‘Instrumental’ NHSE director departs

One of the architects of NHS England’s new commercial strategic framework is leaving the organisation this month.

David Williams, who has been NHSE’s director of procurement since March 2020, was part of the team that developed the new commercial strategy which launched this week.

The new strategic framework, announced by NHSE chief commercial officer Jacqui Rock at the Health Care Supply Association Conference, is intended to “create a blueprint for how NHS Commercial should be organised to deliver maximum value for the NHS from its supply markets”.

Mr Williams has been credited with being “instrumental” in last year’s launch of the central commercial function, a new unit within the commercial directorate intended to “unify the NHS commercial community”.

He has also “led the way on system engagement” according to a note in NHSE’s commercial newsletter from the director of procurement transformation and commercial delivery, Preeya Bailie.

Before working for the NHS, Mr Williams had a 20-year career in procurement at Tesco, ultimately ascending to group chief procurement officer.