As a nurse looking for UK hospitals recruiting foreign nurses, you may have heard of the term ‘international NHS framework agencies’. But what does it mean and why is it so important?

What are International NHS Framework Agencies?

In the UK, there are NHS Frameworks that hospitals recruiting foreign nurses use to access recruitment agencies that have been approved to supply to the NHS.
Agencies awarded a place on a framework are audited by the relevant body. This is to make sure that they follow the standards expected; that they can safely supply qualified international healthcare professionals.

What is the main framework hospitals recruiting foreign nurses use?

The main framework for the supply of international nurses is the NHS Collaborative Procurement Partnership (CPP) International Framework.
The CPP International Framework was set up in July 2018 to address the number of vacancies within the NHS. Essentially, it covers all clinical staff groups (nurses, doctors, allied health and health science services professionals).

What are the benefits to me as a candidate?

Most people looking to work for hospitals recruiting foreign nurses choose to register with international NHS framework agencies. This is because a framework agency will have a broader range of jobs to choose from.

Plus, you can be assured they are safely following the rules when it comes to international recruitment.

How does this help hospitals recruiting foreign nurses?

There are many benefits for hospitals using International NHS Framework Agencies. By far the biggest is being able to safely recruit nurses with confidence since each agency must comply with NHS pre-employment standards and have robust compliance procedures. Therefore, it’s much easier for employers to find dedicated international nurses who have the correct registration, qualifications, experience and right to work.

Why is Sanctuary Personnel an ‘on-framework’ agency?

Sanctuary Personnel has been an ‘on-framework agency’ for several years now, although it’s move into the international healthcare recruitment is relatively new.

As one of the largest health and social care recruitment companies in the UK, it’s important that we help our clients recruit in the safest way possible. Being an NHS Framework Agency helps to ensure this.

We must meet government requirements on good industry practice. This means keeping up-to-date with regulatory changes, language testing, immigration policy and so much more. Most importantly though, we are responsible for relocation support and the satisfaction of the nurses we place – something we’re incredibly passionate about.

Whether you’re an international nurse looking for a hospital position or an NHS employer keen to find out how we can help, get in touch with Sanctuary International.