Public sector organisations are responding to increasing demand, evolving citizen and patient expectations, net-zero commitments, workforce challenges and rapid technological change. Delivering transformation at pace often requires specialist expertise, independent insight and additional capacity to support strategic decision-making and programme delivery.
The UK public sector spent a record £3.7 billion on consultancy services in 2024/25, reflecting the continued demand for specialist expertise to support transformation, productivity and service improvement programmes. With increasing scrutiny on consultancy expenditure and value for money, it is essential that organisations procure the right expertise through compliant and effective routes.
Our Consultancy and Advisory Services for Health Framework Agreement provides access to specialist consultancy support across digital transformation, healthcare planning, estates, sustainability and organisational improvement. It offers a compliant route to access expert advisory services that help organisations deliver strategic objectives, improve operational performance, enhance service user outcomes and drive sustainable change.
The framework agreement provides access to consultancy and advisory services including:
- Sustainability and net zero – Specialist support for carbon accounting, decarbonisation strategies, sustainable estates management and the development of green plans to help organisations meet environmental targets and regulatory requirements.
- Digital transformation – Expertise in digital strategy, technology implementation, data and analytics, cyber security and service redesign to modernise operations, improve efficiency and enhance user experience.
- Healthcare planning and improvement – Advisory services to optimise patient flow, reduce waiting times, improve operational performance, support service redesign and address health inequalities through evidence-based planning and analysis.
By combining specialist expertise with a deep understanding of public sector and healthcare challenges, consultancy and advisory services can help organisations deliver sustainable transformation, maximise value for money and improve outcomes for patients, service users, staff and communities.
The Consultancy and Advisory Services for Health Framework Agreement is an accredited framework through the NHS England Framework Accreditation Scheme. Where NHS buyers intend to purchase from a framework, they are expected to use an accredited framework and Consultancy and Advisory Services for Health supports NHS buyers in meeting this requirement.
Further details are available at NHS England System guidance for the implementation of framework host management.
Framework Agreement Information
It provides the NHS and wider public sector with a compliant route to market for the provision of consultancy and advisory services, with a particular focus on meeting the specific needs of the healthcare sector. Services covered include healthcare, corporate, social value and sustainability, IT, HR and property consultancy services.
What dates is the framework agreement active?
18 March 2024 – 17 March 2028
Who can take advantage of the framework agreement?
NHS and UK Public Sector organisations
How was the framework agreement procured?
Further competition and direct award
Via this framework agreement, you can run a further competition, or choose to direct award to a supplier in compliance with Regulation 33 of the Public Contracts Regulations.
How we can support?
We offer different levels of support, including SME advice and robust templates for you to easily run your own process, or additional support to design and run a further competition on your behalf.
How can I access the framework agreement?
Access framework agreement documentation via our Customer Framework Agreement Portal (CFAP)
The framework agreement has been structured in the following lots:
Why NHS and public sector organisations use this framework agreement
SPECIALIST HEALTHCARE EXPERTISE
SUPPORT FOR TRANSFORMATION AND IMPROVEMENT
Access expertise across digital transformation, workforce optimisation, estates, service redesign, healthcare planning and organisational change to help deliver strategic priorities and long-term improvements.
IMPROVED PATIENT AND SERVICE OUTCOMES
Access specialist support to improve patient flow, enhance operational efficiency, reduce waiting times and support initiatives that address health inequalities and improve service delivery.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Benefit from a competitively procured framework agreement that provides access to a broad range of consultancy services, helping organisations secure the right expertise while demonstrating effective stewardship of public funds.
NET ZERO AND SOCIAL VALUE SUPPORT
Access consultancy expertise to support sustainability goals, carbon reduction programmes, social value initiatives and wider environmental commitments across healthcare and public sector organisations.
TRUSTED AND COMPLIANT ROUTE TO MARKET
Procure consultancy and advisory services through an NHS England Framework Accreditation Scheme accredited framework, providing confidence in compliance, governance and procurement assurance.
What our customers say...
“I had a very positive experience using the Consultancy and Advisory Services for Health Framework Agreement. The range of suppliers is extensive, offering a variety of options to suit different needs. Additionally, the support team at NHS SBS has been outstanding – they are highly responsive, with helpful, detailed guidance. Overall, the process has been smooth and efficient thanks to their diligent support.”
An NHS SBS framework agreement customer
Supplier Details
Strategic Procurement Support
If this framework agreement doesn’t cover the goods or services you require, or a framework agreement isn’t the optimal route to market for your needs, we can provide tailored strategic procurement support. Find out more here.
