BIVDA was asked to complete a survey by NHS England about the readiness of SMEs / VCSEs within our membership to meet the requirements set out in the NHS Supplier Roadmap.
We wanted to share with you our response in support of you our members.
Following on from this we also plan to survey the membership to get a more detailed overview on how they are navigating and progressing on their sustainability journeys.
In general, for a SME/VCSE (of your membership) who has not currently measured their baseline emissions, please outline the key reasons why this is to date. For example, due to time constraints, financial concerns, resourcing, knowledge of carbon accounting, etc.
BIVDA Response:
Other legislative requirements – leaving the EU has forced a resource and financial burden across the sector so carbon calculating has been a lesser priority, as keeping products available to the UK market is the paramount concern.
Resources, financial, time, staff and knowledge / understanding are also factors.
Is there any other information you would like to share about the SMEs/VCSEs you represent and their net zero journey?
BIVDA Response:
In general all of the BIVDA membership do not oppose implementing policy through procurement, however an understanding by NHS England and the NHS of conflicting legislative priorities, which are arguably more important as relate to patient safety, availability and competition, would be appreciated by the sector.
So it is felt that it would be appropriate to conduct further supplier engagement and consultation around this.
