Expert consultancy framework to save public sector millions

A new procurement framework launched by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) is expected to save the public purse more than £25 million over the next four years.

Providing an easy, cost-effective and legally-compliant means of accessing a wide range of consultancy expertise, the Consult 18: Multidisciplinary Consultancy Services is free to use for any public sector organisation and offers cost savings of around 10 per cent compared with purchasing direct from a supplier.

With upwards of £250 million expected to be spent via the framework by 2022, the savings across the public sector are expected to be in excess of £25 million.

Phil Davies, NHS SBS Director of Procurement, said: “Understandably, many NHS and public sector bodies do not always have the in-house skills, experience or resource needed for time-consuming and complex projects. Therefore, the requirement to engage specialist consultants, with unique expertise in a particular field, can be an essential part of guaranteeing success.

“Our aim is to ensure that when public organisations need external support, they can access high-quality services in a way that saves them significant time and money. Those awarded a place on this brand new framework have been evaluated against a number of criteria and are considered to provide best value to the NHS and wider public sector.”