Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programmes and Eye Care Services
Framework Description
RM6386 Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programmes and Eye Care Services is an NHS Workforce Alliance framework that replaced RM6182. It started in April 2025 and ends on 13 April 2027. Four lots let NHS organisations buy a fully managed occupational health and EAP service, or standalone occupational health, employee assistance or staff eye care services. This framework is used by NHS Workforce Alliance and NHS North of England.
Context & Use Case
NHS organisations use RM6386 to look after staff health: occupational health assessments, physiotherapy, vaccinations, counselling, employee assistance programmes and eye care. A trust can buy one integrated managed service or appoint separate specialists. Terms are Provider Selection Regime compliant, and the agreement is for use by NHS organisations buying for their own staff.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Occupational health and employee assistance programmes (fully managed) Lot 2: Occupational health services Lot 3: Employee assistance programmes Lot 4: Eye care services
Lots
Lot 1: Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programmes (Fully Managed); Lot 2: Occupational Health Services; Lot 3: Employee Assistance Programmes; Lot 4: Eye Care Services
Who Can Apply
It suits occupational health providers, EAP and counselling services, and eye care providers able to meet NHS service standards; Lot 1 suits providers that can deliver OH and EAP together. Applications for this framework are closed and it ends on 13 April 2027, so new providers should prepare for its replacement rather than expect to join.
Buyer Benefits
Staff wellbeing affects sickness absence and retention, so trusts want providers who already meet NHS standards. RM6386 gives them a pre-vetted supply base, competitive rates and Provider Selection Regime compatible terms, plus the choice between one managed contract and separate specialist providers.
Next Steps
Appointed providers should keep outcome data such as referral turnaround times and service usage for call-offs and the next tender. Others should follow the NHS Workforce Alliance website for the successor to RM6386, choose the lot that fits their service, and prepare clinical governance, accreditation and NHS case study evidence before the 13 April 2027 end date.
How Athena Can Help
With RM6386 ending on 13 April 2027, now is the time to plan for its successor. Athena can choose the right lot with you and prepare the application through our help getting onto NHS frameworks, including policies, accreditations and case studies.
Our bid writing consultants write answers to the evaluation criteria and check them for compliance, and our public sector bid strategy work helps you price a managed or standalone service so it wins and stays profitable.
