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The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is developing a new initiative known as the MedTech Compass, designed to support more effective and consistent procurement decisions across the NHS. While still in development, the MedTech Compass represents a move towards a more streamlined, value-focused approach to how medical technologies are assessed and adopted.
Here’s what BHTA members need to know about the MedTech Compass.
At its core, the MedTech Compass is intended to enable smarter procurement decisions by allowing NHS organisations to compare products side by side based on value rather than price alone. It is designed so that a single set of supplier data can be submitted once and reused across multiple procurement processes.
This approach aims to support more consistent and transparent decision-making, reduce duplication across NHS procurement, and improve efficiency for both suppliers and buyers. The MedTech Compass has been described as a comparison-style tool, intended to support procurement teams and clinicians in making more informed choices.
The MedTech Compass is currently progressing through its development phases. The programme began with a discovery phase to assess user needs and market challenges. This has been followed by the alpha phase (November 2025 to March 2026), where concepts are being tested through a prototype. A beta phase is expected during the 2026/27 financial year to build and test the full system, followed by a live service rollout across the NHS in 2027/28.
The alpha phase has recently passed a Government Digital Service assessment with a Green rating. DHSC is expected to progress to procurement for the beta phase through an Invitation to Tender, with the beta likely to begin in summer 2026 and run for approximately 12 months.
For suppliers, the MedTech Compass has the potential to reduce administrative burden and simplify engagement with NHS procurement.
By enabling a “submit once, use many times” approach to data, it should reduce the need to repeatedly provide the same information across different procurement exercises, improve clarity around requirements, and support more predictable and consistent evaluation criteria.
At the same time, suppliers will need to ensure that their product data is comprehensive, accurate, and aligned with the value-based metrics the MedTech Compass is expected to prioritise.
The MedTech Compass is intended to support NHS procurement teams and clinicians by providing a structured way to assess and compare technologies.
Rather than focusing solely on price, the system is expected to incorporate a broader definition of value, including factors such as clinical outcomes, system efficiency, and wider benefits to the healthcare system.
By standardising how information is presented and assessed, the MedTech Compass aims to reduce variation across organisations and support faster, more consistent decision-making.
For additional context on wider medtech policy developments, members can read our previous article on the MedTech Strategy and DHSC initiatives.
BHTA members supplying healthcare and mobility equipment are encouraged to review a new tender opportunity launched by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS).
NHS SBS has issued a major framework tender for the provision of Community and Acute Equipment and Services, including continence products and delivery. The framework, reference SBS10525, aims to establish a comprehensive supply route for NHS and social care organisations across the UK. The total estimated value of the framework is £500 million (excluding VAT), running for a period of four years from 4 January 2027 to 3 January 2031.
The framework is divided into five lots:
Community and Acute Equipment – aids to daily living, moving and handling, clinical furniture, patient treatment couches, with associated repair and maintenance services.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Beds and Mattresses – manual and electric beds, static, dynamic and hybrid mattresses, and seating.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Wheelchairs – standard, bariatric, paediatric and portering models, with related servicing.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Combined Lot – a one-stop option for suppliers awarded to two or more lots, supporting integrated or managed service models.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Continence Products Home Delivery Service – supply and delivery of continence and self-care products for use in home settings.
Lot value: £500 million (excluding VAT)
Suppliers may bid for one or more lots. NHS SBS notes that sustainability and social value will form a significant part of the evaluation criteria.
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the SAP Ariba portal.
This framework will support NHS and social care organisations in procuring essential community and acute equipment efficiently and ethically. SMEs, VCSEs, and established suppliers of healthcare products and services are encouraged to review the full tender documentation and consider participation.
For further information, suppliers can contact nsbs.categorymanagementsourcing@nhs.net.
NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) has confirmed the approval of its Modernisation Programme, a multi-year initiative designed to update and strengthen its operations across procurement, logistics and supply management. Alongside this, it has introduced a set of Buying Principles that outline how it will approach purchasing decisions and work with suppliers.
The Modernisation Programme is structured to enhance the organisation’s commercial capability, update procurement systems, and support improved product and service pathways. According to NHSSC, the programme will involve strengthening digital tools, improving processes, and supporting greater consistency across procurement activities. It is intended to ensure that procurement is more efficient, transparent, and aligned with national objectives.
