Suppliers
EDI action goes beyond the internal operations of an organisation to include external relationships too. NHS Supply Chains are committed to improving diversity, equality and inclusion within the health sector, with many incentives already in place, as well as a five year EDI strategy. This section of the toolkit offers recommendations on how you as an organisation can help to foster and sustain a diverse and inclusive supply chain, whilst being compliant with procurement legislation and internal Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs). It also provides guidance on maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, helping encourage new organisations into the supply chain list, as well as the impact of sustained and positive communications with supply chain partners.
Another consideration is the Framework Agreements developed by the NHS LPP. Suppliers who wish to join the NHS LPP framework have to complete a pre-qualifying questionnaire (PQQ), and await an invitation to tender (ITT).
Working in partnership or collaboration with suppliers who are embedding their own EDI strategies serves to exponentially improve the experiences of your organisation’s employees. Supplies directly contribute to outputs; in the case of the health sector it provides positive connections and provisions for smaller organisations, improving community cohesion, and providing opportunities within the health sector. Find out information.
Encourage local minority-owned organisations to apply to be accredited NHS suppliers
Being intentional about EDI means recognising the value that it can bring to every aspect of your organisation, and this includes procurement. The health sector utilises an accredited supply chain list, which can limit reach in relation to supplier diversity and EDI in particular. However, an accredited list can still be utilised to seek out the most diverse suppliers amongst them.
An excellent way of promoting EDI and diversity within the supply chain, is through encouraging diverse suppliers within the local community to apply to be accredited NHS suppliers. Taking a positive step towards diversifying the supply chain, particularly within your local community, helps show that your organisation’s actions align with its words, and you are making a positive contribution to a fairer society.
Take note of the work done by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to encourage diverse suppliers into their accredited lists.
You can start to develop relationships with potential future diverse suppliers by hosting information events on your organisation and how you procure contracts. This can work to ensure that diverse suppliers feel better prepared to submit proposals when opportunities arise. If you are a general practice, one-to-one meetings are a good way of getting to know potential diverse suppliers. Remember to always give feedback to suppliers if they are unsuccessful, to help them learn and grow from the experience.
If you don’t already, you can also ensure there is an easy to follow guide on your website to help potential new suppliers with the supply chain process.
It can be helpful to recognise that not all health sector employees are up to speed on the supplier diversity program. From informal conversations to sector-wide emails, try to convey what you’re trying to achieve and encourage through supplier diversity efforts. For example, if you’re trying to reach a goal of growing your supplier diversity by a certain percentage in 2024, communicate that to employees so they can stay on the lookout for opportunities. Employers have the power to impact the industry, workforce and local communities through meaningful and proactive action, as well as conversation.
The GOV.UK Department of Health guide has helpful information on best practice procurement within the NHS.
Restore Digital also provided a white paper on the procurement process within the NHS.
The NHS London Anchors Network can be used to explore your role as an anchor in the local economy to promote increased diversity through your procurement activity.
The East London NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded funding to develop and implement an evaluation framework for social value procurement, with the aim of generating learning and identifying improvements and best practice.