Clinical and Healthcare Staffing
Introduction
The Clinical and Healthcare Staffing framework, managed by the NHS London Procurement Partnership under the NHS Workforce Alliance, is a structured procurement system specifically designed to facilitate the efficient hiring of medical and healthcare staff across NHS trusts. This framework is not a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and operates under a fixed-term arrangement, concluding on 11 October 2024. Its primary purpose is to streamline the recruitment of qualified clinical and healthcare professionals, ensuring that NHS organisations have access to a centralised resource for their staffing needs.
Context & Use Case
The framework encompasses a broad range of staffing services necessary for the effective operation of NHS trusts and healthcare institutions. Contracting authorities utilise this framework to overcome the challenges of staffing shortages and to ensure the continuous delivery of high-quality healthcare services. By leveraging the expertise and support offered through this framework, NHS organisations can efficiently navigate the complexities of hiring, ensuring that they have the right personnel in place when needed.
Scope of Services
The Clinical and Healthcare Staffing framework is divided into six distinct lots, each catering to specific staffing needs within the healthcare sector: 1. Nursing and Midwifery Staffing: This lot focuses on providing registered nurses and midwives to meet the diverse demands of hospital wards and maternity units. 2. Medical and Dentistry Staffing: This category addresses the recruitment of doctors and dental professionals necessary for maintaining essential medical services. 3. Allied Health Professionals and Health Science Services Staffing: This lot includes a range of professionals such as physiotherapists, radiographers, and laboratory technicians who support patient care and diagnostic services. 4. Emergency Services: This section provides access to skilled personnel required for urgent and emergency care settings, ensuring rapid response capabilities. 5. Social Care Staffing: This lot supports the recruitment of social care workers who play a crucial role in patient recovery and community-based care. 6. Neutral Vendor: This option allows NHS trusts to engage with neutral vendors who can provide a wide array of staffing solutions across different categories.
Who Can Apply
The framework is open to suppliers with expertise in supplying healthcare staffing solutions. Suitable applicants include recruitment agencies specialising in medical, nursing, social care, and allied health professions. As this is a framework agreement rather than a DPS, applications are typically invited at the outset and may not be open throughout its duration. Suppliers need to demonstrate compliance with NHS standards and the capability to meet the specific demands of the healthcare sector.
Buyer Benefits
Public sector buyers, particularly NHS trusts, benefit from this framework by gaining access to a compliant and efficient procurement route. The framework helps reduce the time and resources required to source qualified healthcare professionals by providing a centralised platform for all staffing needs. Additionally, it fosters competition among suppliers, which can lead to cost-effective solutions and improved service delivery. The framework's structure ensures that all procurement activities align with NHS regulations and standards, promoting transparency and accountability.
Lots
Lot 1: Nursing and Midwifery Staffing This lot covers staffing services for nursing and midwifery roles. Lot 2: Medical and Dentistry Staffing This lot covers staffing services for medical and dentistry roles. Lot 3: Allied Health Professionals and Health Science Services Staffing This lot covers staffing services for allied health professionals and health science services. Lot 4: Emergency Services This lot covers staffing services for emergency services roles. Lot 5: Social Care Staffing This lot covers staffing services for social care roles. Lot 6: Neutral Vendor This lot covers neutral vendor services for staffing.
Next Steps
Suppliers interested in participating in the Clinical and Healthcare Staffing framework should carefully review the specific requirements and eligibility criteria. It is advisable to contact the NHS London Procurement Partnership directly for detailed information on application procedures and compliance expectations.
How Biddable Can Help
Biddable offers valuable support to suppliers navigating the complexities of public sector frameworks. By providing insights into upcoming opportunities, helping with preparation, and enhancing pipeline visibility, Biddable ensures that suppliers are well-equipped to engage effectively with frameworks like the Clinical and Healthcare Staffing framework. Our focus is on making the procurement process clearer and more accessible for suppliers, aiding them in successfully participating in public sector procurement.