Policy on the international recruitment of agency nurses

Policy on the international recruitment of agency nurses

Direct Medics Ltd. is committed to ensuring ethical recruitment through its adherence to the UK Code of Practice (CoP) for International Recruitment. As such, Direct Medics Ltd. appears on the NHS Employers list of healthcare organisations involved in the international recruitment of healthcare professionals, indicating the company’s commitment and adherence to the UK Code of Practice, and provides a dedicated support service to NHS organisations to help them follow the guiding principles of the Code in their recruitment activities.

The guiding principles that underpin the code of practice are as follows:

1. International recruitment is a sound and legitimate contribution to the development of the healthcare workforce.
2. Extensive opportunities exist for individuals in terms of training and education and the enhancement of clinical practice.
3. Developing countries will not be targeted for recruitment, unless there is an explicit government-to-government agreement with the UK to support recruitment activities.
4. International healthcare professionals will have a level of knowledge and proficiency comparable to that expected of an individual trained in the UK.
5. International healthcare professionals will demonstrate a level of English language proficiency consistent with safe and skilled communication with patients, clients, carers and colleagues.
6. International healthcare professionals legally recruited from overseas to work in the UK are protected by relevant UK employment law in the same way as all other employees.
7. International healthcare professionals will have equitable support and access to further education and training and continuing professional development as all other employees.

Direct Medics adheres to the above by providing equality both in terms of opportunities provided to international candidates and in the probity that takes place prior to any placement by the company; procedures for pre-employment checks in line with national and regional guidelines would include but not be limited to health assessment in conjunction with Occupational Health guidelines, and confirmation with NMC that the candidate’s experience and qualifications have been validated.

Prior to placing any international staff, Direct Medics provides comprehensive information to the new staff member, including (but not limited to):

1. HSC and independent sector employment;
2. minimum terms and conditions of employment;
3. job and person specification;
4. adaptation programmes;
5. professional associations and trade unions;
6. NMC registration process;
7. geographical area and the cost of living in the area to which they will be moving;
8. all other costs that they might incur, for example, accommodation, uniform and transport costs.

The company does not charge fees to international candidates to be considered for recruitment or placement.

As is the case for all healthcare workers placed through Direct Medics Ltd. international staff will receive regular communication from the company during their assignment(s) to ensure that they have received all the assistance necessary to settle well into their new post and area.