Discovery into the Professionalisation of the NHS DDaT Workforce

NHS England is seeking a supplier to undertake a discovery exercise examining how the NHS Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) workforce could be further professionalised.

The contract has an estimated value of £50,000 excluding VAT and will explore approaches to improving workforce capability, consistency, recruitment, retention and career development across the NHS.

Through research, workforce analysis, stakeholder engagement and an appraisal of potential options, the appointed supplier will produce evidence-based recommendations to help inform future NHS policy, investment and implementation decisions.

Service Requirements

The discovery exercise will examine potential interventions for strengthening and professionalising the NHS DDaT workforce.

Areas to be explored include:

• Capability frameworks
• Career pathways
• Accreditation
• Professional registration
• Continuing professional development

The supplier will be expected to use research, workforce analysis and stakeholder engagement to assess the available options and identify potential approaches for future development.

The commission will ultimately result in evidence-based recommendations and a high-level roadmap that NHS England can use to inform subsequent policy, investment and implementation decisions relating to the DDaT workforce.

Contract Information

Buyer: NHS England

Deadline: 23 September 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: £50,000 excluding VAT

Delivery Length: 1 October 2026 to 30 March 2027 – approximately 6 months

Tender Link: Atamis e-Tendering Portal – Reference C467434

The deadline for supplier enquiries is 11 September 2026 at 12:00pm.

Interested organisations must submit a completed Bid Response Document through the Atamis e-Tendering Portal. Expressions of interest and tender submissions will not be accepted through alternative channels.

Bidders are required to respond to all questions contained within the bid documentation.

The opportunity has been identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Evaluation Criteria

Tender submissions will be evaluated against:

• Technical
• Social Value
• Price

Individual Weightings: Not disclosed in the information provided.

The procurement is being conducted as a below-threshold open competition.

Regulatory Requirements

Specific regulatory or professional registration requirements: Not disclosed.

Prospective suppliers should review the complete procurement documentation available through the Atamis portal for any technical, professional, workforce or other participation requirements.

The commission provides an opportunity for organisations with expertise in workforce strategy, digital professions, organisational development and research to contribute to the future development of the NHS DDaT workforce.

The resulting recommendations and roadmap are intended to provide NHS England with evidence to inform decisions around professional standards, career development and investment in digital, data and technology capability across the NHS.

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