A seismic shift is underway in the UK healthcare staffing landscape, and it’s set to impact how NHS trusts secure temporary staff. From July 2024, all use of off-framework agencies will be halted, marking a new era for both healthcare providers and medical professionals.
Understanding On-Framework vs. Off-Framework Agencies
To fully grasp the implications of this change, it’s important to understand the distinction between these two types of agencies.
- On-framework agencies: These agencies have been approved by the NHS and are listed on the NHS Staff Bank, a national database of approved suppliers. This ensures they adhere to strict standards of quality, compliance, and pricing.
- Off-framework agencies: These agencies have not been approved by the NHS and don’t appear on the NHS Staff Bank. While they may offer competitive rates, their use can lead to inconsistencies in staff quality, compliance issues, and potentially higher costs for NHS trusts.
The NHS Shift: What It Means for Healthcare Providers
The move away from off-framework agencies is rooted in the desire to ensure quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness across the NHS staffing supply chain. By utilising on-framework agencies, NHS trusts can expect:
- Improved Quality and Compliance: On-framework agencies are rigorously vetted and monitored to ensure they meet high standards. This translates to better quality of staff, adherence to NHS protocols, and enhanced patient safety.
- Fair and Transparent Pricing: The NHS Staff Bank sets a transparent pricing framework for on-framework agencies, promoting financial accountability and fair compensation for healthcare professionals.
- Streamlined Recruitment: Using the NHS Staff Bank simplifies the recruitment process for NHS trusts, saving time and resources by consolidating the search for qualified healthcare workers.
What It Means for Medical Professionals
For doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals (AHPs), this shift is significant. Here’s what you should know:
- Greater Job Security: Working with on-framework agencies like Total Assist increases your chances of securing consistent, reliable work within the NHS. This shift enhances job security and stability for healthcare professionals.
- Fair Compensation: On-framework agencies adhere to the NHS Staff Bank’s pricing structure, ensuring fair pay for your skills and expertise.
- Streamlined Access to Opportunities: The NHS Staff Bank acts as a centralised platform for on-framework agencies, simplifying your job search and connecting you with a wider range of NHS vacancies.
Total Assist: Your On-Framework Partner
As a leading on-framework agency, Total Assist is your trusted partner in navigating this evolving landscape. We offer:
- Diverse and Fulfilling Job Opportunities: Our network of NHS trust clients spans a wide range of specialisations and locations, providing a diverse array of opportunities for doctors, nurses, and AHPs.
- Expert Guidance and Support: Our dedicated team will guide you through every step of the process, from registration and compliance to finding the perfect role that aligns with your career goals.
- Commitment to Quality and Compliance: We prioritise the highest standards of quality, adhering to all NHS regulations and ensuring fair compensation for our healthcare professionals.
- Training and Development Opportunities: We provide a comprehensive suite of training and development programmes designed to enhance your skills and knowledge, helping you excel in your career.
Navigating the Transition
Here’s how to ensure you’re prepared for the shift:
- Register with an On-Framework Agency: If you haven’t already, register with an on-framework agency like Total Assist to access a wide range of NHS opportunities.
- Update Your Profile: Ensure your CV, qualifications, and references are up-to-date and readily available.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest NHS guidelines and policies regarding temporary staffing to remain compliant and in-demand.
The Future of NHS Staffing
While this change may seem daunting at first, it ultimately signals a commitment to improving the quality and efficiency of NHS staffing. Partnering with a trusted on-framework agency like Total Assist can simplify the process, ensure your career flourishes, and guarantee your valuable contribution to patient care remains uninterrupted.
If you’re a healthcare professional in the UK, take the proactive step of partnering with Total Assist today. Let us guide you through this transition and connect you with rewarding opportunities within the NHS.
Visit Total Assist at https://totalassist.co.uk/ and let us be your trusted career partner.
