The new digital hardware framework could save the NHS and wider public sector up to £250 million – building on the success of many services transitioning to remote working
In the last year, public sector organisations across the country have been forced to migrate to remote working.
Now, the new Digital Workplace: Hardware agreement is going to replace the pre-existing agreement, meaning that public sector organisations such as NHS trusts, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), universities, emergency services and local authorities will have a simpler route to market for end-user client devices that are in heavy use.
The new agreement is free-to-access.
What will be covered?
Desktop PCs, laptops/notebook devices, mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables), specialist healthcare related IT hardware (clinical displays, infection control keyboards, mobile carts), printers and scanners, and a one-stop-shop for peripheral items or bundled requirements.
Public sector organisations should find that this new system is more streamlined than the old, but well-used framework.
Who can use the new digital hardware framework?
This new system will be open to all public sector organisations across the UK, including the NHS, Local Authorities, the Education sector, Charities, Blue Light Organisations and Housing.
‘Much of the country moved to remote working with huge success’
Phil Davies, Director of Procurement at NHS SBS, commented: “The new framework provides ease and peace of mind for organisations looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to meet their end user device needs. In 2020, much of the country moved to remote working with huge success.
“The launch of the Digital Workplace: Hardware framework means the public sector can continue to access technologies that are pivotal to supporting productivity through flexible and innovative ways of working.
“The framework has been carefully-negotiated to ensure it offers the latest devices with highly competitive public sector pricing. With a comprehensive procurement exercise already undertaken, NHS and other public sector organisations can save valuable time and resource by directly awarding or carrying out mini-competitions as required.”
