The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical international recruitment in the health and social care sectors by updating the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel in England
On Thursday 27 March 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published a revised Code of Practice (CoP) for England providing clearer guidance and ensuring best practices are followed across the sector.
Key updates include:
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Improved clarity and guidance throughout.
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Two new scenarios to illustrate examples of active recruitment.
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Inclusion of two new illustrative scenarios.
The revised Code supports organisations in conducting ethical, transparent, and fair recruitment of international staff, and helps protect the rights and welfare of overseas workers.
Best Practice Benchmarks
The Code lays out various best practice benchmarks, which all organisations that sponsor international health and social care personnel are expected to follow. These include:
- All international health and social care personnel will have the same legal rights and responsibilities as domestically trained staff in all terms of employment and conditions of work.
- All international health and social care personnel will have the same access to further education and training and continuous professional development.
- All international health and social care personnel will not be charged fees for recruitment services about gaining employment in the UK.
- Any repayment clause included in an employment contract must be transparent, proportionate, time-limited, and flexible.
- All international health and social care personnel will have the appropriate level of English language to enable them to undertake their role effectively.
- Appropriate information about the post being applied for will be made available so candidates can make informed decisions.
- Newly appointed employees will be offered appropriate support and induction. Employers and contracting bodies should undertake pre-employment and placement preparation to ensure a respectful working environment.