NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a digital health advisory services framework agreement to help the NHS strengthen the digital, data and technology (DDaT) skills and capabilities of its workforce.

Developed in collaboration with NHS England’s Transformation Directorate, NHS SBS’s digital health advisory services framework agreement consists of 40 providers of consultancy services that can support with the delivery of IT projects, clinical informatics advisory, digital training and provision of temporary staff with DDaT skills.

Half of the providers are small to medium enterprises who specialise in digital healthcare.

GP practices, hospitals, health centres, emergency services and integrated care systems can use it for free to procure support to complete digital projects in flight, or accelerate the rate of digital and technological advancement within a trust.

David Holbrook, senior category manager of digital workforce & IT transformation at NHS SBS said: “The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan states that harnessing the opportunities presented by digital and technological innovations requires NHS staff to continue to build digital skills and capabilities."

He added: “Workforce is one of the most cited challenges facing the NHS and the purpose of our framework agreement is to help accelerate successful digital adoption by providing immediate access to the tools, expertise and digital skills the NHS needs and to support it bridge the gap along its journey to transformation.”