How to become a Qualified Supplier to National Grid UK?
You can now register to become a supplier to National Grid online using the new Total Supplier Management solution developed by Achilles.
In order to register your details for consideration by National Grid, please visit their website at www.nationalgrid.com/uksuppliers.
Registration on Achilles' Utilities Vendor Database (UVDB) and Verify involves a subscription fee. In registering on UVDB and Verify, your company will be visible to the entire UK Utility industry.
Achilles UVDB and Verify provides access to the UK Utility industry
The UVDB and Verify services are not only used by National Grid, but also by over 80 utility organisations within the Utility industry, including the utilities themselves, principal contractors and other purchasing entities. Billions of pounds worth of contracts are sourced and awarded to over 5,500 registered suppliers and contractors annually.
About National Grid Procurement Policy
“The UVDB provides a standardised, single, accurate data source, and a consistent approach to supplier qualification, and therefore removes unnecessary duplication for both suppliers and National Grid”.
Andy Smith
Procurement Manager
National Grid
It is National Grid’s policy to procure goods and services competitively, economically, ethically and efficiently in accordance with all applicable legislative requirements. In particular, sourcing activities comply with the requirements of the Utilities Contracts Regulations.
National Grid utilises UVDB when compiling lists of potential vendors for its goods and services requirements. For the majority of our purchases, it is a condition of supplying to National Grid that vendors are registered on UVDB.
For certain high risk categories, vendors are further required to submit to the Achilles Verify process, whereby a thorough assessment of Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental capabilities is undertaken and an evaluation rating produced.
In addition, for categories with a high risk in terms of Human Rights or Climate Change, vendors will be required to complete a National Grid questionnaire which may subsequently be followed up by a site audit.
The UVDB/Verify service is a key part of our risk management strategy, ensuring that all suppliers demonstrate the expected capabilities.
National Grid Sustainable Procurement Risk assessment
National Grid has developed a Sustainable Procurement risk model to determine the risk level associated with products and services. The risk model provides the basis for Achilles to determine which UVDB pre-qualification questionnaire (and Verify assessment) each supplier must complete.