Recruiting from overseas:

Resources

What is buddying?

In simple terms a buddy is someone within an organisation who provides help and advice to other employees within the organisation.  In this context, to those who've been recruited from overseas

Where an employer puts a buddying scheme in place, it's been proven that the new recruits feel more welcomed and assimilate faster into living within the UK

For an overview of what a buddying scheme is and some suggestions on how to implement one, please watch this brief presentation

Who can buddy?

Anyone! But generally it's a good idea to pick someone who has good local knowledge.  They do not have to be of the same ethnic background although understandably that could be an advantage.

Getting started

Your buddying scheme will be no differrent if you have international recuits in post or you are waiting for them to enter the UK (if they have not yet arrived there are certain things to bare in mind, which are mentioned in the box alongside).

A good buddying scheme requires some pre-planning, but once this is done it can be easily repeated each time you recruit from overseas.



Induction

Your induction process should be no different to how you would induct a recuit from the UK, but there are a few extra pointers to consider.

Involve the buddy in the induction process

It may be that the buddy is the HR manager or similar so this may already be a given but if not, involving them in the process again makes the new recruit more comfortable.

Explain the CQC

We are very familiar with the CQC and many of the staff you recruit locally are probably already from within the industry, so knowledge of the CQC is somwhat assumed.  Treat the new staff as if they have never worked in care before as the concept of a regulator may be new to them or very different to what they have experienced in their home country.

Blame Culture

Make it clear that it is OK to make a mistake as long as you acknowledge it. Knowledge comes from recognising mistakes. Your new recruits may be worried that they will be sent back home if they make a mistake so it is important to be clear that we do not operate that way. Simililarly, it is OK to report bad practice.

If your recruits haven't arrived into the UK yet

You should begin the buddying process before they arrive. This ensures they already know someone when they arrive for work

Remember this is a big step for these individuals, many of whom have never left theor home country before

Find out about their

Find out about their families.
Although the rules have been tightened considerably, many may be looking to bring their families with them.  This can change the sort of support they need - for example enrolling in schools

Arrange Accommodation

Either sort out their accommodation in advance (even if its temporary) or put them in touch with letting agents. It may be worthwhile to ask other staff if they can recommend any agencies

Meet them at the airport

As mentioned this is a big leap into the unknown for them and having their 'buddy' meet them at the airport will really make them feel welcomed

Take scarves!

A bit of a lighthearted suggestion but chances are the UK will feel considerably colder to them (even in our Summer)



Living in the UK

Your buddying support will be mainly about explaining how things operate in the UK (things we take for granted). Putting an information pack together is a good idea as this can be easily replicated and also taken away by the recruit. There are no hard and fast rules around what such a pack should contain but we've listed some suggestions below



Understanding the Town/City Tour

Don't forget these people are new to the area. Taking time to show them around the town will help them feel at home

Finding Accommodation

Property transactions differ from country to country.  Put them in touch with local letting agents - ask existing staff if they can recommend anyone

Driving licenses

Generally the UK recognises foreign driving licenses for 12 months, after which you will need to apply for a UK license. more info>>>

Public transport

Explain how the local bus/train network works and also how you pay to get around. Monthly passes may be cheaper etc

Religious groups

Make a list of local churchs/temples/mosques etc.

Community groups

It's worth finding out if there are any community groups from their home country in the vacinity

The Post Office

Again, postal services work differently around the world.  Although many are based on the Royal Mail, it's worth finding out if they intend to post things home and help them when the need arises

Banking

The UK has very strict laws on who can open a bank account and the identity items needed to complete this

Schools

If they are bringing dependants with them, explain how to enroll for a school place

Mobile phones and internet

Although both are ubiquitous around the world, our providers may not be familiar to the recruit.

Shopping

Explain who the main supermarkets are in the UK and how they have different offers

Digital Footprint

Make sure they register for their National Insurance number and NHS number as soon as possible.  These will be needed for Tax and registering for a GP