Advanced Telephony Better Purchasing framework

The Advanced Telephony Better Purchasing Framework (BPf) helps commissioners buy cloud based telephony systems from approved suppliers.

Suppliers on the BPf list have met the currently required NHS assurance checks.

The list is managed by the National Commercial and Procurement Hub. All suppliers have:

• signed NHS England’s Digital Care Services Catalogue agreement
• agreed to NHS terms and conditions

The agreement sets a maximum contract length of 3 years.

The National Commercial and Procurement Hub provides procurement support, funded by NHS England. This includes:

• identifying requirements
• classifying pricing
• negotiating exit fees
• drafting and finalising contracts
• resolving supplier issues

These services are available at no cost to general practices, primary care networks (PCNs), and integrated care boards (ICBs).

When buying, organisations should still check their local IT security policies and requirements alongside the national assurance process.

Suppliers must meet NHS defined capabilities, including:

• auto attendant and Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
• call reporting
• call recording
• office telephony
• video consultation