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Living Our Social Value
Whilst recently reviewing a tender response, I paused on our Social Value section and felt genuinely proud. Everything written there reflected what we actually do. It wasn’t a set of promises or a compliance exercise. It was a reflection of how we show up every day. Social value at SmartCo Future Health is lived, not performed. Across the business, our teams contribute to wellbeing, inclusion, environmental responsibility and community impact in ways that are structured, thoughtful and meaningful. It is an approach that continues to mature and strengthen. Turning Commitment Into Action Last week, Taja and I visited HMP Bronzefield, Europe’s largest women’s prison and only a short distance from our Surrey office. The visit formed part of our pledge through the New Futures Network, which exists to connect employers with prisons and increase employment opportunities for prison leavers.The experience was humbling and eye opening. The women we met were confident, prepared and full of potential. Caroline Atkins, the Employment Broker for the London Prison Group, captured the essence of this work perfectly when she said: Partnerships like this genuinely change lives and open doors for women as they move closer to release. Caroline Atkins Her words are a powerful reminder that people are never defined by their circumstances and that true diversity, when embraced, becomes a real strength. Celebrating Women, Championing Inclusion The visit also coincided with International Women’s Day over the weekend, which reminded us of the inspiring women we work with every day and why we remain committed champions for women in technology and healthcare. Their leadership and resilience help shape our culture and our impact. Creating a Culture Where People Thrive This week is Neurodiversity Awareness Week. More than 20 percent of our permanent team are neurodiverse at SCFH, reflecting society as a whole. What makes this even more meaningful is that it has happened naturally, without formal programmes or recruitment targets. It is the result of a culture built on psychological safety, trust and flexibility. Inclusion here is not an initiative; it is the environment we deliberately and consistently create. Our Wider Social Value Commitments Our approach to social value runs throughout the organisation. We have committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and hold the Bronze Award in recognition of our support for veterans and reservists. We maintain environmental responsibility as part of our everyday operations. Our people intuitively make sustainable choices, which means meeting standards such as ISO 14001 becomes a natural and embedded part of our behaviour. We continue to invest in community engagement, volunteering, mental health and wellbeing, and digital inclusion work. These efforts are grounded in partnership and purpose, designed to create local impact that is visible and lasting. Why This Matters The past week has reinforced that social value at SCFH is not something we write in tender documents. It is reflected in our actions, our relationships and our culture. Whether through engagement with prisons, supporting women in tech, celebrating neurodiversity, maintaining environmental stewardship or giving back to our communities, we are building a business that leads with humanity and purpose. Social value here isn’t a statement. It is who we are. About Adam Libbey Adam Libbey is the Director of Operations and an experienced people and change practitioner whose career spans the Army, Big 4 consulting, and a growing advisory environment. Across these settings, he has developed a strong understanding of how people respond to challenge, how organisations adapt and how culture can enable or block transformation. He brings a calm, practical and people‑centred approach to helping teams navigate change and deliver meaningful progress. About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.
