Released on 13 May 2009

It has been announced that the activities of the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) will be phased out with procurement service responsibilities in the NHS being handled by the OGC.

On this, Tom Hadley, the REC’s Director of External Relations, says:”It has not always been an easy relationship between the recruitment industry and NHS PASA. The reality is that tangible progress has been made over the years and there have been specific benefits in terms of enhancing the quality of provision.

“Looking ahead, it is crucial that we learn the lessons from what has worked and what hasn’t worked with PASA framework agreements.  The REC already has good links with the OGC and we will be looking to ensure that the voice of agencies in the healthcare sector is taken on board during the forthcoming transition.

“The key is to ensure that there is a balance between cost control priorities and recognising quality of service and to ensure that procurement exercises are transparent and fair.”

Further information can be accessed at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098876

The REC’s  External Relations team is already in regular dialogue with the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and will continue to build on this relationship in order to influence the future procurement landscape for recruitment services in the NHS.

The REC’s initial aim is to get clarity on what the changes will mean for current framework agreements.  REC members will be provided with regular updates on this over the next few days.

source http://www.rec.uk.com/press/news/654