Delivering Value Through Personalised Support
In the ever-evolving landscape of NHS procurement, our NHS Supply Chain: Facilities and Offcie Solutions, Implementation and Adoption (I&A) Team is central to ensuring that NHS trusts receive the tailored support they need. Acting as the bridge between national procurement frameworks and local operational needs, the I&A team delivers actionable insights that empower trusts to make informed decisions and optimise their procurement processes.
To do this the I&A Team underpin their activity with three core approaches; presenting data in a way that is meaningful, linking up organisations with similar objectives to learn from one another, and opening up two-way communication enabling our procurement specialists to continue building framework agreements that respond to the needs of the NHS.
Here’s how the I&A Team put #ServiceMatters into action to support NHS trusts...
Driving Informed Decisions Through Data Analysis
The I&A team plays a critical role in helping trusts make sense of complex data, transforming it into meaningful, actionable insights. Through a rigorous process of data standardisation and analysis, they uncover opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
“We don’t just hand over data; we interpret it to give trusts context and clear next steps. It’s about ensuring they understand what they can do with this information,” explains Liessa Newnham, Head of Implementation & Adoption. By tailoring the presentation of data to each trust’s preferences, our I&A Specialists ensure – whether work in a procurement role or other areas such as department leads responsible for procuring the products – that the trusts representative can easily grasp key insights without getting bogged down in what can often be complex and cumbersome datasets.
One recent example involved an Integrated Care System (ICS) review, where the team identified an opportunity for standardisation among the trusts involved. “We found over 20 variations of a single product—washing-up liquid—and are helping the ICS review these purchasing patterns to establish whether this opportunity to standardise across the ICS is a viable approach for them. It may be that other factors need to be considered, but this is where our team come in, we will work with trust teams to understand these other factors, and find the outcome that works at the system wide level, without impacting local operations” says Simon Pugh, Senior Implementation & Adoption Manager. This approach not only drives cost efficiencies but also facilitates peer discussions within ICSs, helping trusts align on best practices and collaborative solutions.
Bridging National Initiatives with Local Implementation
Navigating the nuances of nationally available frameworks can be challenging for individual trusts. The I&A Team simplifies this by breaking down these initiatives into actionable steps that fit within each trust’s unique operational context.
“We often take high-level national directives and interpret them in ways that make sense locally,” explains Saffron Stockwell, Implementation & Adoption Specialist. The team’s work goes beyond simply advising on product choices—they assess the broader impact on the trust and its patients. Which is particularly valuable when initiatives require substantial operational changes, such as new sustainability targets or a shift in product usage. Saffron added: “By taking the time to understand each trust’s specific needs, the I&A team ensures that changes are not only feasible but also beneficial, admittedly this can often take time to do well, but it is a time during which we are able to build strong relationships with our customers and form a better understanding of the challenges they face, so that we can continue to identify areas to provide help, information, and where possible solutions.
Creating System-Wide Value Through Collaboration
The I&A team also looks to facilitate collaboration across trusts within ICSs, facilitating opportunities for collective cost savings and shared best practices. “One Trust might be reluctant to try a new product, but when they see other trusts in their ICS adopting it with success, they’re more likely to give it a go,” explains Josh Wardell, Implementation & Adoption Specialist.
This collaborative approach helps build confidence in new products or changes, reducing the perceived risk and enhancing the overall impact. For instance, if a product switch has already proven effective in one area, the team can quickly share this insight with other trusts, encouraging broader adoption and enabling quicker implementation of successful initiatives.
Ensuring Continuous Improvement Through Two-Way Communication
Feedback from NHS trusts is essential to refining our procurement processes and make certain they meet local needs. The I&A team ensures that this feedback loop remains open, collecting insights from trusts and relaying them back to our procurement team.
“We’re in constant dialogue with trusts, listening to their needs and feeding that information back to the procurement team. This way, future frameworks are more aligned with the realities on the ground,” says Jon Smith, Implementation & Adoption Specialist. This two-way communication enables our awarded suppliers to understand the specific needs of NHS trusts, driving innovation and improving the quality of products and services available to the NHS.
Ultimately, the work of the I&A team exemplifies why tailoring our services truly matters. By offering customised data insights, facilitating system-wide collaboration, and ensuring a continuous feedback loop, they support NHS trusts in making better purchasing decisions that align with both national goals and local operational realities.
This hands-on, personalised approach ensures that NHS trusts receive the support they need to improve patient care and operational efficiency, all while maximising the value they derive from their procurement processes. To learn more about how our Implementation & Adoption team can support your trust, please contact our team on facilitiesandofficesolutionssupport@supplychain.nhs.uk.