New suppliers

It is our policy to procure goods and services competitively, ethically and efficiently in accordance with all relevant laws, regulations and licenses. In particular, sourcing activities must comply with the requirements of the Utilities Contracts Regulations and all business should be carried out in line with the values and aspirations outlined in our Supplier Code of Conduct.

National Grid’s Sustainability Policy outlines our ambition to transform the way we do business and provide a sustainable legacy as a result of our operations.  We expect our suppliers to support this approach.

We use the Achilles Utilities Vendor Database (UVDB) when compiling lists of potential suppliers for our goods and services requirements. For the majority of our purchases, it is a condition of supplying to National Grid that suppliers are registered on the UVDB.

For certain high-risk categories, suppliers are further required to complete the Achilles Verify process; whereby an assessment of Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental capabilities is undertaken and an evaluation rating produced.

The UVDB/Verify system is a key part of our risk management strategy.

Find out more about Achilles supplier solutions on the Achilles website.