This guide will support physiotherapy managers involved in the recruitment process. It sets out background information and service considerations to be made before vacancies are advertised to ensure you are prepared for applications from internationally educated physiotherapists
There is a lot to consider when recruiting an internationally educated physiotherapist, and you and your team must be prepared for the additional considerations and support that will be required.
We have listened to the challenges facing managers when recruiting internationally. These include support schemes that are difficult to navigate, large numbers of applications and challenges in resourcing additional support for extended periods of time.
Internationally educated physiotherapists require time and considered support to adapt to the UK health system. UK physiotherapy practice may be very different from their previous experience.
Likewise, physiotherapy managers and those supporting in practice require guidance to enable them to prepare to deliver this.
Frequently asked questions for employers about recruiting internationally trained physiotherapists
Does the HCPC process ensure that internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPs) have the same level of training, knowledge and skills as UK trained physiotherapists?
The HCPC registration process for IEPs is paper-based and reliant on the applicant’s evidence and outline of their physiotherapy qualification curriculum.
The HCPC do not claim the training, knowledge and skills of internationally educated physiotherapists are equivalent to those of UK graduates, but that they are comparable.
- Professional autonomy and direct access to physiotherapy services vary widely across the world. Some IEPs may not have had to assess, diagnose and treat using their clinical reasoning skills
- Many internationally trained physiotherapists are not trained in the anatomy, physiology, pathology or treatment of respiratory conditions
What support schemes are available to IEPs?
There are various government support schemes available in the UK that aim to facilitate the international recruitment of health professionals.
The schemes offer funding to support international recruitment and the costs associated for health boards and trusts, as well as individuals. Some are only applicable to active recruitment, while others can be applied to direct applicants who are relocating to the UK from overseas.
Access to schemes differs across the UK and within each country, so you will need to explore what is available for physiotherapists in your workforce.
What can I do to ease the burden of shortlisting so many applications?
Many managers report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number and an, at times, ‘scatter gun’ approach of applications. There are steps you can take to address this:
- Ensure your service specification clearly articulates what the role requires and that this is reflected in the essential criteria. It is important you are clear on the requirements.
- Tailor your advert and application questions to reflect exactly what you are looking for. A lengthy statement in support may not be the most appropriate way to gather information; shorter more targeted questions will ensure that the question is understood and that applications cannot simply be copied and pasted from templates or other applications.
- Consider adding screening questions as an additional step for international applicants ensuring that visa eligibility, HCPC registration, specific skills and competence required, and other essential criteria must be confirmed to proceed with an application submission.
How can I ensure that candidates have the appropriate level of knowledge and skills to work in my service?
You must consider the best way to interview candidates to ensure you select an individual who can safely and effectively work in your service. Do not simply ask textbook questions which can be pre learned. Consider what knowledge, skills, behaviours, and values are needed and find ways to assess each. Clinical scenarios and role play can be useful here.
Do be mindful that some language we use in healthcare in the UK is not universal and so may not be understood by applicants from other countries (e.g. MDT or clinical governance). Do consider the language you use in your interview questions to ensure they are clear for all applicants.
What additional support should I expect to have to offer?
You should be clear that additional support will be required and often for a prolonged period of time. In addition to the clinical difference, IEPs coming to the UK face considerable challenges in relocating. They also require considerable personal as well as professional support and guidance. Best practice would be to help them find accommodation, set up bank accounts, integrate into a different culture, register with a GP and support them to better understand how health services are delivered in the UK system. All of this takes time and must be planned well in advance.
Knowledge and skills can be assessed to identify the additional support and training that will be needed. Managers must make service considerations and make the necessary preparations to adequately support IEPs for the process to be successful. This includes ensuring existing staff are aware and prepared for the role that will be expected of them.
Do use the checklist found in our guidance resource below.
Can IEPs drive on arrival to the UK?
While an individual may hold a driving license from their home country, they may not have driven in the UK. Although they are legally allowed to drive in the UK for up to a year with their existing license, there are some challenges that you should be aware of:
- In the UK we are in a minority of countries who drive on the left.
- The UK is one of the few countries that continue to favour manual cars.
This should not be a barrier to employment but should be considered and planned for. An IEP coming to the UK may need time to complete their UK driving test, so a community rotation or post may not be appropriate.
If expected to access fleet vehicles, be aware that these are commonly manual cars and will require a UK licence for insurance purposes.