International Colleagues
Welcome to Lead Employer!
Hello, and welcome to Lead Employer. Throughout your time in training, we will be your employer which means that we will support you with all things relating to your employment such as: issuing your contract of employment, guiding you through our policies and processes, supporting with pay queries alongside much more.
Please take a moment to watch the video below of international medical graduate (IMG) Dr Chinenye Ezeofor as she shares valuable insights into her onboarding experience after moving from Nigeria to England to pursue GP specialty training.
Please note all Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have now been replaced by eVisas.
Before you begin your training with us, we wanted to provide some further guidance on our Pre-employment process and how we can help you complete this process in the quickest way possible.
IMG Toolkit
This toolkit is a guide and book of resources to support you when you arrive in the UK and throughout your training. We want to be able to support you in your journey as much as possible, so we hope that booklet will be able to provide guidance.
We have developed a useful checklist as a tool to help you think about what you should be considering prior to commencing your post.
- Read the IMG handbook
- Obtain your NHSE Sponsorship & E-Visa
- Open a bank account within the UK
- Keep in constant contact with Lead Employer to ensure you are on track with your pre-employment process such as your Occupational Health Check, Certificate of Good Standing and References
- Let Lead Employer know when your expected date of arrival is and inform us when you have arrived by emailing your TRAC administrator
- Stay updated with all Lead Employer communications which you will receive via email
- Consider applying for medical indemnity with organisations such as MDU, MDDUS. For GP trainees, a level of indemnity is already provided by HEE, so, please ensure that you check the level of cover you have
- Consider joining the British Medical Association
- Consider reading and completing some online learning modules pertaining to common topics within your specialty or department. Online resources can be found at the end of the handbook
- Relax and go out and explore your surroundings. You should be proud of your accomplishments and achievements
- Support Before Arriving in the UK
Things you should know before your start
As you plan to settle into your life in the UK, we wanted to provide you with some tips and support we think may be of use to you as you start your time in training in the UK.
Looking for an Accommodation
When looking for accommodation (buying or renting) try to search for areas that are easy to commute to from your placement. Websites such as Right Move and Zoopla and advertise a great amount of properties to rent or buy.
An alternative option to finding your own accommodation is shared properties where you rent a room in a shared accommodation. Take a look at SpareRoom website for more details.
To rent, you will need:
- a deposit (usually your first months rent fee)
- other admin fees – ask your estate agent for a breakdown of these fees
- proof of identity, immigration status and employment status.
Top tip – Try to view the property physically and if unable to then ask for a virtual tour.
Register with a GP
Make sure to register with a GP in your area as this will be vital in case you have any health concerns/ need or if you become ill at any point in time. You do not have to pay to register with a GP and once you have registered, there is no charge to see your GP. However, if you are prescribed any medication, then you may have to pay for this.
Get in touch with your local GP and many of them will allow the registration to be completed online or via post as you may only need to provide your personal information to register. Take a look at the NHS website here and find your local GP today.
UK's Emergency Contact Numbers
General Emergency - 999
Police, Ambulance, Fire - 999 (112 is also supported)
NHS Direct - 111 (When you need medical help but its not life threatening)
Managing your Finances
When moving to the United Kingdom, it’s essential that you get your finances to ensure you can support yourself and your family. This relates to any short-term money needs as well as long-term financial management, including:
- Bank accounts - Research your banking options before you arrive, including retail banks in the UK. For more information, refer to 'Your Pre-employment Process' for advice on opening a bank account in the UK or refer to the article here.
- Pensions, tax, and investments - Can your pension be transferred to the UK? How will your investments be affected? Find out before you move with our guide to the UK tax system and our guide to the UK pension system.
- Insurance - Whatever your needs, make sure your family’s belongings have the protection they need by sorting out insurance premiums before you leave. For more information, read our guide to insurance in the UK.
Applying for Clinical Attachment
Why not apply for a Clinical Attachment. After you have received your offer letter and have been informed of where you will be based, why not look to see if you can register for a Clinical attachment. They are a really useful way for international medical graduates to get a taste of the working lives of doctors in the NHS. You can observe a Consultant in a relevant specialty without having the responsibility of patient care. For more information take a look here.
- Your Pre-employment Process
To start your training you need to complete your pre-employment process
Before you start your training journey with Lead Employer, it is essential for all colleagues-in-training to complete their pre-employment checks in order for work clearance and the ability to start training in post.
To understand the full process, please see our dedicated pre-employment hub and use below as some additional tips in regards to completing your required pre-employment checks, as an international colleague.
DBS
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a criminal record clearance. You will apply for it online through a link that we will provide in your offer letter. This will be one of the first things to do once you arrive in the UK to enable you for clearance to start in post.
