Sodexo Health & Care has been appointed as one of only 15 strategic suppliers to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and wider health organisations, as part of the newly launched National Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SSRM) programme.
The SSRM programme is a joint initiative between DHSC, the NHSE, and the Cabinet Office. The organisations involved say it represents ‘a shift in how the health system engages with its most critical suppliers – moving from traditional procurement approaches, to a structured, collaborative model that emphasises relationship-building, long-term value creation, and innovation’.
Philip Leigh, CEO of Sodexo Health & Care UK & Ireland, said: “Being selected as a strategic supplier is a proud milestone for Sodexo. We look forward to contributing to the SSRM programme, and are keen to see the programme accelerate the innovation and scale that partner organisations like Sodexo can bring to providers – driving efficiency, compliance, and improved outcomes.”
Sodexo says the appointment builds on its long-standing position as a strategic supplier to the Government. It will continue working separately with its own Cabinet Office Crown Representative.
In 2024, Sodexo Health & Care secured a place on the Crown Commercial Service’s RM6331 Healthcare Soft Facilities Management Services framework – a national framework that streamlines access for all UK public sector bodies to pre-approved suppliers, evaluated on both quality and cost. Additionally, the company was recently appointed by East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust to deliver food and FM services across its Colchester, Ipswich, and community estate.
Simon Lilley, director of Strategy at Sodexo Health & Care, said: “We have worked closely with the senior leadership team at the NHS and, of course, NHS Trusts for many years. Therefore, this formal collaboration with the NHS, DHSC, and our peers is a natural extension – collectively fuelling change as we support providers and systems facing unrelenting clinical and financial pressures.”
