International recruitment into adult social care

The suggestions provided  will enable employees to have a healthy and fulfilling start to their new life and work in Scotland.

You should be greeted by a representative of your new employer, unless you have made prior arrangements yourself. 

On arrival (Week 1-3)

• You will be taken to your accommodation, given the keys, and shown around the vicinity. 
• A tour of your accommodation should include being shown areas which are private to you and common areas. 
• Request information (if possible visual information) on how to use appliances in the house.  
• Politely request for something to eat if the need arises. Remember your employer may be pre-occupied with yours and others preparatory arrangements, but there should be some basic food supplies at your accommodation for you to use.  
• Your employer would supply you with a paper or electronic copy of your employment contract (most paperwork should be completed within the first week).  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you are unsure of.  
• It is often good practice to bring along pocket money enough to last you until your first salary. Otherwise, an initial arrangement for cash advance can be agreed with your employer for 1-2 weekly payments, for the first month until you can sustain yourself financially. 
• Where groceries have been supplied, remember to inform your employer of any allergies you may have, to avert a crisis or adverse reaction. 
• Request Wi-fi access. 
• In some cases, the employer can provide a sim card, or it can be obtained from the UK embassy of your home country. Vouchers can be bought online. 
• Make sure you have contacts for your new employer should you need them on your journey.  Also make sure you have provided them with your emergency contacts and instructions for accidents or emergencies. 

Further Actions and Discussions: 

• When collecting your Residence Biometric Card (BRC) remember to attend the post office allocated to you upon receipt of your visa. There is an option for your BRC to be collected by a representative. Government guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometric-information/biometric-residence-permits-for-overseas-applicants-alternatives-to-customer-collection-at-post-office-accessible
• You will be introduced to your Buddy (helps you ‘find your way around’ both at work and outside of work) and/or Mentor (supports your professional/work related development). This is not exclusive as the Mentor can also support with personal challenges which may impact on work. 
• Discussion on your personal and professional development as well as plans for training and induction. 
• Provides access to work-related digital devices, roster etc. following training. 

Remember to keep the lines of communication open so that if you have any additional questions, access to information would not be a challenge! 

You can find out everything about Scotland – from regions to getting around, currency to culture, weather, and food all in our useful links below:

• Visit Scotland
• Scotland is Now
• Talent Scotland
• Moving to Scotland - a short guide on living in our wee country (livebreathescotland.com)

Now you have a job!  Finding a place to live is one of the anxieties that comes with starting life in a different country.  Fortunately, there is lots of information to help you with this including The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.  This Act promotes equal opportunity which ensures that all people eligible to live and work in Scotland, have access to housing and housing service.

Employers are encouraged to provide accommodation for at least the first 2-3 months following arrival to Scotland. Subsequently, you may begin to identify available and affordable accommodation within easy proximity of your work. These are some of the factors to consider prior to committing to a property:

• Where to look
• What is available in your preferred area
• Deposit requirement
• Ongoing monthly rental fees
• Notice periods for renting
• Council tax payments
• If there are strong protections in place for privately rented tenancies

There are several types of accommodation you may wish to consider including

• House of multiple occupancy
• Air BnB
• Existing staff with a spare room
• Nearby key worker accommodation

NHS Scotland has also produced a Step-by-Step Guide to Renting Property in Scotland

nhs-scotland-rental-guide.pdf

It is helpful to seek your employer’s support when looking for accommodation within the first 12 months of your employment. Landlords and letting agents may require some form of evidence (letter of employment, salary sacrifice loans for upfront costs) of financial buoyancy to build trust. This may be due to a lack of credit or financial history which must be built over time. Citizens Advice Scotland provides further information on how to build credit.