FRAMEWORK
BRIEF
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FRAMEWORK OVERVIEW
The HealthTrust Europe (HTE) framework agreement for Payroll covers all options including a Fully Managed, a Blended and a Bureau Services solution. The appointed suppliers to each service provision on the framework have true supply capability, and the necessary experience and technical knowledge to ensure that the IT requirements relating to the transition and integration of the framework are adhered to.
This agreement is open for the benefit of any named HealthTrust Europe member, NHS body, local authority, government department or non-departmental public body and the private sector.
The framework agreement was procured in 2012 in compliance with the Public Contract Regulations 2006, and is divided into three Lots: Fully Managed Service, Blended Service and Bureau Service. The term of the framework is until 19th August 2016.
Expertise in the NHS and wider public sector
Professional guidance and support
Framework volume discounts available
Legally Compliant
Range of value-added services
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SERVICES INCLUDED
Contained within the framework agreement Specification are three defined service type options that each customer can choose from:
Fully Managed Service A fully outsourced model of Payroll with experienced, professional providers. It offers the ability to choose from a range of delivery options and adapt the division of services to suit your organisation.
Blended Service A hybrid model of Payroll that can include any range of requirement between a fully managed service and a bureau service. In this case, it is imperative to run a selection process to ascertain the best value if your service is implementing a change.
Bureau Service An entry level, administrative model of Payroll that offers economies of scale for organisations wishing to lessen the burden on central teams.
Customers can choose to implement the service type that they feel fits their current requirement most completely. All enquiries are dealt with in the strictest confidence.
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FRAMEWORK SUPPLIERS
Fu lly Ma n ag ed S er vi ce : B le n d ed S er vi ce : B u re au S er vi ce :McKesson Information Solutions
Equiniti ICS
University Hospitals of Birmingham Capita Business Services
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KEY BENEFITS
Expertise in the NHS and wider public sector
:
Each of our suppliers has many years’ experience of operating within an NHS, or public sector, environment. This gives them the necessary knowledge and skills to make the transition easier for our customers.
Professional guidance and support:
HTE and our suppliers know how sensitive
outsourcing can be for our customers and offer all the necessary guidance and support to make the process as smooth as possible.
Framework volume discounts:
Due to the flexibility of the framework, suppliers are able to offer discounts and savings from the established contract ceiling price based on a customer’s individual purchasing habits.
Legally compliant:
The framework agreement provides organisations with
a compliant route to market.
Professional integration and implementation:
Our suppliers have many years’ experience in the transition and implementation of Payroll solutions. Each provider utilises the Electronic Staff Records (ESR) tool to alleviate the otherwise intensive requirements on a customer’s IT infrastructure.
Range of value-added services:
In addition to the standard functionality of the ESR solution, many of our suppliers offer a range of free of charge and chargeable extras, such as analytical tools, for your organisation. These can improve the way our customers are able to monitor and improve their Payroll service.
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ACCESS TO THE FRAMEWORK
Customers intending to use this framework agreement should commit to only one supplier for implementation. There is no obligation to conduct further competition under this framework but it remains an option for customers to utilise if they wish to do so.
Award Options
The customer may approach HTE to discuss market testing their service provision. The customer is not required to run a mini competition under the framework agreement. The customer can award directly from the framework agreement to a supplier of their choice or choose to run a selection process. The selection process for market testing shall be advised on a customer-by-customer basis as and when a requirement is identified.
Direct Award
Where the customer has already determined their requirements and a preference for one of the four providers on the framework agreement, a customer may contract directly with the named provider without conducting any further competition or inviting all providers to bid.
Selection Process
Once the customer has determined their requirements, they shall identify the suppliers capable of delivering those requirements. Only the suppliers identified will be invited to the selection process. At the selection process stage, the supplier will be provided with the customer’s requirements, and shall be asked to submit pricing. The customer and the successful supplier shall enter into a contract under the framework agreement.
In all instances, HealthTrust Europe should be informed once a customer has entered into a contract with a supplier under this framework agreement.
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FAQS
How can I be sure that this framework agreement can be used by my organisation and remain
compliant?
The OJEU notice used to advertise this framework clearly outlines the scope of procurement in Section II.I.V. If your organizational department is named in this scope then you can utilise our framework and remain compliant. Please note that you do not need to be specifically mentioned by name.
How long is the framework agreement valid for?
The framework agreement is valid for up to 4 years. Contracts may be formed for up to 10 years at any point during the Framework’s duration.
If my existing supplier is on the framework agreement, how do I switch?
If a customer is not under any current commitment contract, then they are able to switch to the new framework agreement immediately. Customers can opt for a Direct Award to the existing supplier if named on the framework agreement. Once the call-off contract has been enacted, the services carried out for the customer will be done so under the framework’s terms and conditions. If a customer is in a commitment contract with a supplier on the framework agreement, then the originally agreed prices will prevail unless notice has been given, until such a time as the contract is complete or at a pre-agreed time with the supplier.
What if my existing supplier is not on the framework agreement, how do I switch?
The new framework agreement can be utilised immediately providing the customer does not already have a commitment contract. If they are already in a contract, it is recommended that they give the agreed notice period prior to switching suppliers. Suppliers must offer the framework rates, however customers are recommended to state when contacting a supplier, that they wish to use this agreement. Authorities should contact the nominated HealthTrust Europe representative to facilitate migration to the framework agreement.
Will suppliers me contacting customers to promote the use of the framework agreement?
Suppliers are now able to contact customers to promote the use of the framework agreement. Suppliers should, however, inform any representative they speak to of the options they have. If suppliers are found to have misled customers, they may be removed from the framework agreement. Customers should inform the nominated HealthTrust Europe representative once they have entered into discussions with a supplier which may result in a contract, as well as when they have entered a contract, in order for benefits, performance and compliance to be effectively monitored.
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Do I have to conduct further competition to utilise this framework agreement?
No, but the opportunity is available. We have built a Direct Award process into this framework agreement to allow customers to form agreements with a “preferred” supplier. The customer also has the option to enact further competition between the four providers through a selection process to ascertain the best value option.
How can I see more detail regarding the services included on this framework agreement?
If you are a full member of HealthTrust Europe, or have signed an NDA/Order form, you can view the framework information indicated above via the SalesForce Chatter Group. Alternatively, for further details please contact our Helpdesk on 0845 887 5000; or email [email protected].
