Mastering NHS supplier relationships for a Digital NHS
23 July 2025
- Move beyond transactions to true partnerships: For the NHS to truly succeed digitally, we need to shift from highly transactional buying and selling relationships to working as a partnership to create better outcomes. This is an ongoing effort, not a one-off task after signing a contract.
- Understand your entire supply chain: It's vital that NHS boards don't just know their main suppliers, but have a comprehensive overview of their whole digital supply chain. This includes understanding all the potential risks (like cyber-security) and opportunities, and having a clear plan for managing the varied landscape of tech providers, both big and small.
- Use the opportunity to work collectively: Working with neighbouring trusts and leveraging informal networks can give us far more influence in the marketplace, helping to coordinate changes with vendors and strengthen relationships.
- Embed supplier management as a strategic consideration for the board: Supplier management isn't just an operational detail; it needs to be a board-level priority. This means integrating supplier management skills within our digital teams, keeping robust contract records, investing in horizon scanning for new tech, and developing an 'intelligent customer' workforce. This ensures trust tech investments align with boards’ strategic goals.