Pre Departure Orientation - UK

UK Bound!

Congratulations on your new job!
Preparing for your move to the UK is an exciting thought!
However, whether it be imminent or in the months ahead,
there are plenty of things to familiarise with, plan for and remember.
Please take the time to read through the following advice and tips
which we hope will ensure your journey is as stress free as possible
and will help ease you into your new life in the UK

Contents
Preparing for your departure .................................................................................................................... 4
What to pack ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Preparing for your flight and entry to the UK ............................................................................................ 5
Day of departure .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Important documents to bring with you ................................................................................................... 7
Arriving in the UK ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Initial few days......................................................................................................................................... 9
Adjusting to your new life! ......................................................................................................................10
Currency ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Shopping ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Safety .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Transportation ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Food & Cooking .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Cleaning .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Security at home ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Utilities ............................................................................................................................................................ 13
Landline, Broadband & Mobile Phones .......................................................................................................... 13
Internet ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
TV .................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Keeping safe during the pandemic ................................................................................................................. 14
Banking & Finances......................................................................................................................................... 14
National Insurance Number (NIN) .................................................................................................................. 15
Pension ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Health & Wellbeing .................................................................................................................................15
Wellbeing resources ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Health - GP / Dentist / Covid and non-Covid related illness........................................................................... 16
Foreign Embassies in the UK ....................................................................................................................17
Post Deployment & Work-Related Issues .................................................................................................17
Staffing levels, area allocations, local policies and procedures, independent working, OSCE prep & salary 17
Homesickness, Quarantine/Lockdown pressures, Annual Leave, Travel ....................................................... 18
Who/when to ask for help? ............................................................................................................................ 19
Refunds from Employers (e.g., ELT, CBT, registration fees, etc.) ................................................................... 19
Page 2

Use of Social Media ........................................................................................................................................ 20
NMC Queries ..........................................................................................................................................20
Immigration ............................................................................................................................................21
Dependant/Family Visas ................................................................................................................................. 21
Further Leave to Remain & Settlement in the UK .......................................................................................... 22
Professional and Social Etiquette .............................................................................................................23
General information about London & the UK ...........................................................................................25
Finding your own accommodation in the longer term ..............................................................................27
Places of Worship ...................................................................................................................................27
Page 3

Preparing for your departure
Please take time to check the specific requirements and instructions for your airline and class of travel.
These will be noted on your booking confirmation and/or ticket.
It is currently mandatory for all travellers to the UK to have a PCR (Covid) test prior to departure from
your home country. This test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to your departure time and
you must have a clear test result to travel. You will not be permitted to board the plane, nor gain entry
to the UK without this.
What to pack
As you will know, the weather in the UK is likely to be very different to wherever you are coming from –
and depending on what time of the year you are arriving, could be much colder than you have experienced
in your home country. This is not to put you off – we have never had any of our candidates decide to leave,
due to the weather – you will acclimatise (and even grow to love our seasons!)

oots and a rainproof coat or jacket. Temperatures average around 55°F to 65°F (12°C to 18°C). 10-14 daylight
hours avg.
Winter – December, January, February
Temperatures are milder here in the winter than in many parts of the world, and rain is also common in
this season. Snow is not unheard of, so be sure to pack warm clothes (as suggested above, layers are
key! You may also like to bring hats, scarves and gloves.
Temperatures average around 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C). 8-9 daylight hours avg.
Shoes
During your free time, exploring your new home area, shopping, etc. you will need some comfortable
shoes, preferably flat with a good sole.
See your specific employer uniform policy for guidance on appropriate work shoes.
There are several stores in the UK where you can purchase cheap clothing, e.g., Primark, New Look and
even the major supermarkets have their own clothing brands which are reasonably priced.
Windproof Travel Umbrella
From light drizzles to heavy rains, the UK certainly necessitates an umbrella. Be sure to pack one that’s
wind-resistant and folds down so that you can carry it easily when you’re not using it. Example: Repel
Umbrella Windproof Double Vented Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating (Black): Amazon.co.uk: Luggage
UK Power Adaptor
Britain uses a higher voltage than many other countries, which can easily fry your devices if you
mistakenly plug them into an active power outlet. So, it is important to bring the correct adaptor for
your electrical items.
Example: Amazon.co.uk : HERO Universal Travel Adapter (2 USB Ports) ? Power Plug for US Europe
France UK Ireland Thailand NZ Australia 100 Countries
Preparing for your flight and entry to the UK
Please read the information on the link below carefully, to familiarize yourself with the items you are
legally permitted to bring into the UK on arrival.
Bringing goods into the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in the confiscation of your items and a heavy fine – not a
good start to your new life in the UK!
Page 5

