Digital Health Advisory
Introduction
The Digital Health Advisory Framework, managed by NHS Shared Business Services, serves as a pivotal resource within the NHS's Technology category. Spanning until 24 March 2026, this framework is not a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) but a structured agreement designed to supply the NHS with crucial digital, data, and technology expertise. The primary aim of this framework is to enable NHS organisations to effectively integrate and leverage digital technologies, which are increasingly vital in enhancing patient care and safety.
Context & Use Case
In today's healthcare environment, technology plays an essential role in improving patient outcomes. The NHS is progressively adopting innovations such as computer-assisted diagnosis and electronic patient records. However, the internal workforce often lacks the specific skills required to manage and utilise these technologies fully. This gap can influence both the safety and quality of patient care. The Digital Health Advisory Framework offers a streamlined approach for NHS entities to acquire the necessary expertise rapidly and affordably. Through this framework, NHS organisations can access specialist services that drive digital transformation across various health and social care settings.
Scope of Services
The framework is divided into four primary lots, each targeting a specific area of digital health expertise: 1. Lot 1 – Specialist Clinical and Healthcare Digital Consulting: This lot encompasses consultancy and advisory services focused on the design, application, and delivery of digital solutions in clinical and healthcare settings. 2. Lot 2 – Clinical and Digital Health Delivery and Augmentation: Designed to bolster the digital capabilities of NHS entities by providing temporary, high-quality resources that supplement the existing workforce with specialised skills not readily available in-house. 3. Lot 3 – Clinical Data Science & Population Health Analytics: This lot focuses on the development of data architecture and information management strategies, employing data science to translate data into actionable patient benefits through skills like data engineering and machine learning. 4. Lot 4 – Digital Skills in Healthcare: Aimed at upskilling the digital workforce within healthcare settings, this lot provides training and knowledge transfer to enhance and develop digital competencies.
Who Can Apply
The framework is open to suppliers with a strong background in digital health technology and consultancy. Given the specialised nature of the services required, suitable applicants will be those who can demonstrate expertise in clinical consultations, digital transformation, data analytics, and workforce training. While not a DPS, meaning applications are not open throughout its lifetime, suppliers should ensure they meet the specific requirements set out by the NHS Shared Business Services before applying.
Buyer Benefits
Public sector buyers utilising this framework benefit from a compliant and structured procurement route that accelerates the acquisition of essential digital skills and services. By engaging with pre-approved suppliers, NHS organisations can ensure they are obtaining competitive solutions that adhere to rigorous standards. The framework facilitates swift access to expertise, enabling healthcare providers to focus on delivering enhanced care without the delays often associated with traditional procurement processes.
Lots
Lot 1: Specialist clinical and healthcare digital consulting This lot is specific to services provided in the clinical and healthcare environment, including specialist consultancy and advisory services related to the design, application, and delivery of clinical and healthcare solutions in health and social care settings using digital technologies. Lot 2: Clinical and digital health delivery and augmentation Provides specialist services to support and develop the transformation of digital solutions, systems, and application capabilities within a clinical and healthcare environment by providing temporary, high-quality resources to supplement the NHS digital workforce with skills not available in-house. Lot 3: Clinical data science and population health analytics Provides specialist services to advise and support the development of data architecture and information management structures and strategies within a clinical and healthcare environment. Solutions include data science capability, applying data science in practice, and translating data into patient benefit, with skills in data engineering, statistical analysis, machine learning models, and data visualisation. Lot 4: Digital skills in healthcare Provides specialist services that enable the upskilling and development of technical and related skills to the digital workforce in a clinical and healthcare environment. The purpose of this lot is to provide training and knowledge transfer packages to NHS organisations for the enhancement or development of digital skills.
Next Steps
Suppliers interested in this framework should carefully review the detailed requirements and specifications provided by NHS Shared Business Services. Engaging directly with the contracting authority will provide further insights into the application process and how best to align service offerings with NHS needs.
How Biddable Can Help
Biddable is committed to assisting suppliers in navigating the complexities of public sector frameworks like the Digital Health Advisory Framework. By providing resources that enhance discovery, preparation, and pipeline visibility, Biddable ensures that suppliers are well-equipped to engage with procurement opportunities effectively. Our support is designed to be informative and strategic, helping suppliers make informed decisions about their participation in public sector procurement.