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The Department of Health's Code of Practice for NHS employers involved in the international recruitment of healthcare professionals was first published in October 2001 and was revised in December 2004. The Scottish Executive has introduced a similar code for Scottish healthcare employers in March 2006. The Code 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 of Practice 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 are 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. Review by World Health OrganisationThe World Health Organisation has commissioned a review of the Department of Health Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals. The review will be used to address health worker migration issues and to inform the development of a global code of practice. We are collating information from NHS organisations on how the application of the Code impacts on recruitment practices locally. This information will form part of NHS Employers feedback and ensure that the employers view is fully represented. Please send your comments to recruitmentandretention@nhsemployers.org. The Launch of Scottish Code of Practice"The Code of Practice 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 Jenny Simons on 0131 244 3482 or email jenny.simons@scotland.gsi.gov.uk. Pages in this sectionSummary of changes Applications and appeals procedures List of developing countries List of agencies Nurse recruitment agreement: China Last reviewed 23 Jun 2008 |
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