New procurement framework agreements are aligned with NHS net zero ambitions, offering trusts access to approved and cost-effective soft facilities management services.

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), the leading corporate services providers to the NHS, has launched three new soft facilities management (FM) procurement solutions designed to help NHS trusts enhance operational efficiency, save costs and ensure high quality environments for NHS patients, staff and visitors.

Together, the new framework agreements for linen and laundry, grounds maintenance and security services, with a combined value of £375m – provide NHS trusts and other public organisations with a compliant and cost-effective way to source solutions that support the day-to-day running, upkeep and caretaking of facilities across their estates.

The launches follow the government’s Autumn 2024 budget, which highlighted the importance of investments in NHS infrastructure and patient care and announced a £1bn boost to NHS maintenance. They also come a month after NHS England’s recently released figures putting the total costs of running the NHS estate at £13.6bn, cleaning costs at £1.5bn and total energy use at 11.1 billion kWh.

Nick Verburg, Head of Category Management at NHS SBS commented: “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.”

Supporting the foundations of quality healthcare

Soft FM services play a pivotal role in creating safe, clean and welcoming environments that promote patient recuperation and recovery, and support staff wellbeing and satisfaction.

From maintaining hygienic linen, managing hospital grounds to keeping NHS estates secure and those within them safe, soft FM directly supports operational excellence.

Linen and laundry services

Valued at £150m, the framework agreement provides a comprehensive solution for managed laundry and linen services, including hiring, buying and decontaminating – critical to the prevention and control of infections in healthcare settings – through to repairing and recycling of old linen, enabling its reuse for cost efficiencies.

Promoting sustainable practices, it aligns with the NHS’s net zero goals. Its regional structure gives buyers the ability to source from local NHS suppliers and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who constitute 56 per cent of suppliers on the framework agreement.

Grounds maintenance and associated services

NHS facilities need to maintain clean, well-kept outdoor and estate-wide spaces which are important to patient wellbeing, infection control and overall hospital presentation.

From landscaping to pest control, the £100m framework agreement offers services that contribute to creating a safe and welcoming environment for patients, staff and visitors.  

It also supports NHS trusts to meet biodiversity targets as part of their Green Plans with an offer that ensures all green waste is recycled or composted, and options for the use of electric power tools and grass cutting equipment.

Security services, CCTV and video surveillance systems

Addressing the critical need for safety, the £125m framework agreement provides access to a range of security services, including manned guarding, keyholding and emergency response.

By helping NHS organisations protect staff, patients and assets, the framework agreement ensures a secure environment essential for delivering uninterrupted care.

Streamlined procurement for better results

All three framework agreements simplify procurement by providing access to pre-approved suppliers, removing the need for lengthy and complex tender processes. This enables healthcare procurement teams to quickly source and acquire services they need while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.

With transparent pricing and inclusive access to suppliers, including SMEs, the framework agreements make procurement more accessible and equitable.

A focus on sustainability and innovation

Aligned with the NHS’s net zero ambitions, the framework agreements offer environmentally conscious solutions, from sustainable laundry practices to energy-efficient equipment. These innovations reflect the NHS’s commitment to sustainability while maintaining cost-effectiveness and high standards of service.

Verburg concluded: “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.”

For more information, contact the NHS SBS team at: sbs.hello@nhs.net.

For more information about NHS SBS framework agreements click: Framework Agreements | NHS SBS