Day of departure
It’s happened before. You arrive at the airport too early before your flight, and you’re stuck inside a
cramped airport lounge for hours. On the flip side, you arrive too late, and you’re frantically running
through airport terminals in a last-ditch effort to catch your flight. While weather and mechanical problems
can cause unexpected delays on any given day at any airport, planning ahead for a variety of conditions
and situations gives you the best chance at arriving for your flight at just the right time – with not too much
time on your hands, but not too little to spare.
You should typically arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours prior to an
international flight. Many airport parking lots are far from the terminals, so you may need to allow extra
time for a shuttle ride.
Note: If you are travelling as part of an organized group, you will be given strict meet and greet instructions
for the day of your travel by your overseas agency so please ensure you adhere to their guidance.
Check-in times for luggage vary with each airline and airport. For instance, some airlines insist your bags
must be checked at least one hour prior to takeoff. Airlines also have different policies regarding the time
you must be at your gate prior to departure. Don’t be surprised if you get bumped from your flight for
missing either of these deadlines.
Each airline's website outlines its strict rules regarding the weight and dimensions of luggage. Carry-on
bags must fit in an overhead bin or under your seat. Checked bags should have secure ID tags with
accurate contact information in case they get lost in transit. Valuables, including cash, boarding pass,
driver’s license, passport and medications, should be kept secure in your carry-on bag.
You can complete a lot of travel “paperwork” ahead of time online. Most airlines let you check in online
up to 24 hours in advance and download your boarding pass to your phone. You can also print your
boarding pass at home or at the airport’s self-check-in kiosks. Bags to be checked in must be taken to the
check in counter. Make sure the bags are tagged with your final destination, particularly if you’re making
one or more connections. If you're traveling with just carry-on bags, you can skip the check-in counter and
head straight to the security screening area.
Airport Security
Non-flammable liquids, gels and creams are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they adhere to the strict
rules. See guidance below:
Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
When passing through security checks you are required to put the following items into the trays
provided and as directed by the security staff A sealed, plastic bag filled with liquids, gels and creams (as
per guidance in link above)
• All loose contents from your pockets
• Shoes, belts and/or jackets that must be removed from your person
• Large electronics, such as laptops and DVD players
• Mobile phones
Page 6

The final step in the security process involves walking through an advanced-imaging portal for a body
screening. A triggered alarm may result in a pat-down, but you’ll be examined by a security officer of the
same gender.
Once through security, don’t forget to collect all of your belongings from the trays and put your valuables,
including travel documents, safely away in your luggage again before leaving the security area.
Security check queues can be very long, especially in peak periods, so best to clear security as soon as
possible after check in.
Don’t stray too far from your flight’s departure gate. Even if you successfully complete the check-in and
security screening process, the airline can give your seat away if you’re not at the gate once boarding
begins. The plane will also leave without you if you do not present for boarding by the appropriate
deadline. Always listen out for the boarding announcements and keep checking the boarding information
boards for the latest update. Changes can be made to stated boarding times so be aware.
If you have to catch another flight at the next airport, remember to give yourself plenty of time to make
your connection. Failure to do so may result in a missed flight and possible separation from your luggage.
Make certain you prominently display your itinerary and contact information on the outside and the
inside of your bag. If your ID tag is destroyed before or after your main and/or connecting flights, the
airline workers will still need to trace you. Prepare for the worst-case scenario and take a photo of your
bag and particularly your most valuable items, so that if your bag is lost, you have a record of all your
missing items, so the airline can properly compensate you for the loss of your possessions.
If you have a connecting flight but your luggage is being checked through to your final destination, keep
all of your valuable items, such as passports, travel documents, money, medications, in your carry-on bag.
If your checked bag does get lost or misplaced between connecting flights, at least you won’t be without
your essential items. Some travellers also pack a change of clothes in their hand luggage, in case of
emergency or loss of checked in luggage.
Make certain you remove old airline tags and stickers from previous trips which can confuse baggage
handlers and may result in your luggage being sent to the wrong destination.
Important documents to bring with you
Apart from your passport and travel documents, you will need to bring the following original documents
with you that must be presented either to your employer or the NMC (for nurses, at your ID
appointment) or both:
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Professional degree certificate
Page 7

• Professional registration certificate/licence for any country where you are currently registered (or
declared as part of your NMC application)
• Police certificate (for any country where you have lived and/or worked for 12 months or more in
the last 10 years (since you were 18 years of age)
• TB certificate
• PCR certificate
• Any other ID documents provided for our UK police clearance, e.g., bank statement, mobile/utility
bills in your name, etc.
• Any other documents you may have provided to the NMC in scanned copy as originals will be
required at your ID appointment when you take your OSCE
Arriving in the UK
One of our team will be at your airport of arrival to welcome you to the UK! The day before your departure,
they will set up a WhatsApp group with you and any other travellers joining your cohort so that you can all
keep in touch throughout your journey. You may be travelling alone, or with colleagues so either way you
will definitely have someone to contact during your journey from home until you reach the UK.
Once safely through immigration, please proceed to baggage collection and make sure you have all of your
bags before exiting the baggage hall. If you are missing anything, report this immediately to the lost
luggage desk within the baggage area.
Once you have your bags, proceed through the “Nothing to Declare” exit (as you should have nothing to
declare if you have read the guidance on what you are permitted to legally bring to the UK). Our Drake
Medox representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign like this:
Once you are all together, please do not wander off or leave your luggage unattended at any time. If you
wish to use the washroom facilities before boarding the onward transport, please let the Drake
representative know who will direct you to the nearest one. Please never leave your luggage unattended,
so make sure you ask someone to watch over it if you go to the washroom.
Our team member will distribute your welcome packs, give you some quick information/reminders and
then call the transport to the meeting point. Once all luggage is loaded and you are aboard the transport,
your taxi or coach will leave to take you to your designated meeting point at your employer site (usually
Page 8

