The Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals identifies the guiding principles to promote high standards in the recruitment and employment of healthcare professionals from overseas. It is also concerned with the protection of developing countries and seeks to prevent targeted recruitment from developing nations who are experiencing shortages of healthcare staff.
The code offers guidelines for NHS employers contracting with commercial recruitment agencies. It commends NHS organisations to use only those recruiting agencies that adhere to the principles underpinning the Code of Practice.
NHS Employers is responsible for the implementation of the Code of Practice and managing the list of commercial agencies that adhere to the code. NHS Employers also provides a dedicated advice and support service to NHS organisations to help them to follow the guiding principals of the code in all their recruitment activities.
Use of NHS Employers logo
NHS Employers logo is protected and commercial recruitment agencies who are successfully placed on the list of agencies that adhere to the code are not allowed to display the logo on their business materials, such as documents and websites.
Agencies are also reminded that inclusion on the list does not imply that they belong to a group that are either preferred suppliers or recommended by the Department of Health or this organisation. It also does not guarantee they will be engaged by NHS organisations to recruit on their behalf.
Review by World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation has commissioned a review of the Department of Health Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Heatlhcare Professionals. The review will be used to address health worker migration issues and to inform the development of a global code of practice. More information will be available on these pages as this work progresses.
Scottish Code of Practice
The Code of Practice for Scottish healthcare employers was officially declared in NHS Scotland by the Minister of Health and Community Care on 30 March 2006.
NHS Employers has entered into a partnership agreement with the Scottish Executive (SHED) to monitor arrangements for the Code of Practice. This will ensure a collaborative and consistent approach to monitor the performance and compliance of recruitment agencies and NHS Scotland Health Boards to the principles of the Code of Practice.
To obtain a copy of the Scottish Code of Practice please contact Susan Ireland on 0131 2442492 or email susan.ireland@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.