NHS SBS: Simplifying Soft FM Procurement Frameworks
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is a key pillar of the country's success, but many are calling for further cost-saving measures, while Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has declared the institution "broken."
Meanwhile, NHS Supply Chain estimated that in 2023-24, annual NHS spending on products sat at around £8bn (US$10m).
Now, NHS SBS has introduced three major framework agreements worth £375m (US$471m). These frameworks, covering linen and laundry, grounds maintenance and security services, provide NHS trusts and public organisations with compliant, cost-effective ways to manage facilities across their estates.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), a joint venture established in 2004 by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and European digital services leader Sopra Steria, plays a key role in supporting the NHS.
By providing essential corporate services like finance, procurement and workforce solutions, NHS SBS ensures smoother operations for more than half of NHS facilities in England. Dedicated to sustainability and social value, the organisation aligns its services with the NHS’ long-term goals, utilising advanced technology and expert insight.
Supporting NHS priorities with essential frameworks
The new procurement offerings follow the Autumn 2024 budget, which allocated £1bn (US$1.2bn) to NHS maintenance as part of broader investments in infrastructure and patient care.
NHS England recently reported that running the NHS estate costs £13.6bn (US$17bn) annually, including £1.5bn (US$1.8bn) for cleaning and 11.1 billion kWh of energy usage. These figures highlight the importance of cost-effective facilities management.
Nick Verburg, Head of Category Management at NHS SBS, highlights the frameworks’ importance: “The framework agreements provide essential services that support clean, safe and functional environments, aligning with government and NHS national priorities for a resilient and efficient healthcare system.
"Developed with a regional structure to ensure all sizes of suppliers are included, we’re delighted to be able to offer a blend and provide a choice of solutions for the NHS - and to work with hospitals, trusts and Integrated Care Systems to manage their soft FM needs.”
Soft FM: The foundation of quality healthcare
Soft FM services are critical to maintaining the safe, clean and welcoming environments that underpin quality care.
Whether it’s ensuring hygienic linen, managing hospital grounds or protecting NHS facilities, these services support the daily operation of healthcare settings.
Linen and Laundry Framework
This £150m (US$188m) agreement encompasses the hiring, purchasing and decontamination of linen.
It also includes repairing and recycling old materials, reducing costs while supporting the NHS’s net-zero ambitions. By involving 56% of suppliers which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the framework also prioritises local procurement and sustainable practices.
Grounds Maintenance Framework
Valued at £100m (US$125m), this framework supports clean and well-maintained outdoor spaces, vital for patient wellbeing and infection control.
Services include landscaping, pest control and options for recycling green waste. NHS trusts can also incorporate biodiversity targets into their Green Plans, supported by tools like electric lawnmowers and environmentally-friendly solutions.
Security Services Framework
To address safety, the £125m (US$157m) framework provides services such as manned guarding, emergency response and CCTV surveillance. These offerings ensure NHS facilities remain secure, enabling uninterrupted care for patients.
Simplifying procurement & supporting sustainability
The frameworks streamline the procurement process by providing pre-approved suppliers, reducing the need for complex tendering.
Procurement teams can source services quickly while adhering to compliance standards. Transparent pricing ensures accessibility for all NHS organisations, particularly smaller trusts.
Sustainability is a key focus, with services like energy-efficient equipment and environmentally-friendly practices integrated into the frameworks.
For instance, the laundry framework supports sustainable water and energy usage, while the grounds maintenance framework incorporates green waste recycling and electric tools.
Nick explains: “Part of our evaluation process measured the ability of bidders to tackle modern slavery in their supply chains and provide apprenticeships through the delivery of their offers through these framework agreements.
"Therefore, organisations who call off services using them will benefit from collaborating with suppliers who are committed to delivering social value which in turn will benefit their own Green Plans.
"By streamlining procurement and ensuring access to high quality sustainable services, we’re helping healthcare organisations save time and money while enhancing patient care. This reflects our commitment to delivering practical, innovative solutions that support the NHS in achieving its goals.”
These frameworks signal NHS SBS’ ongoing commitment to simplifying processes while aligning with the NHS’s goals for efficiency, sustainability and social value.
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