Once you have your DBS certificate, consider registering with the DBS online update service, this will save you time in the future when needing to apply for a new DBS certificate.
International Police Check/ Certificate of Good Standing
Your International Police Check/ Certificate of Good Standing, is a mandatory pre-employment check of which all International Colleagues are required to provide Lead Employer with these details.
You can apply for your required certificate via this link and access further guidance on this process.
Biometric Residence Permit
Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is your visa permit to stay and study in the country. Within your Offer Letter, you will receive details of how to apply for your Biometric Residence Permit.
Please take a look at Health Education England’s guidance on this application process.
You will only be able to retrieve your Visa once you are physically within the UK.
We advise that you contact NHS England in order to find out where you will be placed on your initial placement so that you can request for your Visa to be delivered to a Post Office that is within this specific area.
Occupational Health Clearance
Your Occupational Health Clearance can only be completed once you are within the UK. It is essential that you contact Health, Work and Wellbeing to make them aware of your arrival in the country so that they are able to book your required appointment in a timely manner.
You can contact the team via email: HWWB.Recruitment@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
Opening a Bank Account
Upon your arrival within the UK, we urge you to open a UK bank account as soon as possible as this will be used to process your required ID checks as a form of proof of address. This can be a difficult process, however we advise checking the banks website to see if they offer additional support to International applicants. Some examples of UK banks include:
- NatWest
- Barclays
- HSBC
- Nationwide
- Lloyds
In addition to help with this process, you can request a Confirmation Of Offer Of Employment Letter which will help with the additional processes too:
- Visa Application
- Rental Agreement
- Mortgage Application
- Settling into the UK
Tips on settling into the British Culture
Moving to a new country and starting a brand-new role can be very exciting, but we understand it’s never easy or straightforward. Lead Employer is here to help support you through this transition to settle in your new job and get the most out of living in the UK.
It’s split into three parts :
Travel in the UK
Airport
There are over 40 airports around the UK in some of the biggest cities in the country, like Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle, as well as London which has six major airports. The majority will accommodate international flights, you can find a map here.
Bus
Whether you’re in central London or in a rural village, the local bus is the most accessible mode of transport around the UK, here are some tips to remember when travelling by bus:
- More and more buses are now accepting contactless payment in larger towns and cities – like in London, you are only able to pay via contactless credit/debit card or an Oyster card (a local transport card).
- In London the exit is a different door to the entrance, however, outside the capital it might be the same out, so check what your fellow passengers are doing when leaving the bus.
- Be careful not to miss the last bus home! Check timetables online or at the bus stop ahead of time as some may stop running in the early evening.
Train
The UK train network is split into different companies within the UK which is confusing for both locals and visitors alike as it causes significant regional levels of service, cleanliness, and price. Unfortunately train travel in the UK is expensive but here is some advice on how to save and make your travels convenient:
- You can use an online mobile app called Trainline to see train times.
- As a general rule, always buy your ticket before you board the train.
- Try booking your tickets in advance as they might be cheaper than on the day tickets.
- Take advantage of railcards which offer discounts on train travel as they can save you a lot of money and available to everyone.
- If your train is cancelled or delayed, you are eligible for a refund. Simply visit the ticket office at the station and enquire about claiming your money back.
Coach
While buses run on local routes, coach travel in the UK operates on an intercity network that connects the country’s largest towns and cities so here’s a few points to remember if you’re taking the coach:
- Coach travel in the UK isn’t the quickest mode of transport. For example, London to Edinburgh takes over 11 hours on a coach, compared to 4.5 hours on a train.
- With that being said, you can make significant savings by traveling via coach
- Some examples of coaches in the UK are National Express, Megabus, FlixBus or BlaBlaBus
Driving
Driving in the UK may seem a bit strange, as it is part of the 76 countries in the world to be driving on the left side of the road. But if you want to drive in the UK, you can use an international driving licence for up to 12 months. If you have a driving licence from the UAE, Ukraine, Taiwan or Republic of North Macedonia, you may exchange it with a British driving licence without taking a driving test.
Otherwise, you should apply for a provisional driving licence through the DVLA website, take a theory test, and assign yourself to an instructor to help you pass the practical test. There are significant delays in test booking currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Culture and Lifestyle
Local Groceries
There are a range of supermarkets in the UK which vary in size and products. Most of the supermarkets offer international products Halal meats, gluten free diet, sugar free diet, and vegan friendly options. Otherwise, there are various designated Asian and Halal shops within the country.
