Virtual Project Manager/Assistant start up - need advice from NHS managers out there

[NotNob]

Hello,

Also posted on start ups

I posted a thread recently here about a business which I'm currently setting up.

I am going to be a virtual project manager/virtual assistant, I have a website, business cards, am booked onto some 4networking events. I've received some excellent advice from this board which I am largely following; namely, to pursue the project management side more than the admin side. My problem is my niche which another forum has suggested is imperative in order to market effectively and secure client interest.

Here's my problem.....my background is IT project manager to the NHS (substansive and contractor). Logically, as my experience and expertise rest with the NHS, I should focus on pursuing this as my main client base. I would like opinions on whether you think this to be tangible, please. Would the NHS (I'm thinking acute trusts, GP consortia, community trusts) consider outsourcing project management/admin to a freelance virtual person? There are potentially issues around information governance, security, recruitment policy I realise. I guess I would like to know if you think this to be non-starter and if not, point me in the right direction.


Thanks

[Hoppinggreen]

Can't comment on project management directly but we supply a piece of software to an NHS trust. The procurement process is s very difficult and we can only work for them because we are a 3rd party supplier. We actually supply the service to a company who has worked with them for years and is on the preferred supplier list. Getting on the list ourselves would be extremely hard.

[NotNob]

Ah yes, the supplier lists. Thanks Hoppinggreen.

[venusandmars]

I had NHS background and experience and when I was first freelance I used to do lots of NHS contract work. However the procurement process has become difficult and very time-consuming and I now do no direct contracting with NHS / public sector. There is a requirement to show evidence of policies about H&S, equality etc and to demonstrate financial stability - whilst this is of course entirely sensible from a procurement point of view, it makes it quite difficult for small contractors. For public sector work I do that through agency contracts. I have direct contracts with community groups, charities etc and they are great to work with.