your initial accommodation). During COVID times, this will be where you will immediately quarantine for
the mandated period.
See your Bonding Agreement and Job Offer details for full information about the accommodation
provisions, i.e., mandated length of tenancy, type of housing provided, onsite or privately rented, cost of
monthly rental, whether any period is paid for by your employer, any food provisions made in the initial
period, what’s included within the accommodation, etc.
You will be met at the drop off point by a member of the hospital team who will welcome you and see you
safely into your new home.
Initial few days
Whilst the pandemic is ongoing, you will be isolating in the accommodation, with the rest of your cohort,
for 10-14 days and food will be arranged for you at least for the first few days and up to the full duration
of the isolation period, depending on your specific employer’s arrangements. You will be advised of this
in advance.
You are not permitted to leave the accommodation under any circumstances during the mandated
isolation period and failure to follow this instruction could result in disciplinary action from your employer
and even worse, a £10k fine from the police if you are found to be breaking the quarantine rules of the
UK.
Your OSCE training will start in earnest at the start of your first full week in the UK, although different
employers have different arrangements for length of training and how it is delivered. Obviously during
quarantine, you will be receiving all training online which you can access via your phones, laptops, tablets,
etc. If needs be, many employers will provide a laptop to share between cohorts so that everyone has
access.
Some, if not all corporate induction may also be provided during the initial quarantine period, but in some
cases, may not happen until after you are out of isolation and able to go into the hospital. Your practical
training for OSCE cannot start until after your quarantine period as you will need to be in a face to face,
classroom/mock OSCE set up for this.
You will be expected to focus all of your energies and attention on OSCE training during this time so please
make sure you attend all prescribed training sessions and make every effort to spend other times
undertaking self-learning with the materials provided by your employer and/or the university website
which you will be given access to.
Page 9

Adjusting to your new life!
Currency
• UK currency is the Pound Sterling (£/GBP)
• There are 100 pence (‘p’) to the pound (£)
• Notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50
• Coins come in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2
British people usually refer to pence as “p”, as in 50p (50 pee). More colloquially, £1 pound is sometimes
called a "quid", a £5 note is a "fiver", 5 pounds or 5 quid, and a £10 note a "tenner".
Shopping
Most of the bigger supermarkets and superstores are open either 24 hourly (Monday to Saturday usually)
or from early morning to late at night. You can check all opening times on line. Most of the big stores also
offer home delivery which you book via their website – although notice for delivery slots do vary from 24
hours’ notice to 2 weeks depending on how busy they are. When we are not in lockdown, there are several
other smaller food shops you can visit, including ones that will sell international foods but supermarkets
have a good stock of these too nowadays.
Safety
The UK is a very safe country to travel to. It has a low violent crime rate and lower petty theft rate than
most of the other main European cities. However, it is NOT crime free. Just be conscious of your
surroundings and be extra vigilant in crowds where pickpockets are more prevalent.
NB: Please do not carry around your important ID documents, such as passport and BRP, unless you need
to for a specific reason, e.g., appointment with Embassy/POLO for renewal or validation of documents,
travel outside of UK, etc. You are advised to leave these documents somewhere secure at home. If you
travel outside of the UK for a holiday, for example, again there is no need to keep these on your person
once you have arrived in the country. Leave them ideally in a hotel safe or in another secure place in your
accommodation. We have seen many nurses lose their passports or BRPs when overseas and having to
travel back to the Philippines to secure a new passport before they can re-enter the UK – this cannot be
arranged from within the country where you lost the ID document.
One factor that could be considered a risk is traffic. In the UK people drive on the left-hand side of the
road. Tourists often forget this when crossing and are therefore more prone to road accidents. Please be
sure to look BOTH ways before crossing a road and follow all traffic and pedestrian cross signs and
directions.
The Police in the UK are here to protect everyone. You can always feel safe approaching a police officer if
you need any assistance or even if you are just lost and wish to ask directions or advice.
Page 10

Transportation
There are a number of ways to pay for transport within London, including buying an individual ticket, using
a contactless payment card, using an Oyster card, or purchasing a weekly/monthly/annual travelcard. The
main source of public transport in London is the Underground (or the Tube as it is known to Londoners).
Outside of the centre of London, Tube stations are further apart, so buses help fill the gaps. Also, the
budget-conscious will find that the bus offers a cheaper alternative, even if it is a slower journey.
If you are based outside of London, then there is also a network of overground railway stations throughout
the whole of the UK (and in London) as well as buses, coaches and trams. It is easy to get around!
Some useful links:
Keeping London moving - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables
Coach Travel & Airport Transfers | National Express
Santander Cycles - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
If you have a full, valid driving licence from your home country, you can drive in Great Britain for 12
months from when you became resident in the UK.
After 12 months you’ll need to apply for a provisional licence and pass the theory and practical driving
tests to continue driving in Great Britain.
Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you wish to hire a car within the first 12 months, you will need to meet the specific requirements of
whichever car rental company you use – their criteria may differ slightly. Here are links to a few of the
bigger car rental companies in the UK:
Driver's License Requirements - UK and Ireland | Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Car Hire & Van Hire - UK and Worldwide | Europcar UK
Cheap Car Hire & Van Rental - Budget
Parking
If you do ever drive in London or across the UK, you need to be aware of general parking restrictions and
tolls/charges to pay in certain areas (particularly London). Parking cars in private/public car parks and on
parking meters on the street is usually charged by the hour and can be paid by card at the machine, or
online via several apps that you can download.
There are some really useful general tips on parking do’s and don’ts on this link – good to read if you don’t
want to pick up any fines (which can be heavy!) Parking restrictions - everything you need to know | The
AA
Food & Cooking
It is safe to drink water from the cold taps in the kitchens in the UK and to brush your teeth with water
from the bathroom sink.
Page 11

