QIPP, Efficiency & Savings

12.08.20

New £500m digital workplace framework launched by NHS SBS

A new procurement framework developed by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has been launched to assist NHS and public sector organisations to purchase cost-effective IT solutions, potentially saving an estimated £75m.

The Digital Workplace Solutions Framework offers consumer-orientated technologies across a complete range of software and IT infrastructure areas from 28 well-established public sector suppliers, who have been carefully-selected to best meet the framework users’ needs.

Due to run until August 2022 (with an optional two-year extension through to 2024), the framework has an estimated value of £500m. With average indicative savings of 15% compared with buying direct from a supplier at list price, the framework represents a potential £75m cost saving for the public sector.

The new framework replaces the popular Link: IT Solutions Framework and provides an agreement which public bodies, such as NHS trusts, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), universities, police and local authorities can utilise to access a simple, compliant route to market for high-quality IT solutions.

The agreement is free-to-access and includes everything from servers, storage, networking, security and data centre infrastructure through to end user computing devices, desktop operating systems, enterprise software and professional services.

The Digital Workplace Solutions Framework also represents a quick and effective way to procure enterprise license agreements developed specifically for the NHS, such as N365 and other nationally-negotiated public sector deals.

READ MORE: NHS SBS framework launched to help safe return of employees

READ MORE: New NHS SBS framework to help protect NHS against cyber threats

Phil Davies, Director of Procurement at NHS SBS, said: “This new framework has been developed to build on the success of our previous Link: IT Solutions agreement, which was very well used by the NHS and wider public sector.

“It provides ease and peace of mind for organisations looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to meet their software and IT needs.

“As remote working has become commonplace due to Covid-19, the launch of the Digital Workplace Solutions Framework means public sector organisations can access technologies like VPN remote access and virtual desktops, which can be needed to mobilise home working securely and effectively.

“The framework has been carefully-negotiated to ensure it covers the widest range of infrastructure, hardware and software, whilst saving valuable time and resource for NHS and other public sector organisations.”

The Digital Workplace Solutions Framework is fully OJEU compliant and all 28 awarded suppliers meet necessary standards, including Cyber Essentials. It permits spot buying, mini competitions and provides best value pricing and negotiated terms.

Public bodies can access the framework to purchase a bundled solution of IT products and services, which may include elements from several of the different categories available.

The new Digital Workplace Solutions framework is part of a growing portfolio of digital and IT agreements managed by NHS SBS, including Link: Hardware, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security Services, IT Consultancy and Healthcare Clinical Information Systems.

More information on the new framework can be found at www.sbs.nhs.uk/fas-digital-workplace-solutions or by emailing: [email protected]

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

national health executive tv

more videos >

latest healthcare news

Organ Donation Week: Having the conversation

11/09/2020Organ Donation Week: Having the conversation

As part of Organ Donation Week, NHE’s Matt Roberts spoke with our Managing Director Roy Rowlands about the importance of raising aware... more >
Grant funding awarded for unique Nurse Innovation Fellow position

11/09/2020Grant funding awarded for unique Nurse Innovation Fellow position

Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a grant from the Burdett Trust for Nursing to fund a unique Nursing Innovation Fell... more >
National trial to investigative best treatment for childhood asthma

11/09/2020National trial to investigative best treatment for childhood asthma

An innovative new £1.5m national clinical trial looking at finding the best treatment for childhood asthma has been funded by NIHR. Le... more >

editor's comment

26/06/2020Adapting and Innovating

Matt Roberts, National Health Executive Editorial Lead. NHE May/June 2020 Edition We’ve been through so much as a health sector and a society in recent months with coronavirus and nothing can take away from the loss and difficulties that we’ve faced but it vital we also don’t disregard the amazing efforts we’ve witnessed. Staff have gone above and beyond, whole hospitals and trusts have flexed virtually at w... read more >

last word

Haseeb Ahmad: ‘We all have a role to play in getting innovations quicker’

Haseeb Ahmad: ‘We all have a role to play in getting innovations quicker’

Haseeb Ahmad, president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), sits down with National Health Executive as part of our Last Word Q&A series. Would you talk us th... more > more last word articles >

the scalpel's daily blog

Organ Donation Week: Having the conversation

11/09/2020Organ Donation Week: Having the conversation

As part of Organ Donation Week, NHE’s Matt Roberts spoke with our Managing Director Roy Rowlands about the importance of raising awareness for the subject and having these conversations; as families, organisations and individuals. We don’t often like to think about the end, but as Organ Donation Week – which has run... more >
read more blog posts from 'the scalpel' >

comment

NHS England dementia director prescribes rugby for mental health and dementia patients

23/09/2019NHS England dementia director prescribes rugby for mental health and dementia patients

Reason to celebrate as NHS says watching rugby can be good for your mental health and wellbeing. As the best rugby players in the world repr... more >
Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Being on the receiving end of some “thanks” can make communit... more >
Nurses named as least-appreciated public sector workers

13/06/2019Nurses named as least-appreciated public sector workers

Nurses have been named as the most under-appreciated public sector professionals as new research reveals how shockingly under-vauled our NHS, edu... more >
Creating the Cardigan integrated care centre

10/06/2019Creating the Cardigan integrated care centre

Peter Skitt, county director and commissioner for Ceredigion Hywel Dda University Health Board, looks ahead to the new integrated care centre bei... more >

interviews

Organ Donation Week: Having the conversation

11/09/2020Organ Donation Week: Having the conversation

As part of Organ Donation Week, NHE’s Matt Roberts spoke with our Managing Director Roy Rowlands about the importance of raising aware... more >
Matt Hancock says GP recruitment is on the rise to support ‘bedrock of the NHS’

24/10/2019Matt Hancock says GP recruitment is on the rise to support ‘bedrock of the NHS’

Today, speaking at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) annual conference, Matt Hancock highlighted what he believes to be the three... more >
NHS dreams come true for Teesside domestic

17/09/2019NHS dreams come true for Teesside domestic

Over 20 years ago, a Teesside hospital cleaner put down her mop and took steps towards her midwifery dreams. Lisa Payne has been delivering ... more >
How can winter pressures be dealt with? Introduce a National Social Care Service, RCP president suggests

24/10/2018How can winter pressures be dealt with? Introduce a National Social Care Service, RCP president suggests

A dedicated national social care service could be a potential solution to surging demand burdening acute health providers over the winter months,... more >

health service focus

View all News