Why use international recruitment?

International recruitment is an option mainly used by employers trying to fill vacancies in certain geographical areas or professions/specialties with recognised shortages. It is a significant part of the drive to expand the NHS workforce.

Suitably-qualified health professionals from other countries can work for either a short stay or an extended period. However, an NHS trust would be unlikely to go through the time-consuming and expensive process of international recruitment if they could fill their posts in the UK.

International recruitment is normally only considered as an option when all domestic recruitment opportunities have been exhausted, including using return to practice or recruiting UK based qualified refugees.

It is essential that IR is not done to the detriment of countries experiencing staffing difficulties. The NHS is committed to an ethical approach to overseas recruitment. The Code of Practice seeks to prevent recruitment from developing nations.

Handled properly and responsibly international recruitment is good for the NHS, good for the individual and good for the families of the individual.

This section provides more information for NHS organisations interested in this method of recruitment.

We organise and facilitate international recruitment networks and provide advice to employers on:

• ethical recruitment
• work permit applications
• registration issues
• service of recruits
• dealing with regulatory bodies.