Obviously, some food will be different in the UK to what you are used to at home – but that should not be
seen as a bad thing necessarily! With the UK being home to such a diverse population, there aren’t many
world foods that can’t be accessed somewhere or somehow in the UK nowadays. However, be
adventurous! Try new things too, you never know you might find some tasty new favourites!
If cooking in shared accommodation, when you may be with a mix of nurses from various countries, be
respectful of cultural differences and be mindful of strong smells that may not be to everyone’s liking! It’s
easy just to open a window or use an extractor fan if there is one to ensure that your living area is not
overpowered
by certain aromas. Please also make sure you clean the kitchen and equipment so that others are able to
use the same facilities after you. Food should not be washed down sinks or toilets and should be disposed
of in the proper bins provided. Rice and pasta particularly cause blockages and can result in expensive
emergency plumber call outs.
Cleaning
Please ensure you maintain a good standard of cleanliness of any accommodation you move into, whether
that be Trust accommodation or private rentals. Any landlord or managing agent will expect you to leave
the property as you found it, i.e., clean and tidy and to show that you have respected the property during
your tenancy.
When using the shower or bath, be careful not to get the floors too wet. Many of you will come from hot
countries where wet floors dry quickly and easily. This is not the case in the UK and water not wiped up
can cause damage to floors and in some cases, cause leaks into rooms/accommodation below.
Clean the toilet, sink and bath or shower regularly, especially when there are often shared facilities so used
by a number of people every day. Make sure hair (especially long hair) does not clog up the drain holes
and cause blockages.
In the UK it is fine to flush toilet paper down the toilet – you should not put paper in a bin. With sanitary
products however (tampons or sanitary towels), these should be wrapped or bagged and disposed of in
the bin rather than flushing down the toilet.
Security at home
If in onsite accommodation, all outer doors are usually kept shut/locked 24/7 and you will have your own
key to the outer/inner communal doors and a separate one to your own private room. In shared, private
accommodation, you will have a key to your front door and sometimes a back door (for houses) so please
make sure you are security conscious and lock these doors at night and if you go out and leave the house
at any time.
Please also makes sure windows are closed when you leave the house to prevent anyone attempting to
unlawfully enter the premises.
All accommodation will be furnished with the essentials, e.g., kitchen facilities, fitted bathroom(s), bed and
wardrobe/cupboard/drawers and bed linen. Sometimes towels are provided but it is advisable to pack at
Page 12

least one towel to bring with you. You can obviously buy more of these items once you are in the UK. Most
kitchens will be equipped with a microwave, some will have a rice cooker, and all will have the basics such
as kettle, saucepans, cutlery, plates, bowls and cups, and so on. This is not standard when renting
properties, but your employers will have made these additional provisions for you. There is an array of
shops in the UK that stock household items very cheaply.
Utilities
When moving to the UK, understanding which utilities you need and how to get them is important.
Energy & Water Supply
If you are renting a property, it is likely that your landlord is already supplying the property with the basic
utilities of gas, electricity and water. You may have a choice of gas and electricity supplier depending on
your tenancy agreement and there are a number of online services that will help you select the best option
for you. One of the most popular is called USwitch.
Your gas and electricity are based on consumption, and in some cases estimated consumption.
Somewhere in your property you will have gas, electricity and water meters which provide the energy
company provider with
details of how much gas/electricity you have used. Your bill will then be based on this. You should be able
to choose whether you pay monthly or quarterly.
It is a similar situation with your water supply, although you may or may not have a water meter, and you
will not have a choice over the supplier of water to your property.
Landline, Broadband & Mobile Phones
Most properties are normally connected to a phone line. However, they may not be active. You can also
switch telephone provider if your tenancy agreement allows. You are likely to be required to set up your
own account with a telephone supplier to ensure you are responsible for any calls you make. A landline
is also required for a broadband connection.
Virtually everybody in the UK has a mobile phone, and there are a number of suppliers including the major
operators Vodafone, EE and O2. However, you can also join a whole range of networks and all information
can be found online or in high street shops.
You will have a choice of contract –either choose a pay as you go option or pay monthly. If you already
have a mobile phone, it is suggested that you get a SIM only deal as this significantly reduces any monthly
expenditure. However, in the long run, it is often cheaper to enter into a 12-24 month contract to get the
most for your money in terms of data and call allowances.
To get a pay monthly agreement, you will need to have a home address as a minimum and may need to
be credit checked. For most expats new to the UK, you may have limited options for monthly accounts
until you have built up some credit history in the UK.
Page 13

Internet
The internet has fast become a necessity in life and for people moving to the UK, probably one of the more
important utilities as it ensures that you can keep in touch with relatives as well as do research in the
comfort of your own home.
There are a wide range of internet service providers in the UK, some (such as BT and Virgin Media) offering
dedicated fibre optic connections. There are also companies such as Sky and PlusNet who offer nondedicated
broadband connections via your phone line.
TV
In the UK, it is essential that every property that has access to a television has a TV license. The TV License
is an annual license which permits a homeowner or tenant to watch television. If you are renting and have
separate TVs, each tenant who has a tenancy agreement will be required to have their own TV license.
TV licenses cost £157.50 per year, although can be paid on a quarterly, monthly or even weekly basis.
They are licensed to an individual which means that if you move home, you take the license with you, but
you have to notify the TV Licensing company of your change of address.
Failure to have a TV license can result in a fine of up to £1,000. If you either don’t have a TV at all or don’t
watch any live TV on any device, then you can be exempted from having a TV licence but you need to
inform ‘TV Licensing’
Telling us you don't need a TV Licence - TV Licensing
Keeping safe during the pandemic
In the UK currently, it is mandatory to wear a face covering when going on any Public Transport, when
entering shops and wherever else you are requested to. Below is the link to the Government Guidelines
around staying safe while outside in the UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safeoutsideyourhome?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh7fTtIGT6wIVk8DACh1TbA0OEAAYAiAAEgLFyPD_BwE
Banking & Finances
Your employers advise on how to go about setting up a bank account once you are in the UK. Some will
even make arrangements for you to open an account with one of their local major banks once you are out
of quarantine.
Having a UK bank account is essential for receiving your salary, keeping cash safe and for setting up
automatic payments for items such as a mobile phone (cell) bills and monthly payments for your utilities.
Once you have a UK mobile number, you can open an on-line bank account with “Monzo” which will enable
you to do online shopping immediately during your quarantine period (if you wish)
https://monzo.com/blog/2019/08/28/how-to-open-a-monzo-account
Page 14