Adam Libbey
20 March 2026
Welcome to Richard Darch
We’re delighted to welcome Richard Darch to the SmartCo Future Health leadership team as a Board Director. We recently caught up with Richard to learn more about his career journey, his new role and the impact he’s making in digital health. Read on to discover his story and the wealth of experience he brings to the team. Hi Richard. Tell us about your career background? I’ve spent my entire career in healthcare, beginning in academia as a Health Economist at the University of York, where I also completed my MSc. While I enjoyed academic life, it wasn’t particularly well rewarded, so I made my first move into consulting with Price Waterhouse (before its merger with Coopers & Lybrand). In 1991, I co-founded my own consultancy with former colleagues from PW. We grew the business successfully before exiting in 2001. During the 2000s, I moved into the investment and development of healthcare infrastructure, primarily buildings, where I developed a strong appreciation for architecture and design. In 2017, I founded Archus, a specialist healthcare infrastructure advisory practice, and brought in private equity investment in 2023. Throughout my career, I’ve been particularly interested in the intersection between physical and digital infrastructure, and how digital systems and processes can and should influence design. I’m excited to build on this further with SmartCo Future Health. What’s been the highlight of your career so far? Seeing healthcare buildings come to life during the Infracare years stands out as a real highlight. Taking an idea from a blank sheet or whiteboard through to a fully functioning facility, used by staff and patients, is incredibly rewarding. The completion of South Bristol Community Hospital is a particular milestone I’m proud of. What drew you to SmartCo Future Health? As with many consulting and advisory businesses, it’s ultimately about the people, and SmartCo Future Health has a fantastic team with a clear sense of purpose. Healthcare, more than most sectors, is on the brink of transformation through emerging digital technologies. Being at the forefront of that change, and supporting clients through it, is hugely exciting, especially when the end goal is improving health outcomes at a national level. What excites you most about working with SmartCo Future Health? I’m particularly interested in gaining deeper insight into the emerging technologies shaping healthcare, and the opportunity to contribute to the next phase of the company’s growth, helping establish it as the go-to advisor in the market. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to others? Don’t fear failure. Embrace it, own it and learn from it. If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing? Designing beautiful buildings. Is there a podcast, book or show you’d recommend? A book: Making Sense of Chaos by J. Doyne Farmer. It’s a fascinating return to my economics roots, exploring how AI and large language models can enhance modelling and improve our understanding of complex systems and decision-making. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? During a visit to Cuba, I, or possibly a member of my family, was recorded as the one millionth visitor to the country since the revolution… and we were officially celebrated by the government.
Hannah Granshaw
17 March 2026
UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2026
We’re proud to announce that we’ve been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2026 by Great Place To Work® UK, ranking 18 among the top 100 organisations in the Small Companies category. Our ranking was revealed at the prestigious UK’s Best Workplaces Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in the heart of London. Widely regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of employer awards, the list recognises organisations that have built exceptional workplace cultures grounded in trust, inclusion and strong people practices. Being recognised in the Small Companies category is a moment of great pride for SmartCo Future Health and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and high-performing environment where our people can thrive. “Our inclusion in the UK’s Best Workplaces List is a testament to the culture our people help build every day, a culture grounded in respect, trust and purpose. We take pride in our work, put our customers first, celebrate achievements and strive for excellence in everything we do. Most importantly, we succeed because we collaborate as one team.” Adam Libbey, Director of Operations, SCFH The UK’s Best Workplaces List is compiled using a rigorous and independent methodology. Great Place To Work analyses confidential employee survey feedback measuring levels of trust, employees’ ability to reach their full potential, and experiences of leadership, innovation and company values across all roles and levels within the organisation. These insights are then benchmarked against culture and employee value propositions to identify organisations that consistently deliver exceptional employee experiences. “At Great Place To Work our mission is to help every workplace become a great place to work for all. We wholeheartedly endorse that what’s ‘better for business’ aligns with what’s ‘better for people,’ ultimately contributing to a better world For All™” Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director, Great Place To Work UK. We’re incredibly proud of this recognition and remain committed to continuously strengthening our culture and employee experience. Thank you to the entire team for making SmartCo Future Health a great place to work.
Hannah Granshaw
13 March 2026
The UK – Norway Policy Playbook
SmartCo Future Health is pleased to share our newly published UK – Norway Policy Playbook, capturing key insights from the UK – Norway Smart Hospitals and Intelligent Health Systems Roundtable. Convened with Team Norway, DNVI and Sonitor, the event brought together senior leaders from healthcare, digital transformation, clinical operations and policy to explore how intelligent hospital systems can improve patient safety and clinical performance. Health systems in the UK, Norway and other advanced economies face growing pressures, rising demand, workforce shortages, increasing clinical complexity and fiscal constraints. The playbook highlights that incremental reform is no longer sufficient; instead, system-wide redesign and intelligence embedded from the outset are needed. “The UK – Norway Policy Playbook articulates a strategic vision for the next generation of smart and intelligent hospitals. Informed by senior leadership dialogue and SCFH sustained investment in understanding cross border and system-wide healthcare challenges, it outlines how embedding intelligence across workforce, pathways and digital infrastructure can enable more anticipatory, outcomes-driven care. Crucially, it establishes the foundations for stronger patient safety and more resilient, sustainable health systems for years to come.” Taja Quigley, Partner, SCFH Key themes from the roundtable include: Safety by design: Embedding safety into hospital buildings, digital systems and operating models. Intelligence in the system: Aligning people, processes and technology through standardisation and governance. Platforms, not projects: Designing systems that can adapt and scale innovations across the health system. Interoperability: Seamless data and information flows across community, acute, and digital care pathways. Behaviour follows system design: Creating environments where the safest ways of working are also the easiest. The playbook makes clear that intelligent hospitals are defined not by technology volume, but by how effectively they support safer, more integrated care. Hospitals must function as part of a wider health ecosystem, supporting care closer to home while reserving hospital capacity for patients who most need specialist intervention. SCFH will continue to facilitate cross-system dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration to accelerate the development of safe, intelligent, and sustainable hospital systems.