NHSCC says that the Modernisation Programme will enable it to make a step change in its ability to serve the NHS and patients across England, by investing in IT and supply chain infrastructures through a multi-year programme.
Andrew New, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Supply Chain, commented: “This investment will be used to grow the value of our procurement and delivery services to meet the needs of all of our service users and stakeholders in a resilient and modern system-centric way.
“It will also enable us to address our critical IT resilience risks, as well as delivering our commitment to return a minimum of £1 billion of recurring annual value to the NHS by 2030.”
A short explanatory video released by NHSSC highlights several areas of development within the programme, including improvements to digital infrastructure, enhanced data visibility, and refined systems intended to deliver better outcomes for the wider NHS. The programme is described as a significant step in preparing NHSSC for future demands on procurement and supply management.
NHSSC has also published its new Buying Principles, outlining the standards and considerations that guide purchasing decisions. These principles state that buying decisions will be evidence-based, transparent, and designed to provide value for money while supporting the needs of the NHS.
The principles include commitments to consistency, fairness, and long-term value, as well as an emphasis on quality and ensuring that procurement decisions contribute positively to patient care. NHSSC notes that the updated approach is intended to improve clarity for suppliers, offering a clearer framework for how purchasing decisions are made.
While the principles are high-level, they directly relate to suppliers by setting expectations for the evaluation of goods and services. NHSSC states that the principles will support more efficient, transparent decision-making and give suppliers greater visibility of the factors that influence category strategies and contracting.
The Modernisation Programme states that the new Buying Principles and modernisation activities will help create clearer pathways for engagement with suppliers. The principles indicate that suppliers should expect NHSSC to apply consistent criteria and evidence-based methods during procurement exercises.
The Modernisation Programme includes changes to digital tools and commercial processes that will support enhanced interactions with suppliers. These developments are framed as improvements to the way NHSSC manages sourcing, contracting, and ongoing supplier relationships.
The BHTA joined NHS Supply Chain’s (NHSCC) latest supplier webinar on 12 November 2025 to hear updates on key procurement developments. The session provided practical information to help suppliers understand upcoming changes, maintain compliance with NHS procurement standards, and engage more effectively with NHSCC.
Matthew Griffin, Head of Procurement Operations, outlined how NHSCC is helping suppliers adapt to changes brought about by the Procurement Act 2023. A series of new user guides, short videos, and updated website content has been created to make information easier to access. For more information and access to these supplier resources, visit the NHSCC suppliers section.
Matthew also emphasised NHSCC’s increasing focus on cyber security, with new requirements to safeguard systems and sensitive data. A dedicated section on the website provides guidance on meeting these standards. He highlighted the importance of early engagement with the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and recommended suppliers familiarise themselves with the Contract and Tender Process pages.
The updated procurement calendar was also noted as a useful tool showing NHSCC’s current and upcoming contract pipeline.
Tim Plackett, Performance and Risk Manager, underlined the importance of keeping supplier information up to date within the Central Digital Platform (CDP). Suppliers should ensure their company and product details, including insurance certificates, accreditations, and financial standing, remain current. This supports smoother tenders and contract management.
Tim encouraged suppliers to provide as much detail as possible, stating to suppliers that a good rule of thumb is to assume buyers know nothing about them. He clarified that Supplier Economic and Financial Standing (EFS) is not a pass or fail measure, but it may affect how NHSCC works with individual suppliers.
Category managers can also provide product data extracts at contract level to suppliers, including some information about competitors, though these exclude sensitive commercial information.
Byron Vincent, Head of Performance and Business Management, presented the Buying Principles, which reflect NHSCC’s commitment to more sustainable, fair, transparent, and effective procurement. The principles form part of NHSCC’s wider modernisation programme and align with national health objectives under the NHS 10-Year Plan.
Centred around three ambitions – Buy Smart, Supply Right, and Partner Expertly – the framework aims to deliver £1 billion in cumulative value to the NHS by 2030. Byron explained that NHSCC will place greater emphasis on value-based procurement, assessing the total value of products and services rather than focusing solely on cost.
The seven buying principles are: