This consultation sought views on proposed changes to the NHS Standard Contract for 2024/25. The Contract is published by NHS England and used by commissioners to procure most healthcare services in England, excluding primary care. It includes both a full-length version and a shorter-form version for less complex and lower-value services.

The consultation outlined material updates to both versions of the Contract and invited feedback from stakeholders, along with wider suggestions for improvement. Responses were submitted via the NHS England Consultation Hub, supported by a stakeholder response collation document to gather input across organisations.

The BHTA encouraged members to review the proposed changes and consider any potential implications for their organisations.

Download the relevant documents:

Click HERE to download the consultation document.

Click HERE to download the BHTA response to this consultation.

This consultation sought views on the potential introduction of new secondary legislation requiring manufacturers and suppliers of medicines, medical devices and borderline products to report payments and other benefits provided to healthcare professionals and organisations.

For BHTA members, the proposals signalled a significant shift towards increased transparency obligations across the health sector, with potential implications for reporting requirements, administrative burden and commercial relationships. The measures aimed to address concerns around real and perceived conflicts of interest, as highlighted in the IMMDS review, and to strengthen patient trust and confidence in clinical decision-making.

The consultation also considered how transparency could be improved while minimising impact on industry. The BHTA encouraged members to review the proposals and consider the potential operational and compliance implications for their organisations.

Download the relevant documents:

Click HERE to download the consultation document.

Click HERE to download the BHTA response to this consultation.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s supplementary consultation on the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) sought views on proposals to replace existing healthcare procurement rules with a more flexible framework focused on collaboration, integration and patient outcomes. The proposed regime would govern how NHS bodies, integrated care boards, local authorities and NHS trusts arrange healthcare services, reducing reliance on competitive tendering while maintaining transparency, proportionality and accountability in provider selection decisions.

In its response, the BHTA broadly supported the objectives of the Provider Selection Regime, particularly efforts to improve clarity, reduce unnecessary procurement burdens and support integrated care delivery. The Association highlighted the importance of clear definitions and reference points, including the use of Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) codes to define service scope, and advocated for the inclusion of services such as wheelchair, community equipment and continence provision. The response also raised concerns about proposed thresholds for contract changes potentially disadvantaging SMEs and innovative providers, while emphasising the need for fair market access, transparency and continued opportunities for specialist healthcare suppliers.

Download the relevant documentation:

Click HERE to download the consultation – document 1

Click HERE to download the consultation – document 2

Click HERE to download the consultation – document 3

Click HERE to download the BHTA response to this consultation.

This consultation sought views on proposed changes to the NHS Standard Contract for 2022/23, which was used by NHS commissioners to procure most healthcare services in England, excluding primary care. It covered both the full-length contract and a shorter-form version for less complex services.

The updates were set in the context of the Health and Care Act reforms, which introduced Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) as the new commissioners responsible for arranging services and contracting with providers. The NHS Standard Contract continued to provide a nationally mandated framework to ensure consistent standards, reduce administrative burden, and support fair competition between NHS and independent providers.

The consultation invited feedback on the proposed changes and broader improvements, with the Contract expected to evolve over time to reduce bureaucracy and support greater integration across local health systems.

Download the relevant documents:

Click HERE to download the consultation document.

Click HERE to download the BHTA response to this consultation.

This MHRA consultation sought views on a comprehensive overhaul of the UK medical devices regulatory framework following the UK’s departure from the EU. The proposals aimed to strengthen patient safety, increase transparency, support innovation, and align the UK with international best practice. Key areas included changes to device classification, software and AI regulation, in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), post-market surveillance, clinical investigations, unique device identification (UDI), economic operator responsibilities, and new routes to market for innovative technologies. The consultation formed part of the UK’s plans to establish a modern, proportionate regulatory system that supports both patient protection and the growth of the life sciences sector.

The BHTA encouraged members from across the medical technology sector to review the proposals and submit responses, helping to ensure that the views and practical experiences of manufacturers, suppliers and service providers were reflected in the development of the future UK regulatory framework.

Download the relevant documents:

Click HERE to download the consultation document.

Due to the document’s format, the BHTA response is available on request. Please email william.lee@bhta.com or katie.edgington@bhta.com to receive a copy.