NHS Supply Chain has announced the launch of its 2015/16 Sustainable Development Report.
The report outlines the commitment to deliver sustainability benefits for NHS customers, placing strong emphasis on the progress made in ethical procurement and transparency.
The passing of the 2015 UK Modern Slavery Act brought into sharp focus the responsibility of suppliers to understand their supply chains. NHS Supply Chain responded by widening its ethical procurement programme first established in 2012. Today, over 200 suppliers are subject to the Labour Standards Assurance System (LSAS) conditions across a wide range of framework agreements.
In addition to engaging with suppliers on their response to the legislation, NHS Supply has trained 75% of its buyers on the Modern Slavery Act and is on target to train 100% by the end of 2017.
“Our report demonstrates how sustainability is increasingly embedded in the roles of our buyers,” said Stephanie Gibney, ethical and sustainability manager at NHS Supply Chain. “It’s at the forefront of their consciousness when making business decisions, alongside cost, quality and service. In fact it’s becoming simply how we do business.”
David Pierpoint, chief operating officer at NHS Supply Chain, added: “Our 2015-16 report demonstrates how procuring through NHS Supply Chain helps drive sustainable value, both through procurement and logistics. The focus on ethical procurement and transparency forms a key part of the report. By working cross-functionally with our suppliers and stakeholders we can understand more about our impact and help ensure sustainable activity is embedded in the business.”
NHS Supply Chain’s 2015-16 Sustainable Development Report is available to download here.
