The NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) launched a groundbreaking framework agreement to enhance consultancy and advisory services for the healthcare sector
This framework agreement is set to redefine how essential services are obtained and utilised.
The purpose of the framework agreement
The agreement, which will be active from March 18 2024, to March 17 2028, marks a significant milestone in strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare operations across the UK.
Open to both the NHS and the wider public sector, this agreement offers a route to access a diverse collection of consultancy and advisory services set to meet the needs of healthcare providers.
The framework contains services that elevate healthcare delivery standards, from strategic business planning to IT infrastructure optimisation, HR management, and sustainability initiatives.
The framework also ensures comprehensive coverage of essential consultancy domains. These include areas such as business strategy, integrated care solutions, innovation and transformation, communication strategies, IT consultancy, financial management, human resources, disease outbreak management, social value initiatives and property procurement.
The frameworks lot compromise
Lot 9 is dedicated to social value, sustainability, and carbon neutrality. This specialised lot aims to support the NHS and the wider public sector in achieving carbon net-zero targets by 2040, recognising the imperative to address environmental concerns.
The procurement framework’s 10 Lots comprise:
- Lot 1 – Business, leadership, management, governance, structure & strategy
- Lot 2 – Integrated care, healthcare & community care
- Lot 3 – Commercialisation, innovation & transformation
- Lot 4 – Communications, engagement & research
- Lot 5 – IT business consultancy
- Lot 6 – Finance and procurement
- Lot 7 – HR and employment, skills, and training
- Lot 8 – Disease outbreaks – endemics, epidemics and pandemics
- Lot 9 – Social value, sustainability, and carbon neutrality
- Lot 10 – Property
Integrating sustainability principles into healthcare operations aligns with environmental stewardship goals and responsible resource management.
One of the key advantages of this framework agreement is its inclusivity. From small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to established national providers, a collection of pre-approved suppliers ensures that contracting authorities can select partners best suited to their specific requirements.
Stimulating innovation within the healthcare sector
The agreement authorises healthcare organisations to tailor consultancy solutions according to their evolving needs by offering contracting authorities the option to engage single or multiple service providers.
The agreement aims to stimulate innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient care experiences by providing a structured and efficient mechanism for accessing consultancy and advisory services.
