NHS Shared Business Services has officially launched its Digital Workplace Solutions 2 framework agreement, a £2.5 billion initiative designed to help the NHS and wider public sector modernise IT infrastructure, transform workplaces, and drive future innovation.
The framework provides quick, compliant access to critical digital infrastructure and supports the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to build an NHS fit for the future by replacing outdated legacy systems.
The framework aligns with national programmes and is accredited by NHS England, helping deliver the digital foundations needed for innovations like NHS Online, the UK’s first virtual hospital launching in 2027.
It offers access to:
- On-premise network infrastructure
- Servers and storage solutions
- Commercial off-the-shelf software licences
- Bespoke software licensing
- End-user devices
This infrastructure will support AI-powered triage, remote consultations, and digital bookings, ensuring the NHS is ready for predictive, preventative care.
The framework also addresses challenges faced by local councils, including legacy systems, supplier lock-in, and fragmented procurement. It enables investment in digital inclusion, AI, and user-centric service design, helping councils deliver smarter, more accessible services.
The launch follows the government’s £10 billion commitment to accelerate NHS digital transformation, as recommended by Lord Darzi’s report, which called for a radical shift from analogue to digital systems.
David Holbrook, Senior Category Manager – Digital Workforce and IT Transformation at NHS Shared Business Services, said:
“Fixing digital foundations starts with refreshing and securing core infrastructure – from data centres to networking equipment, that’s central to what this framework agreement enables.
“As we move into an era dominated by AI and Internet of Things, legacy systems simply don’t have the processing power or data handling capabilities to support them. Unsupported, infrastructure doesn’t just hinder transformation, it introduces significant security risks.
“Our Digital Workplace Solutions framework agreement in itself doesn’t deliver innovative technology. However, it gives NHS and wider public sector organisations access to the core products and tools that make innovation happen.”
With rising demand for secure, scalable infrastructure, NHS SBS’s single-lot framework offers a streamlined route for public sector organisations to procure IT solutions, boost productivity, and enhance service delivery.
This initiative marks a significant step in building a digitally enabled public sector, ready to meet the evolving needs of citizens and healthcare professionals alike.
Image credit: iStock
