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New National Framework Launched to Help NHS Organisations Adapt to Climate Change

A new Climate Adaptation Capability Framework has been officially launched to support NHS organisations across England to prepare for and respond to the growing impacts of climate change. Developed through a pioneering collaboration, the framework sets out a practical, staged approach to help NHS organisations assess their resilience and take meaningful, coordinated action.

Climate change poses significant risks to public health and healthcare delivery – from heatwaves and extreme weather to disrupted transport and supply chains. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. As the Climate Change Committee recently warned, without urgent action, England could face up to 10,000 excess heat-related deaths per year by 2050.

Recognising the urgent need to act, Verture worked with Greener NHS North West, Greener NHS North East and Yorkshire, and NHS Greater Manchester, alongside Sustainability West Midlands (SWM), to develop the framework alongside guidance for integrating adaptation in NHS Green Plans, and a bespoke training programme for operational staff and senior leaders across the NHS.

From Strategy to Action

The framework builds on the award-winning Climate Adaptation Capability Framework developed as part of the Adaptation Scotland programme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Verture. A group of NHS professionals helped ensure the resources were grounded in frontline realities. Adapted for the NHS context in England, it includes:

• 43 practical tasks, each mapped against maturity levels
• Guidance to support the integration of adaptation into Green Plans
• A clear roadmap for NHS organisations to assess their current capability and plan next steps

“Bringing together colleagues from trusts and ICBs across the North of England to co-produce this adaptation framework – supported by expert, purpose-driven organisations like Verture and SWM – has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Neil Cartwright, Net Zero Programme Manager for Greener NHS North East and Yorkshire.

“This work, which began in the North, has now been formally approved as guidance for NHS organisations across the country, and that brings to all of us a tremendous sense of pride.”

Building Capacity for Change

So far, over 80 NHS staff have completed in-depth training, and more than 350 senior NHS leaders have participated in webinars to support them in using the framework. The goal is to foster a culture of climate adaptation across the NHS – not just through plans, but through mindset and governance shifts.

“The framework provides a tangible, actionable path forward,” said Jonny Casey, Head of Climate Ready Leadership at Verture. “It breaks down what might seem overwhelming into manageable steps and helps organisations align their adaptation work with strategic priorities and day-to-day delivery.”

Next Steps

NHS organisations are encouraged to use the framework and associated resources, identify their current stage of maturity, and begin taking steps toward greater climate resilience.

“Adaptation is not just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s about continuity and resilience of our healthcare system,” said Clare Macintosh, Regional Net Zero Programme Lead, Greener NHS North West.

“We’re already hearing discussions about integrating adaptation and resilience into the NHS thanks to this collaborative effort. It’s just the beginning.”

Find Out More

The Climate Adaptation Framework and resources are available on the NHS England website: A Climate Adaptation Framework for NHS Organisations in England

To explore the supporting tools and guidance, visit the dedicated WeAdapt space.