The NHS is one of the largest buyers in Europe, and it increasingly wants to work with smaller, specialist providers and charities. But its procurement landscape — frameworks, the Provider Selection Regime, and multiple buying routes — can be daunting at first.
Understand the buying routes
NHS purchasing runs through several channels, including NHS Supply Chain, national and regional frameworks, and direct trust-level tenders. Identify which route fits your product or service before you spend time chasing opportunities.
Lead with outcomes and safety
Healthcare evaluators prioritise patient outcomes, clinical safety, information governance and value over the whole pathway. Charities in particular can stand out on lived experience and community reach — but must still evidence governance, data protection and financial stability to be shortlisted.