Delivering Supplier Relationship Management training on behalf of the HCSA
As part of #SupplyChainMatters month, we spoke to NOE CPC’s Supplier Relationship Manager, Ruth Burns, who shared an insight into her role and discussed her upcoming plans to deliver some supplier relationship management training workshops on behalf of the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA). Here’s what Ruth had to say:
"As a Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) at NOE CPC, I interact with a variety of suppliers that provide services to the NHS and other public sector organisations under our framework portfolio. My primary focus is developing relationships with new and existing suppliers and learning about their company’s capabilities, as well as providing information about upcoming frameworks, potential opportunities, and gathering market intelligence about what is going on in the market, which allows me to gain insight into new and emerging trends.
"Building strong supplier relationships, in my opinion, benefits both parties. It enables us to construct a sustainable supply chain, get unparalleled understanding of supply markets in the category areas in which we focus, and actively manage and reduce supply risks on behalf of our NHS customers. I thoroughly enjoy the role and the diverse opportunities that come with it.
"One of those opportunities is some upcoming Supplier Relationship Management training workshops that I am delivering on behalf of the HCSA. The sessions will be delivered via Microsoft Teams on the following dates:
- 11th October 2023 – 9:30 – 12:30
- 15th November 2023 – 9:30 – 12:30
- 25th January 2024 – 13:30 – 16:30
"The training workshops are aimed at colleagues who manage supplier contracts, and one of the sessions' main goals will be to demonstrate different methods to strategically analyse their supplier base. For example, at NOE CPC, we recently carried out a Supplier Survey which gave us valuable feedback on what is important to suppliers, and what they may require additional support with. Carrying out our supplier survey has assisted our understanding of our supplier base and has allowed us to produce useful tools and content, such as our framework specific Sustainability and Social Value (SSV) supplier webinars.
"I will also be sharing the importance of carrying out regular audits of your supplier base. Undergoing supplier audits allows trusts to determine which suppliers they deal with and the impact it might have on clinical treatment and the operation of the hospital if the supplier is unable to complete areas of work. The workshops will also offer ways of creating dynamic relationships with suppliers so they can get the most out of collaborating with them to achieve their overall trust target and build communication with their suppliers as this will only improve the quality of clinical care.
"The role of an SRM is fundamental within the NHS supply chain as we assist with establishing frameworks that NHS trusts can utilise, and we work to showcase the supplier’s capabilities to potential contracting authorities. Suppliers invest a significant amount of time and effort into becoming approved suppliers on a framework, so they must be supported throughout the framework’s lifespan to ensure they have opportunities to bid for work. We aim to develop strong relationships with our suppliers through regular communication so we can work together to overcome any challenges and continue supplying to NHS trusts while maintaining patient care.
"It is important to analyse your supplier base so that you can better manage your relationship with them and offer tailored support, whether that’s related to sustainability, innovation, or cost management, for example. Ultimately, the supplier wants to supply to the NHS, and as an organisation, we’ve established that they have the capability of supplying to the NHS, so it’s about how we can match them with trusts so they can be a successful supplier."
If would like to know more about NOE CPC’s work with suppliers or would like to know more about the upcoming HCSA Supplier Relationship Manager training courses, please contact the NOE CPC Support Desk.