The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is preparing to introduce its new value-based procurement (VBP) framework in June, remaining on schedule for rollout. Senior figures are set to promote the initiative at major industry gatherings during that month.
David Lawson, who leads the DHSC’s Medical Technology and Innovation Directorate, will outline the methodology at Med-Tech Expo in Birmingham on 4 June, followed by another presentation at a prominent NHS Confederation event on 10 June.
To support the transition, a series of workshops – both virtual and in-person – will take place soon, aimed at helping medical technology suppliers understand and adapt to the new system. In parallel, training resources are being created for NHS procurement teams as well as industry stakeholders. Development is also ongoing for Compass, the digital platform intended to underpin the VBP approach, though its full user version is not expected until 2027.
The government has consistently backed the move toward VBP, with ministers reaffirming their support in recent parliamentary responses. These statements also confirmed that NHS Supply Chain will incorporate the VBP model across its purchasing activities.
