NHS England launches resources for internationally recruited AHPs

Radiographers and other Allied Health Professionals who have been recruited from abroad will receive higher quality preceptorship and foundation support thanks to new resources.

NHS England has established the National AHP Preceptorship and Foundation Support Programme, and within it the International Recruitment Implementation Framework, to support Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

These resources ensure recruits receive sufficient support in the transition to NHS employment, and help to standardise the quality of preceptorship programmes and foundation support across the country. 

The development of the International Recruitment Implementation Framework ensures tailored support is available to those recruited from outside the UK.

Structured, consistent support

Spencer Goodman, professional officer for radiotherapy at the SoR, said: “This is a positive step in strengthening the support available to internationally recruited AHPs. Structured, consistent preceptorship and foundation support are important in helping individuals adapt to practice in the NHS and build confidence in their roles.”

International recruits to the NHS go through a pathway from pre-preceptorship (the preparation period), through to preceptorship (a period of structured support to help AHPs grow as practitioners) and into foundation support (broader opportunities for personal and professional development across the pillars of advanced practice). 

The National AHP Preceptorship and Foundation Support programme’s aim is for AHPs to have inclusive access to tailored support and development opportunities across a range of methods for transitioning into employment.

Using this support will help international recruits to grow in confidence as autonomous and accountable practitioners, enhancing career development and improving recruitment and retention whilst supporting the development of a diverse workforce fit for the future.

Resources include general introductions to the service, the NHS standards and professional conduct, guidelines for language and communication, life in the UK, as well as more specific modules for each of the AHP roles the programme covers – including diagnostic and therapeutic radiography.

More information on the resources can be accessed online here.

(Image: Photo by sturti by Getty Images)