NHSSC updates suppliers on compliance requirements and its 2030 strategy

Last Updated on 13/10/2026 by Sarah Sarsby

NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) outlined tender requirements and plans to simplify supplier trading processes at its webinar on 7 October 2026. The session addressed documentation issues affecting bids, progress towards its 2030 strategy, and changes suppliers can expect through its modernisation programme.

Quality management systems and regulatory compliance

As a condition of participation in NHSSC tenders, bidders must submit valid, in-date ISO 9001:2015 or BS EN ISO 13485:2016 certification, or Medical Device Single Audit Program certification, accredited by UKAS or one of the accepted alternative Notified Bodies.

If certification is being obtained, bidders must provide a letter from the relevant body confirming that the process has started and that the estimated outcome following audit is within two weeks of the assessment summary being issued, as detailed in the tender timetable. Committing to obtain certification is not sufficient; failure to provide evidence will result in the bid being rejected.

Certification must include, but not be limited to, sales, manufacturing, storage, and distribution. If bidders do not cover all activities themselves, for example because they are distributors or use key contractors, they must provide ISO certificates for every company involved with their bid submission.

For medical devices, bidders must provide conformity assessment information at tender submission. UKCA and CE marking indicate conformity with the applicable medical device requirements. CE marking remains recognised in Great Britain subject to the relevant requirements and timelines.

A Declaration of Conformity must link the products tendered to the relevant certification and regulations. Supplier product codes that differ from the manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity require an explanatory document linking the codes.

Medical devices must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before being placed on the Great Britain market. Registration supports traceability and product safety, alongside Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) codes for identifying and classifying devices.

MHRA registration does not constitute accreditation, certification, approval, or endorsement. NHSSC therefore requires supporting regulatory documentation at tender.

Delivering NHSSC’s 2030 strategy

NHSSC’s 2030 strategy brings together Supply Chain Modernisation, Commercial Transformation, and Trading Transformation to improve supply services, purchasing, and trading processes.

The Trading Transformation update covered work to simplify pricing and reduce invoice queries. Progress on the programme so far included removing 75,000 unsold products from the catalogue, eliminating 1.1 million price points, and introducing pricing dashboards and revised customer segmentation.

Next steps include further reviews of quantity-based price bands and units of issue, meaning the quantities or pack sizes in which products are supplied. The price banding review initially targeted bands with no orders during the previous 12 months. NHSSC aims to complete its three-phase price banding review by March 2027, retaining bands where needed for competitive pricing and appropriate units of issue.

A pilot with two eDirect suppliers, which deliver directly to customers, is testing how to manage invoice and purchase order mismatches where delivered quantities exceed those ordered.

NHSSC is also reviewing its IT systems to establish Oracle as the single source of pricing data, simplify pricing structures, and increase automation. Delivery is provisionally targeted for spring 2027.

Supply Chain Modernisation

The programme involves investment in NHSSC’s network, technology, and working practices, with phased implementation intended to minimise disruption.

Intended supplier benefits include improved demand visibility, standardised processes, better data quality, and simpler transactions. NHSSC committed to early engagement and proactive communication, with opportunities to shape and test changes.

Suppliers will be expected to prepare for system and process changes, support improved data standards, and work collaboratively to maintain supply.

Further information is available in NHSSC’s supplier factsheet on the modernisation programme.