It has been announced on may 13 that the activities of the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) will be phased out with procurement service responsibilities in the NHS being handled by the OGC. The Recruitemt and Employment Confederation (REC) says: “It has not always been an easy relationship between the recruitment industry and NHS PASA. The reality is that tangible progress has been made over the years and there have been specific benefits in terms of enhancing the quality of provision. Looking ahead, it is crucial that we learn the lessons from what has worked and what hasn’t worked with PASA framework agreements.  The REC already has good links with the OGC and we will be looking to ensure that the voice of agencies in the healthcare sector is taken on board during the forthcoming transition.”

The REC added: “The key is to ensure that there is a balance between cost control priorities and recognising quality of service and to ensure that procurement exercises are transparent and fair.”

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