It is recommended by HM Treasury Guidance and compliant with OGC’s Common Minimum Standards policy. It represents current construction industry best practice and helps NHS Trusts guard against the poor practice and results that have been associated with traditional tender procurement.

The Department of Health provides ProCure21 for English NHS Organisations, but also has provided expertise for similar initiatives in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The current framework agreement has been extended until September 2010.

ProCure21 offers a partnering method of construction under the NEC Contract Option 2. An NHS Trust can select a Principal Supply Chain Partner (PSCP) from the ProCure21 framework without having to go through the OJEU tender process. The PSCP will offer a full range of services that will help the Trust plan, design, approve, and construct their scheme. Once a final design is agreed both parties agree a Guaranteed Maximum Price before construction starts.

ProCure21 offers rapid mobilisation of projects with supply-chains with excellent NHS experience. It provides joint incentives, long-term relationships, performance measurement and complete support from the Department of Health. NHS Trusts enjoy more certainty of time cost and quality than the NHS has experienced before for which there is no cost premium.

To date over 200 NHS schemes have been delivered through ProCure21’s £2.4bn programme. In 2006, 94% of schemes were delivered on time and 89% on budget. To date there has been no litigation on any ProCure21 scheme.

The ProCure21 history

In 1998, the Government commissioned Sir John Egan to review the construction industry, and its relationships with the public sector. His report 'Rethinking Construction' was accepted by the Government. more...