NHS clinicians from overseas feel welcome thanks to nationally-accredited pastoral support

More than 220 clinicians from overseas have been welcomed into the NHS with high-quality pastoral care and support.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has recently been accredited with an NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award for the support they offer to nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) who joined via the Trust’s International Recruitment programme.

EPUT offers wrap-around support to help give new colleagues the best possible start to their careers in the NHS and lives in the UK. As well as training to help nurses and AHPs achieve UK professional registration, clinicians have access to a tailored pastoral support offer.

This includes support with health and wellbeing, accommodation, getting to know the local area and cultural norms and expectations. It also includes help with practical tasks, like opening a UK bank account or registering with a GP.

New colleagues are personally met and welcomed at the airport, and are supported by a small, dedicated International Recruitment pastoral care team who remain key points of contact throughout their journey.

A recent survey of internationally-recruited colleagues showed that 99% felt safe and welcomed upon their arrival to the UK; 94% said their experience of pastoral care met their expectations.

Joseph Caldeira, Associate Director for International Workforce, said:

“I’m incredibly pleased we have received the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award.

“Our internationally-recruited colleagues have embarked on a significant journey to join us. Their safe arrival and induction is our number one priority. The support we offer helps set them up for success.

“This award, along with the positive responses to our survey, is a testament to the hard work not only of our International Recruitment team, but the leaders, managers and teammates who have helped our new clinicians settle in.”

The NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award certifies that the support EPUT offers internationally-recruited colleagues meets best practice standards which were co-developed by NHS trusts across the country along with international nursing and midwifery associations.