Crown Commercial Services – Health Sector Resourcing Framework (RM3833)

Replacement of previous health sector recruitment frameworks

The new framework encompasses the previous frameworks from CCS:

• RM 3711 Multidisciplinary Temporary Healthcare Personnel – expires 31/08/2019
• RM 1072 Workforce Management – expires 14/06/2019
• RM 971 Non-Medical Non-Clinical – expires 30/06/2019

Total spend through these frameworks in 2017/18 was £659m – a considerable amount to a variety of recruitment firms across the UK, mainly supplying to NHS buyers.

The new framework, due to be in place Q2 of 2019, will provide a new, flexible approach to sourcing clinical and non-clinical temporary staff, as well as permanent recruitment and agency solutions for several public sector bodies. The aim is to provide a more strategic approach, embedding new technology for workforces and assisting the growth of bank solutions.

Proposed model and lot structure for HSR

The framework will run for 3 years, plus extension options of 1 year plus 1 year. It is UK-wide and multiple public sector bodies will have access to the approved suppliers.

The lot structure is as follows:

• Lot 1: permanent recruitment (clinical roles)
• Lot 2: contingent agency (clinical roles)
• Lot 3: contingent agency (non-clinical roles)
• Lot 4: flexible/bank, including combined (clinical and non-clinical roles)
• Lot 5: workforce strategy/SOW (clinical and non-clinical roles)
• Lot 6: hybrid tailored solutions (clinical and non-clinical roles)

Is it suitable for SMEs?

CCS are focused on participation from SMEs and state that their current spend with SMEs on the existing frameworks is 41%. However, it is important for SMEs and smaller providers to check that they meet any eligibility criteria set out by CCS: typically this is financial turnover, any relevant memberships and certifications, and relevant and suitable experience.

Tendering for CCS contracts

Due to the national nature of the frameworks, CCS contracts tend to be highly competitive and are a focus for a lot of companies. CCS are good in that they produce a lot of communications and market engagement ahead of the procurement, so potential bidders can access webinars, FAQs and engagement exercises, providing a good insight into the contract and what the tender will focus on. Further information available at: https://ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/procurement-pipeline/health-sector-resourcing

It is important for any bidder to familiarise themselves with the previous frameworks, the new framework structure and to assess their own organisation to check the alignment and suitability. As a professional bid writing firm, our main advice would be to check that you have enough experience to draw upon in a tender submission to bid for the framework, as it is highly competitive.

For advice and support in bidding for this opportunity, or any other contracts, contact our team of bid writers today for an informal chat.