THE NHS’s WORKFORCE TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY IS REOPENING IN 2026
The NHS is preparing to reopen its Workforce Systems 2 Open Framework, creating a significant opportunity for organisations providing workforce management, HR, rostering, recruitment, learning, analytics and workforce technology solutions.
With an estimated value of up to £1 billion excluding VAT, this framework will provide NHS organisations with a compliant route to market for software systems and digital solutions that support the management, deployment, development and wellbeing of the healthcare workforce.
The framework is designed to support the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan and People Digital Plan by enabling NHS organisations to access innovative workforce technologies that improve operational efficiency, workforce planning and staff experience.
Why this framework matters
Workforce management remains one of the NHS’s biggest challenges, with increasing focus on recruitment, retention, staff wellbeing, productivity and data-driven workforce planning.
This framework will enable NHS organisations to procure workforce technology solutions that support:
• Better workforce planning and deployment
• Improved staff experience and engagement
• Enhanced reporting and workforce analytics
• Increased operational efficiency and productivity
• Compliance, governance and workforce assurance
• Digital transformation across healthcare organisations
For suppliers, the framework offers access to one of the largest healthcare markets in the UK through a nationally recognised procurement route.
Who should be preparing now?
This opportunity is expected to be relevant to suppliers providing:
• Workforce management systems
• Electronic rostering and scheduling solutions
• HR and people management software
• Recruitment and onboarding platforms
• Learning management and training systems
• Staff wellbeing and engagement solutions
• Workforce reporting, business intelligence and analytics tools
• Skills, competency and performance management systems
• Digital workforce transformation solutions
• AI-enabled workforce planning and optimisation technologies
Framework Structure
· Lot 1: Workforce Technology Systems (Original Equipment Manufacturers, software development, and applications)
· Lot 2: Services for Integration, Deployment, and Interoperability (system training, implementation, reporting, and analytics)
· Lot 3: Professional Services and Consultancy (gap analysis, specification design, project management, and change management)
· Lot 4: Overlay, User Experience, and Support (user interface platforms, support services, system harmonisation)
Accreditations and Certifications
While some level of accreditation is still expected, requirements are likely to be more proportionate and achievable. It is also anticipated that suppliers will be required to have a Carbon Reduction Plan in place as part of future participation criteria, an area in which we have specialist expertise to support suppliers in developing compliant, robust and submission-ready plans.
Why early preparation is key
NHS frameworks are highly competitive and require strong, compliant submissions. Starting preparation early gives suppliers the best chance of securing a place and maximising long-term public sector growth.
Workforce Technology Systems 2 opens for submissions in June 2026. Now is the time to start planning.
Your Next Steps
Don’t risk missing this opportunity. Our specialist team has delivered over 98% success rates and helped secure £25 billion in public sector contracts. We have limited spaces available for our comprehensive bid support.
Contact us immediately: Book a discovery call, 0161 804 9624 or info@neuven-consult.com