Race Equality peer learning event: Inclusive recruitment and supporting our internationally educated workforce

Race Equality peer learning event, held on 7 March 2023.

This interactive online peer learning event included:

• a plenary session outlining how organisations can reduce inequality and improve recruitment and talent management processes for their internationally educated workforce (IEW)
• facilitated delegate discussions to share and discuss what interventions have worked and how they have embedded accountability within their processes
• a space to learn from others and build a network of peers working on race equality.

Find the presentation slides here.

Presentation on internationally educated nurses (IENs) by Louie Horne – clinical research fellow, Workforce Race Equality Standard, NHS England

Louie provided an overview of the process of becoming an IEN in the NHS, and some of the hurdles they experience both pre and post arrival into the UK. These challenges include but are not limited to:

• pressures around the requirement to pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) prior to arrival in the UK
• adapting to new country and workplace culture
• navigating the NHS interview process
• pressures around the requirement to achieve their Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) within three months of arrival as part of their professional registration.
• experiences of underrepresentation, bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace, (WRES 2022)
• fewer opportunities for progression, (WRES 2022)

Louie gave examples of actions taken by individual provider trusts to tackle these challenges and drive improvements in inclusive recruitment and talent management, covering:

• embedded cultural inductions and onboarding - which support new and existing staff
• comprehensive pastoral care to support IEW staff to adapt on life in the UK, from securing accommodation, setting up bank accounts and navigating new social security processes, to providing them with a support network
• recognition of the breadth of qualifications for incoming IEW staff members and providing remuneration as appropriate
• support and mentoring for IENs to achieve their OSCE and subsequent professional registration.

Breakout discussion key themes 

Delegates were invited to join breakout groups to discuss, "What intervention has delivered the greatest impact in terms of improving the experience of international educated workforce in your recruitment processes? ".  Key themes from these discussions are highlighted below: 

Chair: Sir Julian Hartley – Chief executive officer, NHS Providers 

Speaker:  Louie Horne – Clinical research fellow, Workforce Race Equality Standard, NHS England