Making healthcare procurement work for our members

The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. At the core of our work is championing the contribution that specialist health & social care recruiters make to the NHS, and lobbying for framework agreements to work for our members, hospital trusts, and ultimately patients. We act as a conduit for our members, particularly when they are going through tendering exercises, the outcome of which will determine their viability, especially in these unprecedented times.

Representing our members

Responding to our members' concerns, we have made strong representations to HealthTrust Europe, challenging them on several aspects of their new Total Workforce Solutions II tender; some of which we believe are detrimental to SMEs in particular. We know that our 500 plus health and social care members are committed to complying with the agency rules and reducing spend wherever possible, but some of the terms laid out in the latest tender are problematic.

Unfortunately, HTE have not agreed to a meeting to discuss our concerns further, and we await to see if our five key concerns will be addressed:

1. Audit costs
2. Clarity on documentation
3. Rates and Escalated Contract Price
4. Transfer fees and extended period of hire
5. Activity Based Income

Sustainable terms are essential

Framework terms must be fair, proportionate, and sustainable; and must be workable for all bidders, especially SMEs. Harnessing the expertise of the recruitment industry and utilising more flexible staffing must be underpinned with better collaboration with the recruitment industry pre-tender and during the term of the contract. We hope that HealthTrust Europe will consider all issues raised during the clarification stages and ensure that the Total Workforce Solutions II framework is fit for purpose across the board.  

Supporting the NHS

With over 100,000 unfilled vacancies in the NHS, agency workers are a vital part of staffing the NHS, and are essential for maintaining patient safety during the critical staff shortages we currently have. Specialist recruitment agencies support the NHS by driving compliance standards, filling hard-to-fill roles, and in improving patient safety.

HealthTrust Europe have advised that any clarifications that agencies have relating to this ITT must be submitted through the Bravo Solutions e-tendering portal.

For more information about the REC Health & Social Care group, or to raise any concerns about Total Workforce Solutions II, please contact neal.suchak@rec.uk.com