NSS Procurement Leader Honoured with Outstanding Contribution Award at Scotland’s GO Awards 2024

Paul Hornby, Head of Strategic Sourcing and Commercial at NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award at the prestigious GO Awards ceremony in Glasgow last night (24 October). This special award recognises individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and made significant contributions to Procurement Services.

Over his 20+ years in NHSScotland procurement, Paul has been instrumental in transforming NSS National Procurement from a service-driven business to a solutions provider. His strategic leadership, innovation, and exceptional relationship management have been a foundation to supporting this transformation.

Paul’s efforts have also helped to significantly increase engagement with the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders, to further key collaborations that deliver for the public and patients of NHSScotland.

More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, his expertise was indispensable to NHS National Services Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Paul’s strategic leadership was crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, including supporting teams in the establishment of NHS Louisa Jordan as well as overseeing the coordination and setup of vital pandemic services such as ICT, Testing, expansion of NHSScotland’s distribution network, and negotiating international pandemic supplies. He also led daily briefing meetings for Scottish Government Ministers and their commodity specialists.

Closer to home, Paul has also been a key figure in developing talent across National Procurement and NHSScotland Procurement, fostering exciting career opportunities for young professionals. Renowned for his advocacy of strong relationships, Paul has excelled in achieving the best outcomes for all parties involved.

Gordon Beattie, Director of NSS National Procurement said:

“On reflection, I was so lucky the day Paul walked into my office for an interview for the role in my commercial team back in 2003. He was by far and away the best candidate and over the following 21 years he has become the icon of NHSScotland procurement.

“On Paul’s watch, NHSScotland Procurement has transformed from an operational and transaction focus to a strategic enabler of change and innovation. “Paul leaves a legacy of a highly skilled and experienced professionals in national Strategic Sourcing Team, with over half ‘home grown’ through Pauls ‘School of Procurement’.

“As Paul moves into a new phase of life in retirement in the coming months, he will be justly proud of everything he has achieved across his professional career and he goes with the grateful thanks of everyone he has helped and supported over these many years. He will be a very hard act to follow.”

Mary Morgan, Chief Executive of NHS National Services Scotland said:

"It’s wonderful to see Paul receive this well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past twenty years, his contributions to both NSS and NHSScotland have been instrumental in transforming our vital procurement services. Paul is a highly respected and knowledgeable leader within NSS, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to him for all the fantastic work he has done.”

Congratulations Paul and best wishes from all of your colleagues at NHS National Services Scotland!