National Insurance Number (NIN)
A National Insurance Number is assigned to each UK resident by the Tax Office and is used to calculate
and record taxes owed and paid. It is mandatory for all those working in the UK to have a NI number and
therefore and this information is included on your BRP which you will collect from the post office as soon
as you are out of quarantine. You must also provide a copy of your BRP once collected, to the HR/payroll
department for your record.
Pension
All NHS employees are automatically entered into the NHS Pension Scheme, it is one of the most
competitive pension schemes available in the UK. However, you can opt-out by following the instructions
on the NHS Pensions Website (link below). You can opt-in and opt-out as many times as you like while you
work of the NHS.
Please note: A pension is a really valuable investment to make. For people in their 20’s and 30’s, paying
into something now that won’t be of use to you until much later in life may not seem very important right
now. Initially, it may be viewed as an unnecessary expenditure out of your hard-earned monthly salary.
However, we would strongly recommend you think carefully or even take some professional advice before
deciding to opt out of the pension scheme offered by your employer. In particular, the NHS pension
scheme is very generous and will really set you up in later life if you were to remain within the UK NHS.
Please also be advised that opting out of the pension scheme may also mean you are automatically waiving
your right to any death in service benefit and whilst this would be a rare occurrence, anything in life is
possible and we should protect ourselves and our loved ones in this event.
Health & Wellbeing
Wellbeing resources
The NMC website provides a number of useful links to help support nurses with wellbeing:
The people on our register are doing extraordinary things in the face of an extraordinary challenge, and
some might need more support than ever before. Getting the help you need, will help you to care for
others.
Several organisations have developed resources to support the mental wellbeing of those working in
health or social care – we have listed some of these below.
The list isn’t exhaustive. Your employer, university or union may have other resources available for you to
use.
• NHS Employers | Support available for NHS staff
• Our NHS people | National mental wellbeing support (also open to those in social care)
• Royal College of Nursing | Coronavirus and your mental wellbeing
• Mind | Coping as a key worker
• Mental Health at Work | Our Frontline
Page 15

• Royal College of Emergency Medicine | RCEM wellbeing app (for those working in emergency or
critical settings)
• British Psychological Society | Guide for managers and leaders of healthcare services
Health - GP / Dentist / Covid and non-Covid related illness
When you arrive in the UK, you will be advised to register with a local GP practice.
NHS choices for GP Practices: https://www.nhsgp.net/
Quarantines and lockdowns have made this process more challenging for some, but it is important that
you take on the responsibility to ensure that you register with a GP as they are your primary resource for
medical care if ever you need to see a Doctor. If you are unwell and have been unable to register with a
GP, you should dial 111 for advice and help.
999 is reserved for life threatening emergencies.
It is not always easy to register with a local NHS Dentist and there are private options available. Again, the
111 service will be able to direct for where to go/call for emergencies and out of hours services. NHS
Dentist treatment is not free of charge but usually much cheaper than private dentistry.
If you have symptoms that may be Covid related, you must follow the guidelines, stay home, isolate and
seek help if you are very unwell. Again, a call to 111 is advised. You will likely have been given advice at
your place of work on what to do. Covid infections are rising currently in the UK and many nurses and
healthcare professionals have already been affected. Thankfully, many have few or no symptoms and
many more recover in a short space of time.
In cold weather, it is tempting to keep windows closed all the time to keep heat in. However, it is important
to ventilate rooms and living areas during the day for a period of time when you are at home. The latest
Page 16

guidance for preventing cross infection is ‘Hands, Face, Space, Ventilate’. Remember to always wash your
hands thoroughly, wear a face covering as required, maintain 2 metres distance from others when outside
your home, and ventilate your home by opening windows when safe to allow fresh air to circulate.
Note: Remember that the Immigration Health Surcharge has now been abolished for healthcare workers
coming to the UK to join the NHS or private health sector. This means that all healthcare, apart from
prescription charges, are free of charge. Prescriptions are payable at £9.15 per medication. Further details
can be found on this link NHS prescription charges - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Foreign Embassies in the UK
United Kingdom - Embassies & Consulates (embassypages.com)
Depending on which source country you are coming from, your Embassy in London may offer certain
services (some mandatory) for newly deployed workers.
Please take time to check on the relevant website to familiarise yourself with any mandatory or option
services you may be.
Note: If you are from the Philippines you are requested to attend one of the regular Post Arrival
Orientation Seminars that are run by the Labor Attache and the POLO team (Philippine Overseas Labor
Office) and information of the schedule will be advised to you upon deployment. Not only is this a chance
to listen to all of the useful and interesting advice that POLO have to give to OFWs but it is also a chance
to have your UK employment contract validated and learn about all of the other services on offer from
POLO to Filipino OFWs.
Post Deployment & Work-Related Issues
Staffing levels, area allocations, local policies and procedures, independent
working, OSCE prep & salary
You will be aware that each employer who recruits nurses and other healthcare professionals from
overseas is doing so because they cannot recruit sufficient numbers of staff in the UK. In order to do so,
they must provide evidence of their recruitment challenges, register as an A Rated Sponsor with UKVI and
follow all the relevant rules so that they can sponsor you for a work visa. The Trusts/employers are also
making a significant financial investment in each person they recruit and providing a lot of resources that
they don’t do for candidates recruited locally/nationally.
In order to further assist nurses from overseas and to ensure you achieve your NMC registration, they
provide training to help in your preparation for your OSCE exam. They are not obliged to do this. The NMC
expects that every nurse applying to join the UK register is accessing the nursing blueprints on their
website and the portals of the test centres in order to prepare for the Test of Competence (CBT and OSCE).
Page 17

