International recruitment into adult social care

Once your new employer confirms you now have a job, a conversation with them either via telephone or video conferencing, will be helpful and will create space for you to discuss specific details in preparation for your move and staring your new job.  Although most employers usually take the initiative to organize this, you may wish to request a pre-arrival meeting. 

 This meeting will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns or expectations you may have prior to your arrival to Scotland. The following suggestions can guide you on things to consider and discuss:   

 Discuss and reaffirm your values and how they align with your employer’s organisational values. 

• If given a welcome letter (this might be an email or email attachment) take the time to go through it carefully and using generic search engines e.g., google, explore local areas of interest mentioned within it.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about its content in your meeting.   
• Read the ‘employee handbook’ carefully as well as relevant company policies. 
• Ask about the basic nuances and colloquialisms at the initial meeting. Remember this is ‘brief’, you will eventually learn the culture, local nuances, and people’s ways of speaking following relocation. 
• Ask about information regarding payslips and how pay is divided to meet some of your civic responsibilities.  
• Discuss the best travel routes including flying routes and transfers, checking-in and following any other travel requirements according to airline policies, so that they can consider this when organising your travel.  
• Confirm who in the organisation would likely support your airport transfer to your accommodation and their contact number. 
• Ask about your accommodation, this may include the number of people you will be sharing the apartment/house with, the protocol for using common areas, if furnished or access to basic appliances, heating, existence of a driveway or garden (for information) and any other useful information. You might want to ask if they can put you in touch with them, so that you know people when you arrive in Scotland.  
• Find out if your employer will be willing to offer you cash advance or an alternative form of payment to sustain you until you receive your first wages. 
• Remember to use a sim-free phone to enable you utilise a UK sim card upon arrival. 
• Ensure to maintain connections with your employer’s contact person/IR representative via a wi-fi dependent connection. Avoid reliance on mobile network connection only, for communication.  

Understandably, the recruitment and selection process can be a nerve-racking experience, including you anticipating the outcome of your interview, the excitement of being selected for the job and the ensuing uncertainties of life in another country. It is helpful to be prepared and open-minded as you embark on your journey. Having important information in advance such as flight, airport transfer and accommodation details will help you plan and settle.  Do not be afraid to discuss them with your new employer and where possible, agree on a timeline for accessing this information. Once you have agreed all your travel arrangements, feel free to ask your employer about other important details like what longer term accommodation is available. Some employers can help you in securing a more permanent accommodation by providing an official letter confirming your employment and capacity to make regular rental payments (due to a lack of credit or financial history). 

This covers the types of essential information that you should have before arrival; alongside tangible supplies that would be beneficial in supporting you as you start your new role, and begin living in Scotland.

• Ensure you have your passport and another form of I.D e.g., international driver’s license on you when embarking on your journey.  Please access this section of the employer toolkit for further details on driving in UK. 
• Ensure your travel documents are all up to date and include all relevant information including visa details. Where possible make 2 copies of all travel itinerary. 
• Print out copies of proof of employment and carry it on you as evidence, as you may be asked by the immigration personnel to produce one. 
• Find out if you need travel insurance in advance. 
• Ask your employer what medical document you need 
• Your debit or credit card or Cash (as appropriate) 
• Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and layer on clothes depending on the weather; that way, you can control the impact of the weather and support body temperature regulation. 
• Put on comfortable shoes as you will likely be embarking on a long-distance travel.  
• Your hand luggage can contain items to help you freshen up as you get closer to your destination. 
• Familiarise yourself with the currency of where you are relocating to and where possible, have a foreknowledge of the exchange rates as it applies to your home country or country of abode. 
• Keep the weight of your luggage within the recommended limit to avoid being hassled at the airport.  Once you have your travel information, don’t be afraid to research what restrictions your airline has, in advance.  
• It would be useful to have a universal travel adapter and power bank, as you want to be accessible, enroute. 
• Keep a notepad and pen with you in case there are questions you would like to ask your employer contact enroute or upon arrival. Writing things down shows the employer you are attentive to your reflections and will help you to remember. 
• Make sure you bring one or two memorabilia, artefacts or symbol that remind you of home and keep you connected to your native land and culture.