European ethical code of conduct on recruitment and retention

The European Hospital and Healthcare Employers' Association (HOSPEEM) and The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) recently launched a code of conduct on ethical cross-border recruitment and retention in the European hospital sector. Through the code of conduct, the European Hospital Sector Social Partners aim to promote ethical recruitment practices at European, national, regional and local level.

NHS Employers, through membership of HOSPEEM, was involved in European level discussions and in the drafting of the code. Movement of healthcare professionals across borders is becoming is a growing trend within Europe and this code aims to set out the responsibilities of both employers and employees in this process. The European Social Partners want to work with relevant stakeholders at all levels in order to protect the rights of workers and to ensure that employers get highly qualified staff.

The code of conduct is based upon twelve key principles and commitments:

• High quality healthcare, accessible for all people in the EU
• Registration and data collection
• Workforce planning
• Equal access to training and career development
• Open and transparent information about hospital vacancies across the EU
• Fair and transparent contracting
• Registration, permits and recognition of qualifications
• Proper induction, housing and standards of living
• Equal rights and non-discrimination
• Promoting ethical recruitment practices
• Freedom of association
• Implementation, monitoring and follow up

The twelve key principles and commitments in the code are already being carried out by NHS organisations so will not place any additional requirements on the service. The code will be fully implemented in European Member States by April 2011.

The full version of the code of conduct is available on the HOSPEEM website.