Discover how ESG Pro Limited can help your business achieve NHS Evergreen Level 4 Certification. As the only UK consultancy offering a full suite of Evergreen NHS compliance services, we ensure your business meets all the rigorous standards set by the NHS, including sustainability, governance, and ESG ratings.
NHS Evergreen Consultant: Your Guide to Achieving Level 4 Certification
The NHS Evergreen initiative is a crucial component of the NHS’s strategy to create a sustainable and resilient supply chain. It forms part of the broader Green Agenda 2050, which aims to integrate comprehensive sustainability practices across all operations within the NHS. Achieving high maturity levels in the Evergreen assessment is not just a matter of compliance but a competitive necessity for suppliers aiming to secure or maintain contracts within the NHS supply chain.
What Does the NHS Evergreen Programme Entail?
The NHS Evergreen programme is an advanced sustainability assessment tool that evaluates suppliers based on their alignment with the NHS’s long-term sustainability goals. It covers a wide range of criteria, including environmental impact, resource efficiency, ethical governance, and social value. The programme’s comprehensive scope reflects the NHS’s commitment to not only reducing its carbon footprint but also ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the highest standards of social responsibility.
The Importance of NHS Evergreen Certification
Achieving certification under the NHS Evergreen programme is vital for suppliers wishing to remain competitive in the NHS procurement process. The programme’s rigorous standards ensure that only those suppliers who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices can continue to do business with the NHS. As the NHS’s procurement decisions have far-reaching implications, the Evergreen certification acts as a benchmark for suppliers, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable practices that align with the NHS’s goals.
The Four Levels of Compliance in the NHS Evergreen Programme
The NHS Evergreen assessment categorises suppliers into four maturity levels. These levels, ranging from basic sustainability commitments to fully integrated and independently validated practices, serve as benchmarks for suppliers. Achieving the highest level of maturity—Level 4—requires a comprehensive approach to sustainability that includes robust carbon reduction strategies, ethical governance, and a validated ESG rating.
Level 1: Suppliers at this entry level must publicly commit to net zero targets and engage with sustainability initiatives. This foundational level is a starting point for more advanced sustainability efforts.
Level 2: Suppliers are required to set comprehensive net zero targets and establish robust carbon emissions reporting mechanisms. This level also includes addressing social issues such as modern slavery and contributing to social value within their operations.
Level 3: Suppliers must have their net zero targets independently validated and complete a modern slavery assessment tool. This level reflects a deeper commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices, showing that the supplier is proactively addressing critical social and environmental issues.
Level 4: The highest level requires suppliers to have independently validated net zero targets across their global operations, along with active efforts to map and mitigate supply chain risks related to modern slavery. This level also demands securing an ESG rating, which is essential for demonstrating comprehensive sustainability. Achieving Level 4 certification significantly enhances a supplier’s competitiveness in the NHS procurement process.
Beyond Carbon Reporting: The Comprehensive Scope of NHS Evergreen
While carbon reporting is a fundamental aspect of the Evergreen programme, the NHS’s sustainability requirements extend much further. Suppliers must demonstrate strong governance and ethical practices, particularly in managing risks related to modern slavery and driving social value. The NHS procurement process now includes a minimum weighting for net zero and social value, pushing suppliers to integrate these elements deeply into their core business practices.
Carbon Reduction Plans: From April 2023, all suppliers with contracts exceeding £5 million are required to publish a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plan that includes their UK Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as all Scope 3 emissions. This requirement will extend to all contracts from April 2024, necessitating the preparation and implementation of detailed carbon reduction strategies by suppliers.
ESG Ratings: By 2027, all suppliers will need to secure an ESG rating that evaluates all aspects of their operations, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance. This rating is not just a formal requirement; it is a critical factor in determining eligibility for NHS contracts. Companies that do not achieve a strong ESG rating risk exclusion from the NHS supply chain.
The Role of NHS Evergreen Consultants
Navigating the complex requirements of the NHS Evergreen programme can be daunting, particularly for suppliers who are new to the process or need to elevate their current practices. This is where the role of an NHS Evergreen consultant becomes invaluable. ESG Pro Limited is the leading consultancy in the UK, offering specialised support to help suppliers meet these rigorous standards. ESG Pro Limited is uniquely positioned as the only UK consultancy that offers a single point of excellence, capable of delivering all aspects of what is required to achieve an Evergreen Level 4 Certification.
Expertise in ESG Audits: ESG Pro Limited provides comprehensive audits that focus on both environmental sustainability and social governance. Their expertise ensures that suppliers meet all NHS requirements, from carbon reporting to modern slavery assessments. These audits are designed to identify gaps in compliance and provide actionable recommendations that help suppliers achieve the highest maturity levels in the Evergreen assessment.
Advanced Data Analysis Tools: ESG Pro Limited utilises cutting-edge tools like the IQ ESG Pro Supply Chain Audit Service to offer precise and efficient data collection and analysis. This helps suppliers streamline their reporting processes and improve their sustainability practices.
Ongoing Support and Strategic Guidance: ESG Pro Limited offers ongoing support to help suppliers continuously improve and adapt to new challenges. This support includes regular updates on regulatory changes, best practices for sustainability, and strategic advice on maintaining alignment with NHS goals.
Why ESG Pro Limited is Your Ideal Partner for NHS Evergreen Compliance
Specialised Expertise: ESG Pro Limited is the only UK consultancy offering a comprehensive service for achieving NHS Evergreen Level 4 Certification.
Innovative Technology: Their use of advanced tools ensures accurate data collection and analysis, making the compliance process more efficient.
Continuous Support: ESG Pro Limited’s commitment to ongoing support helps suppliers maintain high standards and continuously improve their sustainability practices.
For more detailed insights into NHS supply chain auditing and sustainability practices, consider downloading our free resources, including the Comprehensive Guide to ESG and the Complete Guide to GHG Carbon Emissions Reporting.