About the VBHC Academy
Established in 2021, the Value-Based Health and Care (VBHC) Academy at Swansea University’s School of Management is internationally recognised for advancing education, research, and consultancy in Value-Based Healthcare, Procurement, and Supply.
We are proud to serve as a steering board member of the EU Value-Based Procurement Community of Practice, participate in the EFPIA VBHC Think-Tank, and act as expert affiliates to the EU Alliance for Value in Health.
The Academy is also an academic partner to ICHOM, reinforcing our leadership in shaping the global value-based ecosystem.
About the VBHC Academy and the Origins of Value-Based Supply
The Value-Based Health and Care (VBHC) Academy at Swansea University’s School of Management is an internationally recognised centre of excellence dedicated to advancing the principles and practice of Value-Based Healthcare, Value-Based Procurement and Value-Based Supply (VBS).
Founded in 2021, the Academy brings together academic expertise, industry insight, and real-world implementation experience to support organisations across health and life sciences as they transition toward value-driven models of care and supply.
Our work spans education, research, consultancy, and system-level innovation, with a focus on empowering the ecosystem to improve outcomes and enabling sustainable transformation.
Defining Value-Based Supply
Value-Based Supply (VBS) was conceptualised and developed by academics at Swansea University as a natural evolution of the value-based movement.
While Value-Based Healthcare focuses on outcomes that matter to patients, and Value-Based Procurement emphasises purchasing based on value rather than volume, Value-Based Supply extends these principles across the entire supply ecosystem.
VBS recognises that suppliers, including MedTech, Pharma, Diagnostics, and Digital Health companies, play a critical role in creating healthcare value.
It provides a structured framework for organisations to assess their internal readiness, grow their capabilities with value-based expectations, and contribute meaningfully to improved outcomes and system performance.
The Academy continues to lead the development of VBS through research, industry partnerships, and practical tools such as the VBS Self-Assessment Tool (VBS-CAT), benchmarking services, and learning resources.
Our Role in the Global Value-Based Community
The VBHC Academy is deeply embedded in the international value‑based ecosystem. We contribute to shaping policy, practice, and standards through active roles in:
EU Value-Based Procurement Community of Practice
Steering Board Member
EFPIA VBHC Think-Tank
Member
EU Alliance for Value in Health
Expert Affiliate
ICHOM
Academic Partner
These partnerships ensure that our work remains aligned with and shape global best practice and that the tools we develop reflect the needs and realities of healthcare systems and industry partners worldwide.
Our Vision
Life sciences companies are internally ready to participate in a Value-Based Healthcare ecosystem and have the information they need to continuously improve.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower organisations across the health and life-sciences sectors to adopt value-based approaches that improve outcomes, enhance sustainability and create meaningful impact. We do this by:
- • Developing practical tools that support readiness and transformation
- • Conducting and publishing research that advances the field
- • Providing education and capability-building programmes
- • Supporting organisations through consultancy and strategic guidance
- • Building communities of practice that share learning and accelerate adoption
Our Services
VBS Self-Assessment Tool (VBS-CAT)
Evaluate your organisation’s readiness for value-based transformation. A digital self-assessment tool co-designed with industry to help MedTech, Pharma, Diagnostics, and Digital Health companies understand their current maturity and track progress over time.
Begin AssessmentVBS Benchmarking
Confidential insights that reveal your competitive position. Benchmark your organisation against external peers or internal business units/regions. As more companies participate, the insights deepen, supporting evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning.
VBS Learning Hub
Build capability and accelerate value-based adoption. Access curated learning resources designed to strengthen internal readiness and address development needs identified through the VBS-CAT.
Browse our ResourcesWhy Swansea University?
Swansea University’s School of Management is home to a vibrant community of researchers, practitioners, and industry collaborators working at the intersection of health, economics, digital innovation, and systems transformation.
The VBHC Academy draws on this interdisciplinary strength to deliver insights and solutions that are academically robust and practically relevant.
Our work is grounded in real-world challenges and informed by ongoing collaboration with healthcare providers, policymakers, and global life-sciences companies.
Our Team
A multidisciplinary team combining academic leadership, industry experience, and deep expertise in value-based transformation.
Professor Hamish Laing
Professor of Enhanced Innovation, Transformation and Outcomes, Director of the VBHC Academy
School of Management, Swansea University
- • Internationally recognised academic in VBHC with a background in reconstructive plastic surgery and board-level leadership.
- • Expert in the theory and practical application of VBHC and the design and execution of VBP.
- • Previous NHS Plastic and Sarcoma Surgeon, Executive Medical Director, Chief Information Officer. Now Director of the VBC Academy, Non-Executive Director and Advisory Board Member for Life Sciences. Steering Board member EU VBP Community of Practice.
- • Co-created VBS concept (with James McHale and Nick Rich) and the Self-Assessment Tool (VBS-CAT).
Professor Nick Rich
Professor of Operations Management
School of Management, Swansea University
- • Extensive career in operations excellence, supply chain systems and organisational learning in engineering and healthcare.
- • Expert in lean systems, safety culture and supply chain transformation.
- • Co-created the conceptual development and supply-side frameworks for VBS.
- • Research and consultancy in industry and health system engagement.
Looking Ahead
As healthcare systems worldwide continue to adopt value-driven models, the need for clear frameworks, practical tools, and shared understanding has never been greater. The VBHC Academy remains committed to advancing Value-Based Supply and supporting organisations to flourish by delivering better outcomes, greater sustainability and shared value.