Direct Engagement
Realise efficiencies and cost savings by engaging workers directly
Realise efficiencies and cost savings by engaging workers directly
Direct Engagement (DE) is an employment model that enables NHS trusts and health boards to realise significant savings by changing the way they employ the doctors and allied health professionals they book for temporary work.
Recruitment agencies are used in the same way to provide and screen candidates, but workers have a direct fixed term contract with the trust, which allows their services to be procured in a more cost-effective way. In addition to cost savings, DE provides trusts with more visibility and control over their staffing supply and reduces IR35-related compliance risks associated with the use of umbrella workers.
Many providers offer Direct Engagement, but few work as hard as we do to maximise throughout, consistently achieving 100% DE-efficiency. Changing pay types for all workers is complex and needs positive collaboration between workers, the trust and all supply chain partners to succeed without impacting fill.
Our Direct Engagement services can be procured via a range of frameworks, either on a standalone basis or integrated with other providers or solutions. The model we use has been independently reviewed to ensure it adheres to all current employment, tax and pension legislation.
As London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust’s managed service provider, Medacs Healthcare identified Direct Engagement as an area that could generate significant savings and efficiencies – and reduce risks associated with tax legislation and compliance.
Only 54% of locum doctors were being processed via the trust’s direct engagement model and less than 31% of AHPs. The Medacs Healthcare team calculated that the use of non-DE-compliant umbrella workers was costing the trust over £80,000 per month.