Hannah Granshaw
11 March 2026
Powered by People
It’s now been six months since I stepped into the world of digital healthcare and began working closely with the NHS. In that short time, one thing has become abundantly clear to me: this sector is powered by people. Dedicated, purpose driven, hardworking people who genuinely want to improve healthcare for everyone. And although healthcare is often described as the biggest industry in the world, what has surprised me most is how small and connected it feels in reality. Relationships matter. Community matters. And there is a shared sense of purpose that is rare and inspiring. The refreshed NHS 10 Year Health Plan sets out three major system shifts: moving care from hospitals into communities moving from analogue to digital shifting the focus from sickness to prevention These ambitions reflect exactly what I have observed across the system. The plan makes it clear that the NHS must embark on radical change to remain sustainable. It calls for reimagining how care is delivered, empowering patients, and using technology to predict and prevent ill health rather than simply treat it. NHS England leaders have emphasised that digital transformation is not about buying more systems but about building connected, interoperable foundations that actually enable better and safer care. That message resonates strongly with what I have seen so far. Technology on its own doesn’t create change; people do. The shift to digital maturity will only succeed if culture, confidence and ways of working evolve alongside the tools. And a necessary disclaimer: I’m not qualified to make bold statements about clinical practice, nor do I have decades of NHS experience. I’m still new to the sector. But what my background in the Army, Big 4 consulting, and now a smaller advisory environment has taught me, is how people respond to challenge, how organisations adapt and how culture drives or blocks transformation. Those are the lenses through which I interpret what I see. One of the surprises of joining digital health has been the cultural contrast between public and private sectors. Having been institutionalised earlier in my career, the private sector once seemed intimidating. I quickly came to recognise its value: pace, innovation and the business edge needed to adapt in a world that is changing faster than ever. Yet parts of the system remain hesitant about private sector ideas or the role of major technology companies. I understand the caution, but I also see opportunity. People already rely on consumer technology every day. Wearables, apps and connected devices have enormous potential to support prevention, one of the key pillars of the NHS 10 Year Plan. Embracing what citizens already use could accelerate progress. My reflections lead me to one overarching question: Is the system culturally ready for the transformation it is striving for? Before we get into data platforms, governance frameworks or digital architecture, we may need to begin with people. Psychological safety. Mindset shifts. Collaboration. Openness to learning from both the public sector and private innovators. The plan speaks to the need for major change, but that change will not be carried by technology alone. It will be carried by people. Despite the complexity and the challenges, these six months have been energising, enjoyable and full of purpose. I feel genuinely fortunate to be working in a space where the mission truly matters. A huge thank you to SmartCo Future Health for an amazing experience so far. I’m excited for what the next chapter brings. About Adam Libbey Adam Libbey is the Director of Operations and an experienced people and change practitioner whose career spans the Army, Big 4 consulting, and a growing advisory environment. Across these settings, he has developed a strong understanding of how people respond to challenge, how organisations adapt and how culture can enable or block transformation. He brings a calm, practical and people‑centred approach to helping teams navigate change and deliver meaningful progress. About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.
Adam Libbey
23 February 2026
The Power of Belonging
Children’s Mental Health Week, led nationally by Place2Be, shines a spotlight on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people across the UK. This year’s theme, ‘This is My Place’, focuses on the importance of belonging, the sense of being seen, accepted and valued by peers, families, schools and communities. Feeling that you truly belong is a fundamental human need, and it can have lasting effects on mental and physical health, education, relationships and future opportunities. When children feel they belong, they are empowered to participate, contribute and make a real difference in the world around them. At SmartCo Future Health, we believe that health is shaped by inclusion, connection and the environments we invite people into from childhood onwards. Belonging isn’t accidental, it’s built through everyday experiences and intentional actions. One way we support this is by helping children explore the world of work through their parents. Workplaces can often seem distant or mysterious to children. By opening our doors to child-focused events, we make these environments feel human, accessible, and inclusive, reinforcing that everyone has a place. Leadership reflection I’m really proud that my children are teaching me about Children’s Mental Health Week through what they are learning at school. Hearing them talk about belonging and feeling safe is a powerful reminder that the environments we create in schools, communities and workplaces really do matter. Taja Quigley, Partner At SmartCo Future Health, creating spaces where children feel they belong isn’t optional, it’s a shared responsibility. When children know they have a place, they carry that knowledge with them for life. Learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week here. About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.
Hannah Granshaw
12 February 2026
CCS Technology Services 4 (RM6190)
We’re proud to announce that SmartCo has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) RM6190 Technology Services 4 framework. One of the UK public sector’s flagship, tier-one routes for procuring technology and digital services. Technology Services 4 provides central government, health bodies, local authorities and the wider public sector with a flexible, compliant way to access expertise across the full digital lifecycle. This includes strategy and service design, end-user support, infrastructure, application and data services, and major transformation programmes. Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2024/25, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £5.3 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers. The lots we are named on include: Lot 1: Technology and Digital Consultancy Services Lot 2: Transition and SIAM Lot 3/3a: End User Services Lot 4/4a: Infrastructure Management Lot 5/5a: Application and Data Management Lot 6: Major Technology Services Transformation Programmes Being named on all lots, marks a significant milestone in our continued growth and maturity as a partner experienced in supporting complex digital change across the public sector. What this means for our clients Being named as a supplier on Technology Services 4 enables: Faster access to pre-vetted capability A clearer, simpler route to market The ability to engage SmartCo for everything from strategy and service integration to large-scale delivery and assurance, through a single, nationally recognised framework “This achievement is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the outcomes we achieve together. It creates a fantastic opportunity to deepen our impact in the public sector and build even stronger partnerships across the UK.” Taja Quigley, Partner We’d like to thank the SmartCo team, whose expertise and commitment were instrumental to our success in achieving this milestone. ENDS Notes to Editors: Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is an Executive Agency of the Cabinet Office, supporting the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. To find out more about CCS, visit: www.crowncommercial.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter: @gov_procurement LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/2827044
Hannah Granshaw
19 January 2026
Bronze Defence ERS Award
SmartCo Future Health is proud to announce that we have received the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), a milestone that reflects our deepening commitment to supporting the UK’s Armed Forces community. The ERS Bronze Award recognises employers who actively demonstrate support for service personnel, veterans, reservists and their families. This achievement follows our signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing our pledge to create an inclusive and supportive environment for those who have served. At SmartCo Future Health, we recognise the exceptional skills, leadership qualities and resilience that service leavers and reservists bring. These strengths align closely with our values and mission to shape a healthier, smarter future for all. “We’re incredibly proud to receive the Bronze Award. Having served in the Armed Forces, I know how valuable it is when organisations not only recognise but champion the contributions of the Armed Forces community. At SmartCo Future Health, we’re committed to ensuring that veterans, reservists and their families feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive.” Adam Libby (Director of Operations and Former British Army Officer) This recognition marks an exciting step forward as we continue building pathways for service personnel to apply their skills and experience in meaningful and impactful roles across our organisation. We extend our thanks to everyone involved in securing this award and we look forward to progressing our support even further in the years ahead. SCFH Armed Forces Covenant Certificate
