical Partners is ambitiously scaling its business while aligning with the Evergreen Framework. They’re focusing on sustainability and creating meaningful social impact by enhancing access to mental health services and supporting local communities.

Collaborate with your supply chain.

Sustainability is a team effort. You can amplify your impact by working with suppliers to reduce emissions, improve transparency, and adopt eco-friendly practices. Simple actions like choosing local suppliers or reducing packaging can make a big difference.

Showcase your achievements

You don’t need formal certifications to demonstrate your commitment. Share your sustainability story on your website, proposals, and social media. The NHS values transparency, so celebrate your wins, share what you learn, and highlight what’s next.

A win-win for your business and the planet

Meeting NHS sustainability requirements isn’t just about compliance; it’s a strategic advantage:

More opportunities: Compliance and Evergreen status help you stand out in competitive NHS tenders.

Brand boost: A strong track record in sustainability and social value enhances your appeal to teams, customers, partners, and investors.

Operational gains: Many green initiatives—like energy efficiency—can reduce costs and improve resilience.

Celebrating our customers’ successes

We’re incredibly proud of the SMEs we work with who are leading the way in sustainability and social value. Businesses like Clinical Partners are proving that you don’t have to be a big corporation to make a significant impact. By embedding sustainability into their core strategies, they build a stronger business while helping create a healthier planet and fairer society.

Closing thoughts

If you’re ready to start your sustainability journey with the NHS, remember that progress is more important than perfection. Use the Evergreen Maturity Matrix to set your pace, embrace environmental and social initiatives, and celebrate every step forward. We’re here to support you. So, if you’d like to learn more about how to get started, book a call.