NHS framework agencies explained

Have you come across the term ‘NHS framework agencies’ but been left wondering what it means? Don’t worry – here at Pulse, we’re here to help you understand this crucial part of healthcare recruitment, and what it means for you, our locum healthcare professionals.

What are framework agencies?

So, what is a framework agency? Let’s break it down.

When an NHS trust hires agency staff, such as nurses, doctors, clinical, and non-clinical professionals, they will usually do so via an approved NHS staffing framework. These frameworks are essentially a list of carefully vetted recruitment agencies that can be trusted to supply staff. Agencies that have a place on one of these frameworks may be referred to as a ‘framework agency’.

The framework agencies follow agreements that have been authorised by NHS England. These agreements help to create a seamless partnership between the NHS and recruitment agencies, ensuring the following:

  • Established terms and conditions by which recruitment agencies can contract with the NHS.
  • Clearly outlined mutual expectations and responsibilities of both the recruitment agency and the NHS.
  • That recruitment agencies used by trusts meet certain standards for quality and compliance.
  • That the recruitment agencies adhere to price caps.

To be included on an approved framework, recruitment agencies must first apply and go through a lengthy application and audit process where they provide details about their processes, policies, and procedures.

If an agency successfully completes the application, they’ll receive a spot on the framework. You may then hear these agencies be referred to as ‘framework agencies’ – an unofficial term which is commonplace in the recruitment world.

Is Pulse a framework agency?

For a number of years now, Pulse has operated as a framework agency. It’s critical for us to work collaboratively with our NHS clients and employers to hire healthcare professionals in the most ethically secure and cost-effective manner possible. By becoming an NHS framework agency, we’re able to do this properly.

We’ve established some trustworthy partnerships with NHS employers, thanks to being on some of the major frameworks in the UK:

  • HealthTrust Europe: Total Workforce Solutions ll
  • Workforce Alliance: RM6161 – Provision of Clinical and Healthcare Staffing
  • NHS Scotland – NP500-22 – Temporary Medical Locums Framework
  • NHS Welsh Partnership

We were awarded a place on the frameworks after submitting an in-depth application where we gave thorough details about our hiring practices. This included information on our policies and practices for the safe recruitment of healthcare staff, as well as an overview of our stringent compliance processes and our ability to supply the very best quality of healthcare professionals.

Each framework has its own review and approval procedure, as well as individual compliance requirements. Being a framework agency is proof that Pulse has one of the industry’s most robust compliance procedures in place, guaranteeing the safe recruitment of staff, whilst adhering to all framework requirements.

What are the benefits of framework agencies?

There are many benefits of working with a framework agency like Pulse, for both our healthcare professionals and for NHS employers. We’ve broken those benefits down here:

For healthcare professionals like you

  • Opportunities – NHS trusts prefer to fill their agency shifts via approved framework agencies, so you’ll find a huge selection of roles available with us here at Pulse.  
  • Stability – by choosing a framework agency like Pulse, you’ll get access to a steady stream of opportunities throughout the country, meaning you’ll always have a choice of work. 
  • Security – you can rest assured that you’re working with an agency that is trusted to follow proper processes and to manage your career properly. This means stringent compliance processes and checks, less chance of shifts being cancelled, and overall high levels of predictability and stability to support you throughout your career.  

For the NHS

  • Screening – all agency staff are hired in accordance with the framework’s compliance requirements.
  • Variety – by using a framework agency like Pulse, NHS trusts can choose from a wide range of healthcare professionals, covering a variety of expertise.
  • Volume – NHS trusts can hire large numbers of top-quality healthcare professionals at once via a framework agency.
  • Control – NHS trusts can gain a more simplified oversight of recruitment costs.

What is the difference between on and off framework agencies?

Organisations that are not awarded a place on an NHS framework, but still provide to trusts outside of these framework agreements, may be referred to as ‘off-framework’ organisations.

Register with Pulse

If you’d like access to the widest range of healthcare roles with NHS trusts throughout the UK, then register with Pulse today. By working with a framework agency, we promise to support you every step of the way with a steady stream of work and an expert consultant whenever you need them.