The BackgroundDocaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust went out to tender for a managed service in 2016 under the CCS RM3711 framework.
Starting in 2016 Holt had little fill within the 3 Trusts. This was the first multi-trust contract Holt had implemented and the biggest one within the NHS at that time.
Key aims
• Increase overall fill rates
• Become less reliant on multiple agencies
• Reduction in agency spend
• Higher compliance standards
• Higher DE conversion
• More effective control over rates
• Increased visibility overall, MI/Reporting
• Minimise off contract bookings
• Streamline processes across all Trusts
Challenges faced along the way
• NHSI/E ratecards and reporting
• IR35 legislation
• Covid-19
• Increase in off framework agencies
• BMA ratecard
• Increase in bank rates
• Removal of waivers
• Industrial Actions
The solution
Our experience project and implementation team ensured a smooth transition within 8 weeks for all 3 Trusts. We worked closely with the Trusts to keep the implementation on track, providing daily updates of outstanding actions, mitigating any risks and increasing supper as required including on site cover. We went live with all 3 Trusts at the same time.
The Trusts also needed to implement our Direct Engagement model to replace their existing model and increase their throughput/savings.
In 2020 the contract increase from 3 to 9 Trusts, due to results achieved from the 3 original Trusts. After 4 successful years, in 2024 Holt re-won this via another tender process.
- Collaborative end-to-end solution covering bank, regional banks, AHPs, doctors and direct engagement
- Streamlined onboarding with 68+ agencies, working together to fill c70% via Holt
- Lower contracted commission due to size of collab for further savings
- Joint compliance assurance with manual and system checks for 100% compliant candidates
- Enhanced MI and NHSI reporting through system insights and dedicated data analyst support
- Greater buying power to control rates due to collaboration of 9 Trusts
- Collaborative automation streamlining processes for efficiency and savings across Trusts
- Strategic review meetings to analyse demand and drive cost-saving initiatives together
The results:
- 9 Trusts implemented since 2016
- £13.5 million saved through Direct Engagement
- £3.8 million savings through permanent placements
- 97% fill rates across all Trusts (c70% via Holt)
- 98% DE fill rate across all Trusts
- No management fees
- Over £8.5 million savings on commissions compared to previous provider
- £1.3 million savings from regional bank
- Over 1,100 users trained and working with LMS.