Every employer that Drake Medox works with provides targeted OSCE training to assist you to prepare for
this exam and to date, with very high success rates.
It is also your individual responsibility to do all you can independently to prepare for the exams and to ask
for assistance if needed. If you have not been given a work email address or access to local policies and
procedures, you must ask your line manager so that you may familiarise with these. Not all learning is in
the classroom and much of the reading and learning nurses do in the UK is self-directed.
All nurses must be flexible in terms of allocations to clinical areas and/or temporary moves to other areas
as required, in order to provide the care needed by your patients. It is an especially stressful time in the
hospitals right now, and there are enormous pressures due to the pandemic and the current crisis in the
UK. Not only is there an increase in very sick patients, but staffing levels are affected by staff illness/need
to isolate, etc.
We appreciate that these are very challenging times for all, and it is important that you let your manager
know if you are stressed or feel you need help in coping. Your patients and their families and loved ones
are very appreciative of all that you are doing and are very much reliant on the care they receive from each
of you. Everyone has bad days, so try to stay fit and well and positive. We are delighted that healthcare
professionals are among top priority now for the vaccine rollout and we hope that with time and
commitment, everything will improve.
In terms of Salary, the pay for Nurses and NHS workers is standardised in the UK and whilst the vast
majority of people in the UK support pay increases for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, this is
something that needs to be driven at Government level. Please contact your local union representatives
to find out what they are doing on your behalf to effect change. This is an ongoing challenge however as
the NHS is the biggest employer in the UK and with patients not paying to access NHS care and treatment,
funding for the NHS is limited.
Homesickness, Quarantine/Lockdown pressures, Annual Leave, Travel
We totally understand this, and it is important to stay in touch with people and to talk about your feelings
with friends, colleagues, and family. We are all human and are all affected in some way by these things.
Homesickness is difficult and particularly in the early weeks and months of leaving home. Some people
still feel pangs of homesickness for long periods, but it usually becomes less frequent as we adapt to a
new living and working environment. Quarantine can be challenging and stressful, it is not the same
experience as for those who arrived in the UK pre-pandemic and lockdowns, when at least time away from
work could be filled with other distractions, exploring the area, meeting up with friends, etc. You will know
more than others (as you are working in hospitals), just how important it is for all of us to follow the
quarantine and lockdown rules. The NHS is asking everyone to obey the rules and you must be shining
examples of this. It will not be forever.
There is a brighter future ahead for all of us and we must stay safe - and keep others safe. We all look
forward to a time where we can mix freely with our friends again, when we can travel safely and take
holidays, visit family, etc. That time will come, and when it does, no doubt there will be thousands of
healthcare workers in the UK wanting to take extended leave to visit family overseas. Please do be
conscious of this also. Most employers will do what they can to accommodate these leave requests, but
they certainly cannot allow large numbers of staff to take weeks off at the same time, e.g., Christmas.
Page 18

Speak with your managers always before making bookings or confirming any travel plans, and when it is
safe to travel again, we hope everyone will be accommodated in turn.
Who/when to ask for help?
Problems related to your employment, whether it be about your role, a dispute within your team or with
a colleague, a need for particular support with something, the first port of call should be your line manager
and/or HR.
Any queries or issues with salary, pension, costs to repay under the terms of your job offer, etc. must be
addressed to the payroll department in the first instance and if necessary, your line manager. If you are
unable to resolve the issue, you may contact the team at Drake Medox for assistance.
If you need to renew your passport, validate your contract (if you are a healthcare worker from the
Philippines), or apply for any travel permits to visit Europe, for example, you should contact your Embassy
for advice, most of whom are based in London (see link below)
You may have been given mobile numbers of key contacts at your employer site but do not abuse the use
of this line of communication. Be respectful of contact outside of normal working hours (i.e., evenings and
weekends). Even if that person has said “call me any time day or night”, they mean if it is absolutely vital,
in an emergency or urgent situation. If a situation arises within your accommodation, for example, try to
sort out small issues yourself. If that is not possible, but it is not urgent, then hold off sending a message
or making the call until the morning or after the weekend.
Urgent things you must report are water or gas leaks, complete breakdown of heating and hot water,
getting locked out of your property, and so on – then you will need to either call the managing
agent/landlord of your property or call on a tradesman, e.g., electrician, plumber, locksmith.
Remember always that your employer has gone to huge lengths and expense to accommodate not just
one of you but a whole cohort – whether that be 6 or 50 candidates at a time so please be appreciative of
this and bear in mind in relation to your expectations. Be reasonable and patient.
Refunds from Employers (e.g., ELT, CBT, registration fees, etc.)
You will have been issued with an offer summary with your job offer letter, plus a Bonding Agreement
which you would have been asked to sign to acknowledge your understanding of the terms. Many clients
opt to manage the refunds of any agreed fees by way of deducting these amounts from your overall debt
to the Trust, rather than physically refunding these amounts. Please therefore check your Bonding
Agreement carefully for the full explanation. If you come up against any issues with reclaims/refunds post
deployment, then firstly raise your concern with your HR/payroll department to ask for clarification and if
you do not receive a satisfactory response, please contact your Line Manager for assistance.
Page 19

