New Framework announced for multi-disciplinary agency staff provision
Date published:
A new Framework has been established for the supply of agency workers to the health service across a number of professional areas.
A phased implementation will now take place across the system with effect from 2 June 2025.
This is part of an extensive programme of work by Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care system (HSC), undertaken in partnership with trade unions, to control and reduce the use of agency workers and build a substantive workforce that is proud to work for the HSC.
This Framework is a vital step in delivering a reduction in agency staff costs incurred by the health service in Northern Ireland for a large group of professions. It establishes a pool of approved suppliers who will provide agency workers when required at pre-agreed payment rates. The roles covered by the Framework are allied health professionals, social care support, administration & clerical staff, professional and technical roles, for example, biomedical scientists, laboratory & pharmacy technicians, support services like porters and catering staff, and specialists such as IT, finance, and project management.
When agency staff are needed in these areas, Trusts will only be permitted to source them from the list of suppliers who have successfully tendered to be included in the Framework. All have been assessed on three key factors: quality, price, and social value.
HSC organisations recognise and appreciate the contribution agency workers make in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care to our patients and service users. However, the use of workers supplied by “off-contract” agencies – those not covered by contractual arrangements - has fuelled an unsustainable rise in agency costs over the last 10 years and has impacted on the morale of substantive staff.
This new Framework comes hot on the heels of a similar Framework for nurses, midwives, and healthcare support workers, and the total cessation of the use of agency workers across social work. All in a bid to build a sustainable workforce that delivers safe care and is value for money.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt underlined his commitment to this work, saying: “We deeply appreciate the commitment of our substantive workforce and we are determined to fill our vacancies, stabilise our teams, and work in partnership with trade unions to emphasise the benefits of working in the HSC.”
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