We are pleased to introduce the revised code of practice for health and social care organisations in England, that are recruiting personnel internationally.
Internationally trained staff have been part of the National Health Service (NHS) since its inception in 1948 and continue to play a vital role. 16% of nurses and 36% of doctors in England trained outside of the United Kingdom (UK). Similarly, the social care sector employs 35% of nurses and 16% of all social care workers from beyond the UK. Our gratitude to all those who come from abroad to train, learn and work in our fantastic NHS and social care sector has never been greater, as we face the global COVID-19 pandemic together. Thank you.
Yet this government knows we need to do more so that our health and social care services continue to deliver world-class care. That is why we have committed to 50,000 more nurses and 50,000,000 more GP appointments. We are working hard to increase our homegrown supply of health and social care staff. We are training more, retaining more and encouraging staff who have left to return. But we know that ethical international recruitment is also crucial for achieving our commitments.
We are determined to be a force for good in the world, which includes supporting better health and care beyond our shores. This code of practice is part of the UK’s contribution to international health worker mobility that offers benefits to migrants, their country of origin and to the UK. With a projected 18 million more health workers needed to achieve universal health coverage in low and lower-middle income countries – we need to work on a global basis to support healthier and more resilient populations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the reality that diseases know no borders. It is absolutely right that we work with the countries that have the most vulnerable health systems to protect their health and social care systems. It is also right that, alongside these safeguards, we draw on our strengths to help develop health workforces and health systems in other countries – and in doing so, help the world progress towards delivering universal health coverage and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Forming international partnerships is a great way to foster collective efforts across the world, and by working with international governments we can make sure everyone benefits.
We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in international recruitment and this new code implements the World Health Organisation (WHO) global code of practice. Through this we are ensuring the fundamental principles of transparency, fairness and promotion of health systems sustainability are fully embedded in all international recruitment activity undertaken in the UK.
Helen Whately MP Minister of State for Care
Wendy Morton MP Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
read more - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-international-recruitment-of-health-and-social-care-personnel/code-of-practice-for-the-international-recruitment-of-health-and-social-care-personnel-in-england