International healthcare professionals recruitment and associated services

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of NHS Commercial Solutions (in collaboration with East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub, NHS London Procurement Partnership and NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative, together forming the 'NHS Collaborative Procurement Partnership') is exploring the feasibility of using recruitment agencies to support the NHS and other participating authorities in successfully attracting suitable healthcare professionals from overseas.

Additional information:

Following this feasibility phase, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on behalf NHS Commercial Solutions may choose to take forward a procurement exercise.

Details are subject to change, but the current intention is that procurement shall deliver:

• a)a framework agreement with multiple suppliers for the provision of internationally recruited nursing and midwifery staff, medical and dental staff and other clinical staff including, without limitation, allied health professionals, emergency services personnel, health science services, personal social services staff and other healthcare professionals as identified from to time on the UK Shortage Occupation List ('healthcare professionals'); and
• b)a service which shall:
• i)encourage the recruitment of healthcare professionals into areas where they are most needed;
• ii)ensure that the healthcare professionals recruited from overseas are clinically competent;
• iii)ensure that the healthcare professionals recruited from overseas have English language skills at the appropriate level to deliver their role;
• iv)ensure a high level of retention following successful employment by participating authorities. This is likely to include induction training and relocation (pastoral and cultural) support.

Interested suppliers are encouraged to register their interest via NHS Commercial Solution's eTendering system, Bravo Solution, website address https://commercialsolutions.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml

Instructions for registering an interest are as follows:

• a)click 'View current opportunities and notices'
• b)express an interest in the project pqq_938 - Prior Information Notice for international healthcare professional recruitment and associated services. It should be noted that this is NOT the actual PQQ stage of the procurement. System limitations mean that the label states 'PQQ' but the opportunity is NOT yet live. You will be informed if, and when, the procurement goes live.
• c)accurately complete and fully submit your answers to the Qualification Questionnaire.