Workforce Alliance Framework     

FOI REFERENCE: 24364   FOI DATE: 13^th September 2024     

I am writing to submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request concerning the procurement and award of contracts under Lot 1 of the Workforce Alliance RM6281 framework for temporary clinical and healthcare staffing. I would appreciate your assistance in providing the following information:

Direct Award Method:

Has your Trust employed the direct award method for sourcing workers or small groups of workers under the RM6281 framework? If so, please provide evidence demonstrating that the selected suppliers offered the most economically advantageous terms in accordance with the framework’s guidelines. No, we have not utilised the RM6281 framework.

What measures does your Trust implement to ensure transparency and fairness in direct award decisions, including maintaining a clear audit trail? For any direct award we follow internal procurement guidelines.

Further Competition:

Has your Trust used the further competition process for awarding contracts where adjustments to the framework terms were necessary or where commercial benefits could be achieved? Please provide documentation detailing: Not applicable as we have not utilised the RM6281 framework

Neutral or Master Vendor:

If your Trust utilizes a neutral or master vendor to manage temporary staffing, how do you ensure these vendors comply with the framework’s requirements, including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015? Please provide evidence of compliance with the framework’s rules for transparency, fairness, and economic advantage. We have a neutral vendor arrangement in place which is managed in line with our contract.

What processes are in place to monitor and audit the actions of neutral or master vendors?

Supplier Selection and Exclusion:

Please explain how your Trust lawfully selects certain suppliers while excluding others under the RM6281 framework. What justifications are used for these decisions, and how do you ensure compliance with the framework and procurement regulations? Not applicable as we have not utilised the RM6281 framework

Processes for Supplier Selection:

Could you outline the process your Trust follows when selecting suppliers for temporary clinical and healthcare staff under RM6281? This should include the decision-making steps for choosing between direct award, further competition, or engaging a neutral/master vendor. Not applicable as we have not utilised the RM6281 framework

Please provide contact details for the department responsible for handling legal queries related to procurement under the framework.

Additional Information:

The total number of agencies listed under Lot 1 and the rates at which they supply their services. Not applicable as we have not utilised the RM6281 framework

The name of the master or neutral vendor managing shift allocation. NHS Professionals

If your Trust is not using the Workforce Alliance RM6281 framework, please specify which framework is currently in use. RM6158