The national framework, created by NHS Shared Business Services (SBS), comprises a three-lot agreement to provide public sector authorities with access to support and services for cyber security.
The new framework, which is now live and worth an estimated £250 million, will provide NHS trusts, local and central government departments, education, police forces, charities, and housing associations with simplified access to approved cyber security service options.
Softcat has been included in all three lots, as below.
- Lot 1 Emergency Cyber Incident Management – Softcat’s Incident Response Service is designed to mitigate security incidents swiftly and effectively, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The service helps organisations to contain the threat, minimise financial and reputational loss, and reduce downtime to keep businesses up and running.
- Lot 2 Cyber Security Consultancy Services – Softcat provides a comprehensive set of services covering the strategy, improvement, and technical validation of an organisation’s cyber security. This enables organisations to confidently deliver cyber security programmes that are right for them.
- Lot 3 Security Personnel – Softcat can offer the provision of a highly regarded network of cyber security professionals; through delivery partner Via Resource.
Softcat is one of seven suppliers to secure all three lots on this framework, and currently advises healthcare, government, education and local authority customers on their cyber security requirements. The company’s experience ranges from: governance risk and compliance, through to incident response services and penetration testing.
Andy Bruen, contract manager at Softcat, commented, “This is a UK first, a stringently competed framework with a sole focus on cyber security. As customer happiness and success is at the heart of our business, we are delighted to have been awarded all LOTs, as this will provide our customers with valuable one-stop-shop efficiency; from emergency response, through to sourcing the best in-house personnel.”
“What’s exciting about this new framework is that it goes beyond technology procurement to include assessment and consultancy – helping organisations understand where to put cyber security tools and how to optimise them. And the Framework’s direct award facility enables customers to respond rapidly; in areas where time can be critical to successful outcomes. This provides a major benefit to our customers as we can make recommendations and put the solution in place quickly and efficiently.”
Phil Davies, procurement director at NHS SBS, added, "Technology plays a huge part in the way the NHS delivers patient care, so it is vital that healthcare providers keep data secure, whilst being prepared for and resilient against attacks.
"The NHS and public sector has been proactive in harnessing improvements in cyber security since the WannaCry attacks in 2017 but there is still more work to be done. This framework provides a sustainable and trusted solution to help organisations meet the challenges around cyber security head on."
The new NHS SBS Cyber Security framework furthers Softcat’s mission to help businesses take a positive attitude to cyber security.