Lower price range:
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Asda
Medium price range:
- Tesco
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
High price range:
- Marks and Spencer
- Waitrose
- Ocado
Most of the stores mentioned above will stock other necessities such as medicine and home products. However, you can access a wide range of medicine in a store called Boots
School
You may be able to bring family members to join you permanently in the UK. If you do, you can look at the standard of schools for your children around your area. You can also see the feedback from the students’ families on a website called School Guide.
Though you will have to consider that you can only apply to a certain school if you live in the catchment area of that school. To apply you will need a proof of address to start the application. We advise that you speak to the school managers if you are coming from abroad, as your children may be able to get additional support in the transitional phase to the new education system in a new country.
Faiths and Beliefs
This country is home to people of all different religious backgrounds with various places of worship for those who practice their beliefs. In larger towns and cities, it is easy to find somewhere to practice your faith as well as a community to welcome you, whether it be a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue. In addition, some trusts and practices accommodate for everyone by providing a prayer room for all religions to use during working hours.
Communication and Language
Getting a UK Sim Card
An important part of settling in the UK is getting your hands on a local SIM card. Not only will this give you a cheap and easy way to keep in touch with your friends back home, but it will also mean that you’re more contactable in the UK. Having a local number is important if you’re working in the UK and getting a UK SIM card can make a big difference to your life. And this is especially true if your existing mobile operator doesn’t offer free roaming in the UK.
You have two options when it comes to a UK SIM card: a prepaid SIM or a cell phone contract. The right option for you will depend on your circumstances but here are a few network providers:
- Voxi
- Giffgaff
- Vodaphone
- Three
- EE
Communicating at Work
Whilst living and working in the UK, it will become apparent that the country is culturally diverse especially in the NHS. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity are core principles, and this should be reflected in your working practice. Here are some key things to bear in mind during your training.
Within the country there are many phrases and expressions that are characteristic of the British English language, as well as the local regional dialects and accents. You also must remember that your colleagues’ and patients’ first language may not be English either.
To familiarise yourself with the accents and culture, we suggest staying updated with current affairs, through the news and television. There are also many British movies and shows that explore the lifestyle in the UK.
You may also know that the British have a known reputation for being polite and well-mannered, so they will say ‘sorry’ (even if something’s not their fault) and ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ multiple times in a conversation.
You will be working with alongside various professionals with different roles, fields of expertise and levels of responsibility so it is important to treat others how you would like to be treated. To find further advice on communicating with others in your workplace, you can access the BMA’s page.
Yet, with this in mind please remember that if you ever feel that you, your colleague, or a patient are being discriminated, bullied, harassed, or abused by other patients, colleagues, or superiors, you are free and able to speak up against this and please do understand that these issues are taken very seriously! Should you want to raise any concerns you can find a guide on the BMA’s page or use the GMC’s raising and acting on concerns flowchart to help you decide whether to raise a concern.
- Your Wellbeing
We’re here to support you
Working in healthcare comes with it's challenges. It is therefore important that you make time for your own wellbeing and mental health to support your work/ life balance. We understand the demanding work and training schedules you must have, with frequent rotations and the additional pressures of life outside of work, so we want to remind you of all the wellbeing resources you can access.
Lead Employer, the NHS and many mental health charities have made various forms of support for different cases that are available to all our colleagues-in-training, you can find these different forms of support below.
- As your Lead Employer we are your first point of contact for your wellbeing, so we have signposted a Wellbeing Hub on our website, where you can find a self-referral to Health, Work and Wellbeing, information on financial support and bereavement.
- The NHS also has several key programmes that are in place to develop a culture of wellbeing so you can feel supported and well at work. You can access that through their website here
- Practitioner Health is a free, primary care led mental health assessment and treatment service, established to care for doctors and dentists across England. This confidential service has been partnered with NHS England so NHS professional can access the mental health care and support they need at this very difficult time. Access their support here.
- Mind is a national mental health charity that offer advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. You can access their wellbeing services here.
- Insight IAPT is a not-for-profit organisation providing free talking therapies across the UK on behalf of the NHS. You can access their support in their website here and use the code access code: STHKWELL.
- MindEd was created by a group of organisations and is funded by Health Education England Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education.
- Headspace is a science-backed app in mindfulness and meditation, providing unique tools and resources to help reduce stress, build resilience, and aid better sleep. They offer free access to all NHS staff with an NHS email address until 31 December 2022. Find out how to get access here.
- Unmind is a mental health platform that empowers staff to proactively improve their mental wellbeing. Using scientifically backed assessments, tools and training you can measure and manage your personal mental health needs, including digital programmes designed to help with stress, sleep, coping, connection, fulfilment and nutrition. They are offering free access to NHS staff until 31st December 2022. Find out how to get access here
- As your Lead Employer we are your first point of contact for your wellbeing, so we have signposted a Wellbeing Hub on our website, where you can find a self-referral to Health, Work and Wellbeing, information on financial support and bereavement.