Use of Social Media
If you have a public social media profile, please be mindful of the content you upload or post. As a
registered healthcare professional in particular, it is important to remember that if you are, or are
perceived to be, acting questionably online, this raises suspicion and reflects on your employer too.
When posting anything, always make sure that you:
• Check your facts
• Respect the law (including copyright law)
• Do not post anything that could be considered racially abusive, defamatory, derogatory or
inflammatory
• Do not post any information or pictures that imply illegal conduct
NMC Queries
Due to the significant impact that the pandemic situation is having on all processes linked to international
recruitment, delays and glitches are a recurring theme at the moment.
Many of you have faced concerns about expiring documents, such as IELTS/OET certs, CBT, police
clearances, health declarations, etc.
The NMC have made some concessions over the last year in relation to expiring ELT and CBT and these
are being reviewed regularly. At the moment, you must still assume that your ELT and CBT must be in
date at the time of your final assessment which takes place after you pass OSCE (so this could be on first,
second or third attempt potentially). If your ELT or CBT is due to expire before you arrive in the UK or
within the first 3 months after deployment, you may be advised to retake to avoid any further delay to
your registration once in the UK. Please discuss this either with your Agency Consultant overseas (if you
are yet to deploy) or with Drake Medox if you are already in the UK.
Police Clearances and health declarations must all be in date at the time of your final assessment, post
OSCE pass, so again please speak to the relevant Consultant/Drake Medox contact if you have concerns
about either of these issues.
In respect to receipt of your NMC PIN after final assessment, the NMC quote a wait of up to 30 days for
issue of PIN from date of OSCE results. Often, it is much quicker than this, but again, at this busy time in
particular some assessments are taking longer. Please follow up with the NMC if you have not heard
anything from them within 2 weeks of passing OSCE, just in case there is an issue to address but
communications should come to your NMC portal and via direct email from the NMC assessor to you.
If you still hear nothing by 30 days, then please email the NMC directly to chase on
Overseas.Enquiries@nmc-uk.org. Otherwise, if you receive an email directly from your assessor regarding
your application, please respond to them directly via their personal NMC email address.
Page 20

Immigration
Dependant/Family Visas
We are often asked for guidance on applications for dependant visas. As you will have been advised, you
are of course at liberty to bring your dependants to the UK based on your Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa, but
these applications are solely your responsibility. We are unable to provide assistance as we did for your
own visa application, but the process is relatively straightforward. You will need to read the UKVI guidance
carefully to make sure you are able to meet all the requirements, financial or otherwise.
The information you need is available on this link:
Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
We, and your employers fully understand the desire for families to be reunited in the UK as soon as
possible after your deployment, BUT we must stress that for all the right reasons it is best to defer this
until you have settled into your new role, passed OSCE (if you are a nurse), received your NMC PIN and
found suitable private accommodation. For nurses specifically, until your NMC registration is confirmed,
your immigration status is not guaranteed, i.e., if you were to fail to pass OSCE within 8 months, your
sponsorship would be cancelled, and you would have to repatriate. Financially too, you will be under much
less pressure once you are earning the Band 5 salary and able to work additional bank shifts to supplement
your income. It is an expensive business bringing family to the UK in the initial period, so you need to be
confident that you can cover your expenses without too much additional pressure.
Your employer will not be able to assist with your application, aside from providing, if required, a letter
confirming your employment (although this should not be necessary as this will be evident from your
sponsorship details).
We are often asked if the Trust will “certify maintenance” for dependents. With a few exceptions,
employers are only certifying maintenance for their sponsored worker, not their families and this will be
clearly stated on your COS. If your employer has certified maintenance for your dependants as well as
you, this simply means that you are not subject to the same financial requirements for your dependents’
visa applications.
Please think carefully about the impact of these issues before moving forward with any dependant visa
applications.
Please also be conscious that accommodation is sourced for you by your employers. They can only source
accommodation for you and not for your families/dependants. You will be informed before your
deployment date what accommodation has been sourced and prepared for you. In some instances, onsite
hospital accommodation may be available/provided for a specified period of time. More often than not,
your employer will have gone to great lengths to source privately rented accommodation for you and/or
your colleagues arriving in the same cohort. This will mean having to agree to a minimum period of time
in this private accommodation. Once you have signed up to the accommodation provided, you will need
to complete the minimum term in that accommodation. There is no way around this as your employers
often struggle to get everything in place for your arrival and are unable to source housing according to the
Page 21

needs of each individual employee. This is very important to note if you have plans to bring dependents
to the UK and should be factored in o your plans in advance.
If you do not wish to commit to staying in the accommodation sourced by your employer, you must make
this clear prior to your COS being assigned and you will need to make all arrangements independently.
However, by doing so, you forfeit your claim to any period of free/paid for accommodation that the
employer had offered.
Further Leave to Remain & Settlement in the UK
Following your initial 3-year sponsorship period, you will be eligible to apply for Further Leave to Remain
(FLR) to stay in the UK for a further 2 years.
Some employers have already agreed to pay for the visa extension fee but not all, so please check with
your individual employer. Otherwise, all fees for yourself and any dependants, will be your responsibility.
Your employer will need to issue you with a new COS.
Skilled Worker visa: Extend your visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
After 5 years continuous period in the UK, you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
otherwise known as “Settlement”. You will no longer need to be sponsored by your employer once you
have ILR.
You can apply if you have a Tier 2 (General) visa or a Skilled Worker visa - Find out if you can apply to settle
in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If, and when your family join you, and if you have children, here is a link to the Government website where
you can find useful guidance on the school selection and admissions process in the UK.
School admissions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Page 22

