Professional support

Professional support is crucial to ensuring the successful integration of your new overseas recruits into the team, helping them adjust to new systems and ways of working and facilitating their career progression. Here we outline the key aspects of professional support, including induction, training, peer support, and career development.

Induction programme

Consider enhancing your existing induction programme to provide additional support and information specifically tailored to your overseas staff.

Orientation

Ensure your overseas recruits understand the orientation process, including introductions to key team members, an overview of their job responsibilities, training programs, and any required certifications or qualifications.

Training

Adapt your training to accommodate any language barriers or unfamiliarity with technical language or equipment. Provide professional-specific training and education to help them adjust to new systems and ways of working.

Peer support and mentorship

Identify opportunities for one-to-one mentoring support. Connect overseas staff with employees of the same nationality who can provide support, and consider assigning existing staff members who have experienced relocating to the UK as buddies for new overseas recruits. Emphasise the role of supervisors and managers in providing ongoing support and feedback.

Understanding the UK social care system

Recognise that international recruits may have limited knowledge of the UK’s social care system. Share relevant material to help them understand its history and structure. Utilise resources from Skills for Care to assist in this process.

Career progression

Ensure that your overseas recruits have equal access to learning and development opportunities and support for career progression, similar to your UK workforce. Customise professional support based on each individual’s preferences and career aspirations.

The NHS international retention toolkit offers valuable guidance on recognising international qualifications and experiences while providing pathways for career growth.