- Contacting Lead Employer
Please contact our designated Lead Employer Helpdesk for all your queries and needs as they should be your main point of contact.
You can find all relevant contact information on our contact us page
- Useful Links and Resources
Here we’ve put together a list of some useful resources and links we think may help you throughout your time in training.
- Take a look at the GOV.uk webpage for information on all governmental services including visas/immigration, national insurance, taxes, pensions etc
- The BMA is the UK’s professional trade union of medical doctors and represents, supports and negotiates on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. They are member-run and led, fighting for the best terms and conditions as well as lobbying and campaigning on the issues impacting the medical profession. Take a look at their site and see how you can become a member
- The NHS Employers Working and training in the NHS guide for international medical graduates guide provides information for international medical and dental graduates about the NHS in England, work opportunities in the UK and registration and immigration requirements
- The General Medical Council is a public body that maintains the official register of medical practitioners within the United Kingdom. Take a look at their guidance on Insurance indemnity and medico-legal support
- Need some help understanding how the NHS Pensions Scheme works? The take a look at the NHS Business Services Authority website that will outline everything you need to know
- e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) is a NHSe programme, working in partnership with the NHS and professional bodies, to support patient care by providing e-learning to educate and train the health and social care workforce.
- As now a member of the NHS, take advantage of this and register for NHS discounts through the Blue Light Card NHS discounts scheme. Get access to discounts on food, social activities, clothing, holidays and much more
- If you are a colleague based in the North West, check out the NHSe handbook for which focuses on settling into life and working in this area
Why not take a look at the GMC’s free online workshop, Welcome to UK Practice, that is designed to support doctors new to the UK. Offering guidance on adapting to UK practise, this workshop can be of massive benefit to anyone joining the NHS outside of the UK.
IMG onboarding checklist
Take a look at our pre-employment checklist for more information on all of the documents we require.
FAQs
- How do I request a confirmation of employment letter?
You will need to complete an online form which will be processed by Lead Employer and all requests must be made through this online form. We advise you not to send any requests via email as they might be missed.
- Can I stay in an Airbnb or hotel when I arrive and use this address to run a DBS check?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept this as we need a permanent UK residential address in the form of a tenancy agreement in order to process your DBS check.
- Can I apply for my Visa when I arrive in the UK?
Once you have received your Certificate of Sponsorship, you must immediately apply for the appropriate Visa. We will not be able to start you in post if you enter the UK on a Visitor's Visa.
- I am arriving a few days before I start, will I start in time?
If you arrive a few days before your start date, we cannot guarantee that you will start on your start date. We will need time to process your ID check, Visa, DBS check and your occupational health clearance which can all take within 1 month. Therefore, we highly advise that you arrive to the UK 28 days prior to your start date.
- I don't have a UK bank account, how do I complete the payroll form?
Unfortunately, until you have a UK address and UK bank account, you will not be able to complete the payroll form. Please only complete the form once you have both of these requirements. A UK bank account does not include Monzo or Revolut.
- I have received my Visa Vignette, what now?
If you have received your Visa Vignette, please send it to us straight away as we can use this to clear your ID checks and run a DBS check alongside your UK proof of address.
- I have booked my flight to the UK, do I need to inform Lead Employer?
It's important that you inform us as soon as you have booked your flight and the date that you arrive in the UK. By notifying us, we will be able to estimate how long we have to clear your pre-employment checks, as we also need to inform your host and HEE if we expect you start later than the agreed start date.
- I'm looking to apply for a hospital accomodation, will you be able to assist me?
Hospital accommodation is managed by your Placement or Host Trust. They will be able to assist you in this process as it is not something Lead Employer can arrange for you. We advise that you can contact your TPD or host directly, for further information and guidance.
- As I am relocating, is it possible to claim the expenses incurred back?
Yes, certain parts of your relocation can be claimed back and you can read the terms and conditions in the Relocation Policy. you can only send in your claim once all your checks are cleared, and you have started in post please refer to the policy on the T&Cs etc
- Do I need to include both sides of my BRP card?
It is important that we receive both the back and front of your Biometric Residence Permit card (BRP). The back of your BRP card displays key details such as your UK National insurance number.
- How do I notify Lead Employer of my pregnancy?
You will need to inform Lead Employer via email on lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk, for the attention of the Rotations and Contracts team (please include your speciality, region and GMC number in the title of your email along with a brief description of your enquiry). You can also find more information by referring to the New Parent Policy and you can also access the maternity application forms.