How NSS works
We’re a national NHS Board operating right at the heart of NHSScotland. Through our services we provide invaluable support and advice. A role we also extend to the wider public sector.
Delivering over 42 services
Browse our servicesOur aims
NSS supports customers to deliver their services more efficiently and effectively. We offer shared services on a national scale using best-in-class systems and standards. Our aim is to help our customers save money and free up resources so they can be re-invested into essential services. We also provide consultancy and support to help public bodies join up health and social care. Our priority is always the same. To support Scotland’s health. We do this by offering whatever’s needed, whenever and wherever it’s needed and to whoever needs it.
For more information on how we work with the Scottish Government, read our framework document (Word doc, 96KB).
To find out about our vision to be integral to a world-leading health and care service, read our NSS Strategy 2019 to 2024 (PDF, 416KB). You can also read our Operational Delivery Plan for 2019 to 2020 (PDF, 672KB) and our latest accounts documentation for 2020 (PDF, 2.72MB).
If you require either of these documents in a more accessible format, please contact our team by emailing nss.communications@nhs.scot
We aim to achieve this through four strategic objectives
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Put customers at the heart of everything we do
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Increase our service value
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Improve the way we do things
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Ensure that we're a great place to work
Our structure
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Procurement, Commissioning and Facilities
Expert logistics, procurement and specialist screening services.
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Central Legal Office
Specialist legal advice in all areas of law relevant to the public sector.
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Digital and Security
The Scottish public sector’s first choice for trusted, secure digital solutions.
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Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service
Supplying blood, tissues and cells to NHSScotland.
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Practitioner and Counter Fraud Services
Services on behalf of health boards to support GPs, dentists, opticians and community pharmacists; and prevention and detection of fraud.
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Finance and Business Services
Business support services across NSS and other NHS Boards.
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Human Resources and Workforce Development
HR and Workforce solutions to meet the organisational challenges of a changing health service.
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Strategy and Governance
Seeking to balance organisational performance with compliance
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Clinical
Developing strong professional links across health and social care in key clinical areas
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Customer Engagement and Development
Building understanding of NSS in the public sector marketplace
Public Health and Intelligence now part of Public Health Scotland
From 1 April 2020, our Public Health and Intelligence business unit (Health Protection Scotland and Information Services Division) became part of Public Health Scotland. To find out more about the new public health body, visit the Public Health Scotland website.
The NSS board
Chaired by Keith Redpath, our Board meets quarterly to scrutinise our business and offer direction. 6 sub-committees support it. You can read about board members and their responsibilities, and view board meeting agendas and other topics.
Case studies: supporting Scotland’s health
From ‘smart’ colonoscopy pills and improving patient safety to alleviating pressure on GPs and reducing fraud, we’re delivering for Scotland and improving for the future.
Our case studies, launched at the NHSScotland event in 2018, showcase a range of innovative projects. Our case studies also demonstrate how collaboration has been vital to improving Scotland’s health and wellbeing – with successes at both a national and local level.
Policies and statements
Read our corporate policies and statements.
Data protection
Like all NHSScotland bodies, we gather and use personal information to provide more effective health services.
Our Data Protection Notice explains what personal information we use, what our legal basis is for using it and how we protect it. It also explains what your rights are under data protection law and how you can ask to see your information.
We are supporting the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and NHSScotland health boards in the response to COVID-19 and we’ve updated our Data Protection Notice to explain how we’re using data to support the COVID-19 response.
Spending
We’re committed to complete transparency and efficiency in spending. You can read our expenditure reports, see how we’re helping exceed Government targets, and find out about our capital projects over £5m.
Our document retention policies
Records management is the efficient control of an organisation’s records throughout their life cycle.
Freedom of Information (FOI)
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives you the right to request information from any public sector body, including National Services Scotland. You can also see all previous FOI disclosures from NSS.
Join us now
Thinking of starting a career with NSS? There’s a wide range of roles at every level, from blood services to logistics to project management. Or maybe you’re interested in volunteering? If so, there are many ways you can get involved.
