About the project
As part of a Health Education England (HEE) funded programme to support allied health professions (AHP) workforce reform priorities, the RCSLT has engaged with stakeholders and updated the website with case studies to actively support SLT international recruitment including employers and internationally trained SLTs.
Read more about the overall workforce reform programme.
Project outcomes
Three case studies have been added to the international recruitment resources on the RCSLT website. Some of the key points covered are highlighted below.
Non MRA recruitment (India) – employers perspective
- Trust was supportive
- Calibre of therapists was excellent where they evidenced plenty of applicable and transferable skills
- Interviewees were not used to preparing for an interview
- High fees to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam was a concern
- Applicants need to undertake financial planning before UK arrival
- Recommendations for recruiters include: assist with interview preparation, consider financial support for IELTS exam, pastoral care and more.
Perspective of a SLT from Slovakia
- Wanted to work in the UK to extend clinical expertise as well as gain experience working with culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse populations
- Offered Erasmus+ Traineeship from EU through University which supported travel to UK and gain experience as a SLT assistant
- Team supported her to start HCPC registration process
- Now has got a job as a Band 5 SLT
- What was challenging was understanding the job market for SLT roles, where to find roles and understanding what makes a good job offer/contract
- Employers should consider extending the induction period for a few days
- What was helpful was being part of a supportive team
- We need patience with international recruits
Perspective of a SLT from France
- HCPC application process was extensive and had to gather a lot of evidence which was challenging
- IELTS exam was costly
- Found people they contacted from RCSLT, HCPC or in France to be helpful
- What was missing was the understanding of the healthcare system and ‘a day in the life of a X’ articles
- Peer network to exchange relevant and up-to-date information
We have provided input relating to internationally educated SLTs and supported with communications activity on NHS England projects. We are also working with HCPC on their review of the of level of English language requirements for overseas applicants. One of the key points to address is around the fact that the level needed to pass the English language exam is higher than that of other AHPs.
