Buying Principles
We are evolving. In alignment with the NHS 10 Year Plan, the Procurement Act, and our commitment to the NHS Supply Chain Modernisation Programme, we are enhancing our commercial approach by introducing a set of Buying Principles.
These Principles form part of our wider Buy Smart approach and support a shared commitment to value, simplicity, and alignment.
Building on existing good practice, they will guide how we make decisions, work with suppliers, and improve outcomes for patients – consistently and with confidence.
They underpin our commitment to:
- Buy as one NHS, using our collective scale to unlock better value.
- Make informed, data-led decisions that reflect clinical priorities.
- Look beyond cost, embedding sustainability, resilience, quality, and patient outcomes.
- Simplify how we work with suppliers and customers.
This marks the beginning of our journey, but we wanted to share an early view of the direction we’re taking. This work is focused on strengthening how we operate internally, embedding consistency, clarity, and confidence in commercial decision-making.
As we move forward, we’re keen to bring you with us and will continue to share updates and opportunities to engage.
What this means for suppliers
Our Buying Principles offer a clearer, more consistent view of how we make decisions. They reflect the broader goals of the NHS – including better value, sustainability and patient outcomes, and help you, as a supplier, to align your products and services with what matters most.
We’re also working to simplify how we engage with you, making it easier for you to do business with us. These changes are designed to support long-term partnerships and develop more efficient ways of working.
Links section
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NHS Supply Chain Modernisation Programme Approved
NHS Supply Chain has received approval from Government to proceed with our IT and supply chain modernisation programme.