Here we outline the essential elements of pastoral support that should be considered to ensure a successful onboarding process.
While the support we recommend is broadly applicable to care providers across the South East, it’s important to note that the specific actions you take will depend on your unique circumstances, location, and the support network available to your new overseas recruits.
Effective pre-arrival communication is crucial, particularly when not utilising a recruitment agency. Regularly engaging with overseas care workers via platforms like Zoom or WhatsApp fosters open communication, reduces concerns, keeps everyone updated on progress, and strengthens relationships.
Preparing your UK team is also important, as they may have mixed feelings about overseas recruitment. Help them understand the reasons behind this approach and share success stories from other organisations.
To ensure a seamless arrival for overseas recruits, it is important to meet them at the airport, arrange transportation to their accommodation, and extend a warm welcome from a familiar contact. Supporting them in exploring the local community, including guiding them to essential services and places of interest, facilitates their integration into the new environment. Additionally, organising social activities with current staff fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Most employers provide accommodation for their new overseas recruits for at least the first four weeks. Strategies such as repurposing space in care establishments, arranging stays with existing staff, using local university accommodation, or covering Airbnb costs can be employed. Securing longer-term affordable housing may pose difficulties, necessitating advanced planning. Employers should support overseas care workers in their housing search by providing information on local resources and potentially assisting with the rental process. It is also beneficial to accompany recruits to collect their keys, ensure the completion of paperwork, and establish clear repayment procedures if applicable.
To support the healthcare needs of your overseas workers, provide thorough information on accessing healthcare services, such as registering with a local GP, understanding emergency healthcare options, and navigating the NHS system. It is crucial to ensure that they are aware of their entitlements and know how to access necessary healthcare. Offer guidance on GP registration and any required health screenings. Additionally, highlight your organisation’s dedication to their mental wellbeing, acknowledging the potential emotional stress they may experience. Share information about available employee assistance programmes and counselling services to provide the necessary support.
Employers should provide comprehensive financial support to overseas recruits, including guidance on banking services, assistance with tax obligations, and help in understanding the cost of living. It is recommended to offer a salary advance in cash upon arrival to ensure immediate access to funds. Recruits from countries such as the Philippines or India may require additional support due to differences in local earnings. Employers should assist with obtaining the necessary documents and appointments for setting up a bank account. Encouraging recruits to register for their National Insurance (NI) and NHS numbers quickly is important for accessing healthcare.
Help new overseas recruits understand public transportation systems by providing information on local transport options. Consider providing a pre-paid travel card or assisting the individual in purchasing a travel card using a salary advance.
For care workers who plan to drive, it is crucial to offer information on UK driving laws and regulations. Additionally, you may need to facilitate the process of obtaining a UK driver’s licence and ensure they have access to a vehicle if required.
Language barriers can pose challenges for overseas care workers. Employers can offer language support by providing access to language courses or training resources.
Assisting overseas care workers in integrating into a new community is crucial, considering the challenges they may face being far from their families and support systems. Provide them with information about local community support groups and resources to aid their assimilation. These can include language classes, cultural events, and social activities.
Creating a welcome pack for your new overseas recruits is a great way of packaging all the information and resources they will need to support their smooth integration into your organisation and their new local community.