Philip Leigh, chief executive 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.”
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), added: “Our healthcare system can’t function without its suppliers. They play a critical role in driving innovation, ensuring better value for taxpayers, and putting more money in people’s pockets through long-term growth.”
The SSRM programme, a joint initiative between DHSC, NHS England, and the Cabinet Office, 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’.
Health organisations identified the suppliers they felt most vital to the delivery of health services, with Sodexo chosen to participate in this ‘long-term, high-impact’ programme.
The announcement follows a series of recent achievements by Sodexo. In 2024, Sodexo Health & Care secured a place on the Crown Commercial Service’s RM6331 Healthcare Soft Facilities Management Services framework. This national framework streamlines access for all UK public sector bodies to pre-approved suppliers, evaluated on both quality and cost.
Additionally, Sodexo was recently appointed by East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust to deliver food and facilities management services across its Colchester, Ipswich, and community estate.