NHS Reveals Social Value Guide to Revamp Public Contracting

NHS Reveals Social Value Guide to Revamp Public Contracting

The NHS Social Value Playbook, a comprehensive guide published by NHS England, is set to revolutionize how the National Health Service (NHS) procures goods and services. This guide aims to integrate social value into every stage of the NHS procurement and commissioning lifecycle, promoting sustainability, equity, and social responsibility in healthcare delivery.

Key Components of the NHS Social Value Playbook

1. Integrated Procurement Lifecycle: The playbook outlines six key stages in the procurement process: Pipeline, Define Business Need, Business Case, Tender, Contract Award, and Contract Management. Each stage incorporates social value considerations to ensure sustainability and equity are embedded throughout.
2. Social Value Themes and Metrics: Suppliers are required to address up to two social value themes with timed action plans during the tender stage. These themes are informed by local green plans, which set out initiatives to reduce emissions and support other sustainability goals.
3. Green Plans and Sustainability: Each Integrated Care Board (ICB) and trust publishes a green plan detailing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. Procurement teams use these plans to include relevant social value metrics in specifications, tender documents, and contract KPIs.
4. Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain Management: During the tender stage, suppliers must complete modern slavery assessments for medium-high risk procurements. This ensures that NHS procurement practices promote ethical sourcing and contribute to a fair and sustainable supply chain.
5. Contract Management and Performance Metrics: Contracts include at least one Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reflecting social value commitments. This ensures that suppliers are held accountable for delivering their social value promises.

Impact on Healthcare Delivery

The NHS Social Value Playbook impacts healthcare delivery by promoting sustainability, addressing health inequalities, and enhancing collaboration. Through the integration of green plans and carbon reduction strategies, the NHS aims to reduce its environmental footprint. By embedding social value considerations, the NHS aims to address health disparities and improve outcomes for diverse populations. The playbook encourages collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), fostering a more inclusive procurement process.

Overall, the NHS Social Value Playbook provides a structured approach to integrating sustainability, equity, and social responsibility into NHS procurement and commissioning practices, ensuring that healthcare delivery is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.

The Playbook complements the NHS Net Zero Commitment, targeting net zero emissions by 2040 for directly controlled emissions and by 2045 for those the NHS can influence. It aligns with several national initiatives, including the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/20, and the NHS Net Zero Commitment.

The Playbook offers practical steps for integrating social value at every stage of the NHS procurement and commissioning lifecycle. It provides examples of successful supplier contributions, such as training programmes for disadvantaged groups or sustainable packaging solutions.

For comments or questions regarding this article, please contact [email protected].

[1] NHS Social Value Playbook, NHS England, 2023.

1. The NHS Social Value Playbook, a pioneering document by NHS England, is poised to transform the way the National Health Service (NHS) acquires goods and services.
2. This guide focuses on integrating social value in all phases of the NHS procurement and commissioning process, fostering sustainability, fairness, and social responsibility in healthcare.
3. The playbook breaks down the procurement process into six key stages, ensuring social value considerations are included in every step.
4. By addressing up to two social value themes during the tender stage, suppliers align their practices with local green plans, supporting environmental conservation efforts.
5. Green plans published by each Integrated Care Board (ICB) and trust detail strategies to decrease carbon emissions, which procurement teams use to incorporate relevant social value metrics.
6. Ethical sourcing is emphasized during tendering, as suppliers must complete modern slavery assessments for medium-to-high risk procurements.
7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) included in contracts ensure suppliers uphold their social value promises, fostering accountability.
8. The NHS Social Value Playbook aims to minimize its environmental impact by incorporating green plans and carbon reduction strategies.
9. By addressing health inequities, the playbook strives to improve healthcare outcomes for a diverse range of populations.
10. Procurement practices are designed to be more inclusive, encouraging collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs).
11. The playbook serves as a blueprint for embedding sustainability, fairness, and social responsibility in NHS procurement and commissioning practices.
12. Successful supplier contributions include training programs for disadvantaged groups and sustainable packaging solutions.
13. The NHS Social Value Playbook complements the NHS Net Zero Commitment, aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 (directly controlled) and 2045 (influenced).
14. The Playbook aligns with various national initiatives, such as the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/20, and the NHS Net Zero Commitment.
15. Examples of 'fitness-and-exercise' and 'health-and-wellness' programs offered by SMEs and VCSEs could enhance the healthcare delivery process, fostering personal growth and well-being.
16. The 'manufacturing' industry can collaborate with the NHS, offering proficient, eco-friendly solutions for medical devices and equipment.
17. 'Therapies-and-treatments' providers can align their services with the NHS Social Value Playbook, ensuring they contribute to equity and sustainability in healthcare delivery.
18. 'Nutrition' companies can address health disparities by offering culturally sensitive and affordable food options to diverse communities.
19. In the 'industry' sector, supplier diversity initiatives could foster greater inclusivity, benefiting both suppliers and the NHS.
20. 'Medicare' organizations can embrace the NHS Social Value Playbook, integrating social value considerations into their healthcare policies and practices.
21. The 'finance' industry can invest in environmentally friendly and socially responsible projects supported by the NHS.
22. 'Energy' companies can partner with the NHS to develop sustainable energy solutions for healthcare facilities, reducing carbon emissions and increasing efficiency.
23. 'Retail' businesses can offer eco-friendly and sustainably sourced products to NHS employees, promoting responsible purchasing both within the organization and among the general public.
24. 'Transportation' providers can collaborate with the NHS, offering electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and promote cleaner transportation options.
25. 'Cybersecurity' firms can help protect the NHS from potential security threats, safeguarding patient data and ensuring best practices in digital privacy.
26. The 'technology' sector can develop innovative solutions to support the NHS's social value goals, such as AI-powered systems for resource management and efficiency.
27. 'Artificial Intelligence' can provide personalized care plans for patients, improving outcomes and addressing health disparities.
28. 'Relationships' between NHS staff and patients can be strengthened through effective communication, compassionate care, and empathy, fostering a positive 'lifestyle' change and personal growth.
29. The fashion-and-beauty industry can contribute to the NHS's social value agenda by offering eco-friendly and ethically-sourced products, promoting sustainability and responsible consumption.
30. The 'food-and-drink' sector can support health and wellness initiatives by offering nutritious and affordable meal options, educating clients about making informed food choices, and contributing to community food programs.

Read also: