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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