Guidance for using the Evergreen assessment to embed Net Zero and Social Value in NHS England medicines tenders.

Policy overview

As part of the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap, the NHS built on the UK Government PPN 06/20 and will apply Net Zero and Social Value into medicines tenders in the manner outlined below.

Note the submission of an Evergreen Assessment is a separate requirement to the completion of a Carbon Reduction Plan, which will be included in NHS England medicines tenders from April 2024.

Scope

The policy covers all NHS England medicines tenders carried out by the Medicines Value and Access Directorate.

Requirement

An Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment should be submitted on the Atamis portal (specific level not required).

Assessments will be submitted on a yearly basis rather than per tender.

Evaluation

The submitted assessments will be evaluated against the following criteria:

  • pass/fail evaluation
  • condition of award, i.e. no submission means a supplier cannot be awarded a framework place or contract
  • KPI monitoring – yearly monitoring will occur to ensure that submissions have either been maintained or improved

Who is affected

Companies and organisations bidding for places on NHS England Medicines Frameworks and contracts are expected to comply with this policy.

When

This policy applies to procurement processes starting from 1st January 2024 onwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about Evergreen Assessments

We have provided guidance on the recurrent themes or topics of enquiry raised, to support implementation of the Evergreen assessment process.

Further information

The following links will provide further guidance and support:

Recording

You can also watch the following presentation from Chris McAleer, NHS England, about Net Zero requirements in NHS England Medicines Procurements.

Contact details

You can contact the teams in the following ways:

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