You may have heard that NHS England have confirmed that from 1 July 2024, trusts should no longer use off framework agencies. We want to assure you that Altrix is a framework agency and any shifts booked with us will not be affected and you will be paid as usual in the method you choose.
Altrix is on the major frameworks for supplying healthcare professionals to NHS trusts – these are CCS Workforce Alliance and HTE Total Workforce Solutions II.
What is an NHS framework?
Frameworks for the supply of temporary staff provide a list of approved and compliant agencies to NHS trusts. Trusts using the framework can then select the agencies they want to use without going through lengthy and costly procurement and tender processes. Agencies on a framework will be regularly audited by the framework for different areas including safety standards, which provides trusts with peace of mind that they remain compliant and operate to the standards required by the framework.
How does an agency get on a framework?
For an agency to be accepted onto a framework they will have had to demonstrate they supply staff of high quality, meeting NHS Employment Check Standards at a competitive price.
To become a ‘framework supplier’, agencies must apply through a tender process and provide information about their policies and procedures and demonstrate an ability to supply the quality and quantity of candidates required.
What are the key frameworks used by the NHS in England?
There are a number of UK frameworks run by different organisations. The ones used by most NHS Trusts in England are:
Each framework operates its own set of compliance standards and auditing processes. These procedures are very similar, however, there are slight differences in the requirement of each framework.
Please check that any other agencies that you work with are framework agencies, particularly if you have shifts booked with them from July this year.
