North East Public Sector Sustainable & Social Value Supplier Event 2026: Collaboration Driving Action

The North East Public Sector Sustainable & Social Value Supplier Event returned this March, bringing together public sector organisations, suppliers, and sustainability leaders from across the region to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing organisations today: supply chain carbon and social value.

Chaired by Genee’s Managing Director, Jo Holmes, the event highlighted the growing importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges such as public sector supplier carbon reporting.

Why this event matters

For many public sector organisations, the supply chain represents the largest proportion of their carbon footprint, but also one of the most difficult areas to influence and manage.

This event, now in its 6^th year, is about creating space for honest conversations between public sector organisations and their suppliers - not just about what’s required, but how we make it achievable.

A big focus for us is ensuring that SMEs aren’t left behind in this transition. The move towards more sustainable procurement is essential, but it must be done in a way that supports smaller organisations to come on the journey too.

Many SMEs simply do not have the time, resources, or in-house expertise to meet evolving public sector requirements. Events like this play a vital role in creating space for learning, collaboration, and open dialogue, helping suppliers to better understand expectations, while enabling public sector organisations to streamline and align their approach.

Learning from across the public sector and supply chain

Left to Right: Mina Cole, Alex Slack, Steve Mack & Tim Rippon

Throughout the day, we heard from leading organisations across the region, including NHS Trusts, local authorities, and procurement bodies such as Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and Newcastle City Council.

Just as importantly, we heard from suppliers already taking action - including organisations from the voluntary sector such as Newcastle United Foundation and Everyturn Mental Health.

These organisations are demonstrating how sustainability can be embedded in practice, supported through frameworks like Investors in the Environment (iiE), which is a staged, practical approach that meets organisations where they are on their journey. Rather than a tick-box exercise, iiE provides tools, guidance, and structure to help organisations:

• Build an environmental management system

• Reduce environmental impact

• Identify cost savings

• Meet public sector procurement expectations

  
  

“Get started” was the message of the day

The day opened with a powerful reflection from Sir Paul Ennals, who challenged attendees to consider:“What will you say to your grandchildren when they ask what you did about the climate crisis?”

It set the tone for a day focused not on perfection, but on progress.

That message was echoed throughout, and captured by Mina Cole from RE:GEN Group:

“We’d rather have imperfect climate action than perfect inaction.”

Attendees were encouraged to take the first step, ask questions, and work collaboratively with procurement teams to understand expectations and requirements.

Building momentum across the region

Reflecting on the event, Jo Holmes, Managing Director at Genee, said:

“It was really encouraging and motivating to see the appetite in the room for collaboration, knowledge sharing and action across the region. From what began as a one-hour webinar organised by Newcastle Hospitals, to an event with 350 in person registrations and public sector partners from across the North East, it really does show the momentum of sustainability, and that this is no longer a ‘nice to have’, but a necessity for responsible business.

We’re passionate about supporting the region and SMEs to prepare for and adapt to this green transition, and we’re proud to partner on an event that brings organisations together to make that happen.”

Looking ahead

With over 350 attendees registered to attend in person, this year’s event demonstrated the growing urgency and commitment across the North East to tackle sustainability challenges collaboratively.

If there’s one thing we hope people took away from the day, it to make a start.

The conversations, connections and shared learning from the day will play an important role in shaping the region’s approach to low-carbon, socially responsible supply chains.

We know that can feel easier said than done — particularly for smaller organisations who are juggling multiple priorities, which is why practical support is so important.

At Genee, we remain committed to supporting organisations of all sizes on their sustainability journey and ensuring that no organisation is left behind as we move towards a greener, fairer economy.

For organisations wondering where to begin, frameworks like Investors in the Environment (iiE) provide a practical and accessible starting point. Designed to meet organisations at any stage of their journey, iiE supports businesses to:

• Define a clear environmental policy

• Develop achievable action plans

• Measure and monitor their environmental impact

• Demonstrate progress through recognised certification

  
  

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build on existing progress, iiE offers a structured, supportive approach to turning ambition into action - helping organisations not only meet public sector expectations, but also realise cost savings and long-term value.