NHSxZedify

November 27th, 2023

Bex Young

3 minute read

What is the NHS Sustainable Transport and Infrastructure framework agreement – and why might an organisation want to use it?

The Shared Business Services Framework Agreement provides a quick, compliant procurement route to market for sustainable solutions for the NHS and wider public sector, including schools, colleges, local authorities, universities and charities, from 2023 til 2027.

The agreement provides a one stop shop for sustainable transport and infrastructure services, and is therefore designed to be uber flexible. Bodies that use the framework can direct award to a single supplier or run a mini-competition – saving time and money by outsourcing this labour-intensive process.

Pricing options and capped rates have been secured with suppliers, allowing for cost certainty across the board.

Who can take advantage of the framework agreement?

Any NHS or public sector organisation across the United Kingdom.

Zedify’s involvement

After a long and competitive tender process, Zedify is proud to have secured a place on the framework as a certified low-carbon transportation service.

With 9 cities covered across the UK, we’re well-placed to serve the network and support on providing zero-emission first and last mile services to the NHS and beyond. We are one of two approved sustainable transport providers in the framework, alongside City Sprint.

Our USP? Cargo bikes make up more than 95% of our fleet, and we use them as our first port of call. They’re up to 60% quicker than e-vans in urban areas and, through the principle of vehicle ‘right-sizing’, are ultra efficient when it comes to carrying as many items as possible. Although we do have e-vans in our fleet, we typically only use these for trunking or for trips where item sizing necessitates their usage.

How could we help your organisation or business?

We offer a range of services, such as:

The transportation of medical equipment to and from sites
The transportation of non-medical equipment to and from sites
Providing a sustainable delivery network to community NHS hubs; such as pharmacies and drop-in centres
To fulfil prescription drop-off services to patients
To support in transporting goods needed for site improvements
To support in transporting goods for events

… and many other use cases.

We’re experienced in assisting public sector bodies in their mission to cut carbon and make their logistics systems more efficient. We take pride in the relationships we’ve built with organisations such as Brighton and Hove City Council and the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Together, we’ve found sustainable ways to do things better.

The road to net zero

The framework intends to support the NHS and wider public sector in lowering their carbon output to achieve a carbon net zero by 2050. NHS-supported Transport Consultancy Services are tracking sustainability gains and how well innovative tech solutions – such as battery storage units, new vehicle charging hubs – work on the scheme.

Want to get involved?

If you’re involved in one of the sectors listed in this piece and your interest has piqued, please do get in contact with the Zedify team to discuss how we can support you.

Our main contact is Mary McAlister, Group Partnerships: mary.mcalister@zedify.co.uk.