New Legal Services Framework launched by NHS SBS

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has re-launched its Legal Services Framework, which is expected to save the public sector around half a million pounds in the next four years.

Enabling organisations in both the NHS and wider public sector to access legal services in areas such as contract and commercial law, NHS governance and public law and employment law, the framework provides a fully compliant route for public sector purchasing and legal teams to access both generalist and specialist legal support.

Now with 11 different Lots, with the new Lot 11 focusing on firms capable of providing multi-disciplinary project support for briefs that are likely to have requirements in many different legal areas, the framework includes more than 25 suppliers, ranging from large national firms to more niche specialists.

Phil Davies, NHS SBS procurement director, said: "Our Legal Services Framework will enable procurement teams across the NHS and public sector to quickly access legal expertise in a fully OJEU-compliant, hassle-free way. With the legal landscape always changing, we’ve listened to our partner organisations and ensured the framework incorporates the specialisms they are most likely to need in the coming years – such as IT and data experts. It ensures that there are a range of supplier types, from the big legal firms with an office in every major city, to smaller companies with very specific expertise.

“Ensuring value for money without compromising on quality is a must for all public sector organisations, so we’ve also thoroughly assessed all firms on the framework, with only the most robust, with the best credentials, winning a place. The framework will allow our NHS and public sector partners to get it right first time when appointing legal services, something that can only be good news for stretched NHS and public sector budgets.”