The NHS is auditing its supply chain, and bids from existing suppliers are being rejected if suppliers fail to prove they have met the Evergreen criteria.
Size isn’t important. Businesses of just four people and publicly traded corporations call us in a panic because a major project is at risk. One thing’s for certain, NHS Evergreen is not a “tick box” exercise!
With four levels to pass, Evergreen is fast becoming the benchmark standard for public procurement.
The good news is that participation is good for the planet, it’s good for society, and it’s good for your company! Used as a catalyst for change, you can feel pride in passing, and once you achieve Levels 3 or 4, you’ll have a stronger business.
We’re ready to help. Shall we start?
REJECT OUTRAGEOUS FEES.
Your assigned specialist advisory team will develop a project plan to ensure you can pass. With our own software, our library of documentation, and proven experience, we always meet our client deadlines.
Scared of the fees? Relax! We are renowned for offering fixed prices and being the most competitive consultancy firm. We delight in going the extra mile, and we love celebrating your success.
YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Comprehensive carbon emission reporting to the Procurement Policy Note PPN 006 (2025) (formally PPN 06/21) examines a suppliers’ Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP).
It’s stricter than the SECR and it must be published on your website.
YOUR RISK EXPOSURE.
Knowing your suppliers is fast-becoming a legal obligation, because if your suppliers are unethical, or are facilitating modern slavery, your own business may be at risk.
The good news is that you don’t have to audit all suppliers at once, but you must start.
COUNTER-SLAVERY.
Not only are you required to publish a quality Modern Slavery Statement on your website, but you must pass the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool. This tends to require remedial work.
Use your passing grade to support other bids: it’s an achievement!
It’s red tape, and starting the Evergreen Assessment can feel overwhelming.
There are four stages to Evergreen, Levels 1 through to Level 4. For most, Level 3 is the maximum required, although this demands an ESG rating such as those issued by B Corp or EcoVadis.
You’ll need your carbon reporting, modern slavery policies and procedures, and a supply chain audit, and if you’ve not done any sustainability reporting before, you may find this daunting.
The good news is that we love this work, and we’re really fast!
Ensure your answers reflect publicly available documents, such as sustainability strategies, carbon reduction plans, and published reports. Consistency enhances credibility and reduces the risk of scrutiny.
Use concrete examples to demonstrate actions taken, such as how you measure emissions, how you engage suppliers on sustainability, or how board-level oversight is enacted. Avoid vague generalisations.
Collaborate with departments such as procurement, compliance, facilities, or sustainability to gather accurate data. Cross-functional input ensures a complete and accurate submission.
Avoid overstating progress or referencing policies and actions that cannot be evidenced. The assessment may be used to monitor supplier performance against NHS sustainability targets.
Especially for suppliers with large indirect impacts, failing to account for supply chain emissions can reflect poorly. Even if data is limited, acknowledge efforts and planned improvements.
The Evergreen Assessment is part of a long-term NHS commitment to Net Zero. It’s not a box-ticking activity; view it as a signal of NHS expectations for continuous improvement and reporting.
YOUR NHS SUPPLIER STATUS IS AT RISK!
We can support you through the entire Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, and we even offer a choice of which ESG rating to support your certification!
Choosing between B Corp, EcoVadis, the GRI requires external guidance, and we offer this without charge. Likewise, carbon reporting and the preparation of your Carbon Reduction Plan are things that can take just a few days – it all depends on the size of your organisation.
Why not get a free consultation?
We support companies in measuring and reporting carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Our expertise includes aligning disclosures with PPN 006 (PPN 06/21), the GHG Protocol, and the SBTi, while preparing a carbon reduction plan.
We audit supply chains from Tier 1 to Tier 3, verifying ESG performance, assessing risks, and driving improvements through data analysis, supplier engagement, and actionable reporting. We even provide remedial consultancy to help them pass!
Our Social Value Sustainability Initiative supports social value reporting by capturing outcomes, measuring impact, aligning with procurement goals, and evidencing contributions to community, wellbeing, and equality.
We guide clients through the MSAT tool, assessing modern slavery risks, reviewing policies and practices, and producing evidence-based action plans to strengthen supply chain due diligence.
We develop tailored policies and procedures aligned with ESG, legal, and client-specific requirements, ensuring clear governance, accountability, and practical guidance across environmental, social, and ethical areas.
We support clients in improving ESG ratings by aligning practices with frameworks such as B Corp, EcoVadis, the GRI etc., assessing gaps, enhancing disclosures, and evidencing performance across key ESG themes.
The NHS Evergreen Assessment is a mandatory self-assessment tool helping suppliers demonstrate sustainability performance and alignment with NHS Net Zero goals.
ESG PRO offers fixed-price consultancy, a 6-step compliance programme, and support from carbon reporting to MSAT certification.
It covers carbon reporting, supply-chain auditing, social value, and modern slavery compliance.
There are four levels, from foundational to leadership, with Level 3 typically required for most NHS suppliers.
Common issues include lack of carbon data, missing policies, and misunderstanding Scope 3 emissions requirements.
Failure to complete Evergreen can lead to bid rejection, loss of NHS supplier status, or missed opportunities.
Suppliers should update their Evergreen submission annually to maintain valid certification.