Supporting the NHS to eliminate off-framework spend and helping build a sustainable workforce for the future

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented pressure on our health service. The staffing crisis within the NHS was an issue before the pandemic, and a recent report by The Health Foundation highlights ongoing problems.

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout gathers pace and the NHS looks towards returning to business as usual, a sustainable solution is needed to address staffing shortages. The NHS Workforce Alliance can support your trust with recruitment and staffing needs through our portfolio of frameworks, supported by our experience and knowledge of workforce supply.

Helen Whately MP, Minister of State for Care, has stated that off-framework spend is not sustainable, and in a letter to all NHS workforce suppliers highlighted that eliminating off-framework spend by 2022 is a priority. NHS Trusts in England spent £6.2 billion on agency and bank staff in 2019/2020, however the use of agency staff is likely to remain a necessity to enable the NHS to deliver a flexible workforce that helps them to plug gaps during peak demand periods.

Will Laing, Operations Director for NHS Workforce Alliance said:

“We understand the realities NHS trusts are facing, the last 12 months have been incredibly challenging for the health and care workforce. NHS Workforce Alliance’s team can help you to find a sustainable solution to the staffing crisis.

“By channeling your staffing spend through an NHSEI approved framework, such as the NHS Workforce Alliance Clinical and Healthcare Staffing agreement, not only will you be helping eliminate off-framework spend, but you will also have access to a pool of specialist and nationally approved suppliers who have been through a rigorous pre-award audit process; as an NHS organisation any savings we generate can be reinvested where resource is needed the most.”

The NHS Workforce Alliance has supported many trusts to manage compliance with NHSEI Agency Rules both individually and collaboratively throughout the pandemic. Through our dedicated category teams, we can share with you our industry knowledge and experience to help you find the right solution for your trust.

NHS Workforce Alliance is available to provide practical advice on the full spectrum of workforce related issues, so please lean on us as a trusted and reliable partner.    

If you would like to speak to a member of the team about your staffing requirements, please contact your regional hub.

Crown Commercial Service
info@crowncommercial.gov.uk
0345 410 2222

NHS Commercial Solutions
agency@nhs.net
01306 646 822

East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub
workforce@eoecph.nhs.uk
07983 339 080

NHS London Procurement Partnership
lppworkforcesupport@lpp.nhs.uk
0207 188 6662

NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative
enquiries@noecpc.nhs.uk
0114 212 2122

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