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Procurement
This section details how DH goes about purchasing general goods and services. Please note that the Department also has specialist buyers, whose practices may vary, who deal with printing, media-related products and services, information technology, and research and development. It also contains the Equitable Access PCT Procurement Framework which supports PCTs when delivering local procurements.
OGC's Procurement Capability Review (PCR) of the Department of Health
Published: 26 November 2008
In January 2007 HM Treasury launched Transforming Government Procurement (TGP) which contains the remit to conduct capability reviews of departmental procurement functions. These involve an assessment by a small team of experts on each central civil government department’s ability to achieve “world-class” standards in procurement.
Departments are assessed against nine key indicators, which taken collectively represent the OGC’s view of what constitutes 'world-class' procurement. These indicators underpin three capability areas of leadership; skills development and deployment and systems and processes.
The DH PCR took place through March/April 2008. The scope was:
- the department’s own capability in respect of procurement,
- the leadership, systems and support it had in place to promote and develop high standards of procurement in the NHS and aspects of social care.
Over the past few months, we have been developing an over-arching Commercial Strategy and Operating Model for the Department, the NHS and the wider health system, which will not only address OGC’s PCR recommendations, but build on our successes to date and help to ensure that commercial and procurement capability is further strengthened and developed. This will also contribute to the Department’s overall objectives of better health and well-being, better care, and better value for all. It is expected that the Commercial Strategy and Operating Model will be finalised at around the turn of the New Year.
In the meantime, the PCR report will be published along with an interim DH improvement plan, pointing the way to the Commercial Strategy and Operating Model. The Improvement Plan will be further refreshed once the Commercial Strategy and Operating Model is finalised.
Procurement at PCTs
Equitable Access to Primary Medical Care (EAPMC)
Procurement Framework to support primary care trusts in implementing the Equitable Access in Primary Medical Care programme, aimed at achieving the vision of a fair and personalised NHS.
Framework for procuring External Support for Commissioners (FESC)
All PCTs will aspire to be world class commissioners. FESC is one tool that the NHS can use to help address gaps in their commissioning capability or capacity.
DH procurement
About procurement
Outlines the DH procurement process and includes existing Guidelines, as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Procurement policy
Gives an overview of DH procurement policy, and includes DH responsibilities under European Union regulations and information on DH standard terms and conditions.
Supply Chain Excellence Programme (SCEP)
The Supply Chain Excellence Programme (SCEP) aims to gain the best value for money for the £15 billion the NHS spends each year on goods and services (not including staff pay). A three-year programme, it was set up in March 2004 after a thorough review by the Commercial Directorate of the existing NHS supply chain.
NHS Purchasing
Please note that NHS purchasing is not undertaken by DH - it is normally executed through the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA, an executive agency) or by individual NHS trusts.
NHS-SID
Potential suppliers are encouraged to register themselves on the Supplier Information Database (NHS-SID), which can be used by DH as a sourcing tool.
Useful links
The Department of Health does not accept responsibility for the content of other sites. This list exists only for the interest and convenience of those who use the Department of Health Internet pages. It does not necessarily recommend or condone the included sites.
Additional links
NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA)
Supplier e-tendering portal
E-tendering helpdesk: 0113 254 5777 or email: Supplier.Maintenance@dh.gsi.gov.uk
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