Hannah Granshaw
10 December 2025
The NHS Digital Revolution
The future of healthcare isn’t on its way. It’s already arrived. Across the NHS, a quiet revolution is taking place, reshaping how patients access care, how clinicians deliver it and how technology underpins every interaction. This isn’t about gadgets or apps for the sake of innovation. It’s about building a health system that is smarter, more connected and unwavering in its focus on outcomes. Why Digital Matters Now For decades, the NHS has been a beacon of universal care. But the pressures of rising demand, workforce challenges and financial constraints mean the old ways of working simply won’t cut it. Digital transformation isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for a sustainable future. The NHS app is leading the charge. With record-breaking engagement, it’s proving that patients are ready for digital-first healthcare. From booking appointments to accessing prescriptions, the app is becoming more than a front door. It’s evolving into a health companion that sits in your pocket. Imagine a system where triage happens in seconds, guided by AI. Where patients don’t queue at A&E because they’ve already been directed to the right care setting. Where clinicians spend less time chasing data and more time delivering care. This is the promise of digital navigation and unified access models – the direction NHS England envisions for the platforms that will take us there. Prevention Will be a Game-Changer We often focus on treating illness, but the real prize lies in preventing it. Digital tools are enabling personalised health checks, at-home testing and proactive interventions. The proposal for how NHSE could use the digital Red Book is a great example – even if others have explored similar ideas already. It will give parents instant access to their child’s health records and vaccinations, while reducing the administrative burden on clinicians. The NHS is moving decisively from reactive care to proactive health management, and prevention is at the heart of this transformation. These innovations are not just about convenience, they represent a fundamental shift towards empowering individuals to take control of their health. Genomics is now emerging as a powerful driver of personalised prevention. By analysing an individual’s genetic makeup, clinicians can predict susceptibility to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers years before symptoms appear. Integrating genomic data into the single patient record will allow clinicians to combine genetic insights with clinical data for more accurate risk assessments and tailored interventions. Initiatives like the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and the Generation Study are laying the groundwork for this future, sequencing thousands of genomes to identify risks early and improve population health. The ambition is clear from NHSE. Move genomics from specialist use cases into routine preventive care, supported by secure, interoperable systems and standardised APIs. Digital innovation and genomics-driven prevention is set to transform the NHS into a smarter, more personalised system that genuinely prioritises keeping people healthy. Those of us who have worked in the NHS for a while will have seen ambitious transformation plans come and go. Let’s hope this one takes hold, as there seems to be real momentum coming from NHSE right now, despite the challenges they continue to face. NHSE deserves recognition here, as this TechUK session was remarkably transparent and energetic, even though they themselves are uncertain about what’s happening within NHSE and among their colleagues. But here’s the hard truth, data is fragmented and holding us back. Today, patient information is scattered across systems and regions. The vision of a single patient record isn’t just aspirational, it’s essential. Standardised APIs, structured data and interoperability aren’t buzzwords; they’re the building blocks of a system that works for everyone but as many have mentioned the SPR needs to be held centrally and not end up in a complicated mess of integrated systems. Gary McAllister has been saying this for a long time now. Behind the Scenes Needs Great Infrastructure and Security None of this is possible without a solid foundation. Cloud migration, cybersecurity and AI-driven automation are reshaping the NHS, but progress in some areas isn’t fast enough to unlock their full potential. These investments aren’t glamorous, and patients may not see immediate frontline benefits, yet they are essential for resilience and scalability, and the NHS must accelerate adoption. Not everything belongs in the cloud; despite the common call to “move it all to the cloud,” that approach isn’t right. The goal should be Cloud Right, not Cloud First. Looking Ahead The NHS has been on a technological journey for three decades. It’s true that the work is complex and progress takes time, but the goal remains clear: a health service that consistently delivers better outcomes, improved efficiency and more personalised care will be one that rapidly embraces new technologies and brings them directly to the front line. But the future of healthcare isn’t defined by technology alone. It’s ultimately about people and equipping them with the tools to live healthier, happier lives. As access to care evolves, the burden on the system will naturally ease. About Mark Bishop Mark Bishop is a healthcare technology leader with 25 years’ experience driving digital innovation to improve patient outcomes. He leads SmartCo Future Health’s digital transformation initiatives, delivering advanced solutions that enhance care, achieve outstanding client results and position the company at the forefront of healthcare innovation. About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.
Mark Bishop
4 December 2025