The Framework Agreement aims to provide Approved Organisations with efficient access to a variety of consultancy and advisory services to support their strategic and operational needs, promoting transformation and sustainable results across the NHS and public sector.
This proposed Framework Agreement will aim to support Approved Organisations in the compliant and efficient procurement of a wide range of consultancy and advisory services in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. This framework is intended to facilitate flexible access to experienced consultancy providers, supporting both strategic and operational needs within the NHS and the broader public sector. It allows Approved Organisations to procure advisory services that promote transformation, enhance efficiency, and deliver sustainable results through a transparent and efficient selection process. The scope of the framework covers a broad spectrum of consultancy services, including strategic planning, organisational development, digital transformation, financial and procurement advisory, workforce planning, and sustainability initiatives. Providers will offer expertise to support integrated care models, service redesign, and innovation projects, ensuring alignment with national priorities and local objectives. Services may involve short-term targeted or longer-term programs, delivered either on-site or remotely, with comprehensive support throughout planning, execution, and evaluation. Specialist consultancy services will also be available in areas such as governance, risk management, social value, and carbon reduction strategies, assisting organisations in meeting regulatory requirements and achieving net-zero commitments. This framework aims to enable rapid access to qualified consultants capable of delivering tailored solutions, supporting change management, and strengthening organisational resilience, leading to improved operational outcomes.
NHS Shared Business Services Limited (NHS SBS) act in an Agency capacity for and on behalf of its customers (Approved Organisations) - existing and new. These comprise of NHS and Social Care organisations (whether acting individually, or on behalf of, or together as members of any consortia) along with any other public or private sector bodies which NHS SBS authorises to use the resulting Framework. Our Approved Organisation list can be found on: https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/services/framework-agreements-categories/ NHS SBS intends to put in place a Framework Agreement under the Procurement Act 2023 for the provision of Consultancy and Advisory Services to be used by Approved Organisations. This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PME) is to signal an intention to commence market engagement with those within the Consultancy and Advisory market. Potential Bidders wishing to be considered for this agreement should express their interest by reading the PME introduction document and completing and submitting the Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire on SAP Ariba before midday (GMT) 12 noon on Wednesday 18th March 2026 , further information regarding the proposed framework can be found via the following link. https://portal.us.bn.cloud.ariba.com/dashboard/public/appext/comsapsbncdiscoveryui#/RfxEvent/preview/1110003800?anId=ANONYMOUS To access all information in relation to this opportunity, please click the 'Respond to Posting' button on this Discovery Posting. Potential bidders will then be asked to either login or register for an Ariba Network account. If you are creating a new account, due to a recently identified SAP Ariba technical issue, please follow the guidance attached to the notice, "NHS SBS Bidder Guide_creating an new account and selecting USA data centre." Please note that selecting the "USA:Quincy. WA" Data Centre Option is a required workaround. If you have an existing SAP Ariba supplier account that was created on after 16th January 2026, please follow the guidance attached to the notice, "NHS SBS Bidder Guidance_Access an event_Account already created post 16_01_26." If you have an existing SAP Ariba supplier account that was created before 16th January 2026, there are no reported technical issues and you will be taken directly to the event after entering your credentials. Potential bidders will then be given access to the opportunity and can begin to register their interest and raise clarification questions. The aim of this questionnaire is to notify and consult the market of our plans and to gauge interest in this opportunity from potential suppliers. We are committed to working with suppliers who are dedicated to Sustainability and Social Value and there will be a significant weighting on these elements in the tender. NHS SBS will use an eSourcing system for any procurement activity taken subsequent to this notice. The eSourcing system we will use is SAP Ariba. (Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a Framework if invited to do so.) NHS SBS reserves the right to withdraw this notice at any time. NHS SBS is not bound to accept any proposals submitted by Bidders and is not liable for any costs incurred as a result of Bidders engaging with this process. This early market engagement exercise does not guarantee that a Procurement will take place and NHS SBS reserves the right to defer from any Procurement entirely.