Professional and Social Etiquette
Knowing how to act appropriately in social situations can be difficult at the best of times. It’s made
harder still when visiting a new country, especially the UK which is famous for its strict British etiquette
rules.
While much can be learnt from books and the media, nothing helps one comprehend a culture quicker
than interacting with local people and observing their customs. So, to get you started, here are a few
quick tips:
Being polite and courteous
Saying “please” and “thank you” are two very important things to remember in British etiquette. It doesn’t
matter who you’re speaking to – friends, colleagues, patients, shop keepers, waiters, and so on.
Politeness and good manners are always welcomed. Starting a sentence with “Get” or “Give”, e.g., “give
me the salt” at the dinner table, sounds rude in our culture. By adding “please” to the request, (“please
pass the salt” or “could you pass the salt please”) tones it down immediately and then sounds like a polite
request, rather than a demand. In the same way, if someone is blocking your way when you are out or at
work, rather than just silently pushing your way through, an “excuse me” would be much more
appropriate.
When speaking with your superiors at work, as well as your peers and colleagues, remember to be
respectful. If someone is talking to you, maintain eye contact and show that you are listening and
respond appropriately. If you need to speak with someone fairly urgently, and they are busy or in
another conversation, wait until there is an appropriate point for you to say “excuse me” or “sorry to
interrupt” and ask if they have time for you to ask a question, have a quick chat. If it is not urgent, best to
wait until you can see they are available to talk. If it is a more in-depth discussion you need, then best to
make an appointment with that person to meet at a pre-arranged time.
Meeting new people
Under non COVID conditions, a handshake is the appropriate greeting to be used when meeting
someone for the first time. However, at the moment, this is not advised. So, a warm smile and a “nice
to meet you” is a nice greeting.
Queuing
Whether at the supermarket, train station or a concert, people across the UK will often be seen forming
neat and tidy queues, awaiting their turn to reach the front. The worst mistake one can commit is queuejumping
– pushing ahead in the line. This will always be met with disapproval from those who have been
waiting patiently.
Page 23

Tipping
Sometimes even we find it difficult to know how much to tip a server in cafes and restaurants, if anything
at all. Following a meal, begin by checking the bill. If it reads ‘service not included’, this means you can
leave a tip for the person that served you and the amount is at your discretion. If the service was good, it
is customary to add an extra ten per cent on top of the bill total. Many Brits tip other service providers
too, such as taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. but the exact amount is the customer’s preference.
Using mobile phones in public
As we continue to use our mobile phones more frequently, it’s important to observe some unwritten
etiquette about handheld devices. Using a mobile phone at the dinner table is considered impolite, as is
speaking loudly when making a call, especially on public transport. Just be mindful that not everyone
wishes to hear your conversation!
Chivalry
Chivalry in gentlemen and other more traditional etiquette guidelines still stand. For instance, holding a
door open for a lady and offering them a seat on public transport are still considered good manners for
the men of Britain. Both men and women should offer up their seat for a pregnant or elderly person.
Punctuality
This is also an important thing to remember. It is considered rude to arrive late to a business meeting,
medical appointment or formal social occasion. Ideally, you should arrive 5-10 minutes early to appear
professional, prepared and unflustered as a mark of respect to your host. Conversely, should you arrive
too early you may just be waiting a long time before the host is ready to greet you.
Page 24

General information about London & the UK
There are 33 boroughs of London and each has their own infrastructure, local government, council and
highly individual feel and identity. These boroughs are then further broken down into what are known as
‘postcodes. Each postcode consists of letters and numbers, e.g., SE1 8ND or W3 5PR.
London is a city of extremes, and life here will certainly never be dull. Whether you want a takeout at
four in the morning or to find a quiet spot outside to read your book on a sunny day, life in London can
be everything you want it to be. For those who want to party, then everything is on your doorstep. But if
you prefer a slightly more sedate lifestyle, perhaps taking in theatre shows, cultural exhibitions or just
enjoying quiet walks on one of London’s many beautiful parks, then that’s easy too!
Obviously, if lockdown restrictions are in place due to the pandemic, you will not be able to socialize as
described above, but you are still able to enjoy the many open spaces available through London and the
wider area.
Page 25

English Counties
Page 26

Finding your own accommodation in the longer term
All of you will be offered accommodation by your employer for an initial period, usually minimum of 1-2
months. After whatever period you are required to vacate the initial accommodation, you will need to look
for your own private accommodation to rent, either on your own or shared.
When renting private property, there will be costs to pay in advance of moving in, usually 1 month’s rental
in advance plus a deposit which is often equal to 1 month or 6 weeks rental. However, there are an
increasing number of properties now being offered with “zero deposit” or maybe a week’s rental on top of
the month in advance.
When you have moved into the property you will pay the monthly rental which may or may not include
bills for gas, electricity, water, broadband, etc.
Housing association/ Local Authority Housing Associations are institutions that offer low rent
accommodation in England. They offer housing to local people, and recently they are working with the
government to provide accommodation to key workers (Nurses, teacher, police officers etc.) at rates
slightly below market rates. To gain accommodation through a housing association will take a minimum
of 12 weeks to arrange, this involves a lengthy application process and quite often entry on to a waiting
list. Homes are awarded to people based on certain criteria.
Renting a property in London through private landlords or letting agents, is the quickest way to secure a
new home. During COVID, property viewings will often only be offered by video rather than a physical
visit to the property. Rental prices vary considerably between areas, but these websites will give you an
idea by searching under your desired location and setting your property size parameters.
http://www.gumtree.com
http://www.rightmove.co.uk
http://www.zoopla.com
http://www.findaproperty.com
http://www.spareroom.co.uk
http://www.Houseshare.com/house-share
http://www.RoommatesUK.com
Places of Worship
You will find all manner of places of worship within London and the UK as a whole – churches, mosques,
synagogues, Buddhist and Sikh temples and so on. They all run regular services, although during the
pandemic there may be some restrictions imposed.
You will also have access to the hospital Chaplain within your employer organisation.
Page 27

We wish you every success and happiness
in your new life and career in the UK!
Thank you for choosing us to be part of your UK journey