NHS Scotland Induction Desirable Standards for IMGs
Welcome to NHS Scotland's Induction Standards for International Medical Graduates: supporting, developing and retaining the general practice workforce in Scotland.
This dedicated resource, developed by the Centre for Workforce Supply (CWS) and Medical Directorate within Public Services Delivery Scotland, formerly NHS Education for Scotland, sets out the Desirable Induction Standards for welcoming International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The standards have been developed by the Scottish Regions IMG Support Network Group (SING).
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
Desirable Standards
The following are examples of practices that enhance induction and ongoing support for IMGs and IRMS. They are not exhaustive or prescriptive. The intention is for the Desirable Standards to remain a live, evolving list, with Boards encouraged to adapt, refine, and contribute new examples via SING. This approach allows innovation and good practice to be shared nationally, while recognising that what works best may differ by context.
Either a pre-joining webinar or information pack on living and working in that Health Board or primary care setting before arrival to Scotland.
Implementation of the Softer Landing period a few weeks before main changeover times or staggering appointment of LEDs to ease pressure on rotas during the Softer Landing period.
Proactive offers of financial support – weekly payments for the first ... month(s) +/- first month’s salary upfront, under a salary reclaim scheme (e.g. Fife).
Accommodation assistance, including providing new IMGs with standard letters of reference.
Local/regional IMG support networks/WhatsApp groups.
Simulation-based enhanced induction, ideally coordinated by a local IMG Sim Lead (and linked to the Scottish IMG Simulation Collaborative).
Access to appropriate training and education opportunities tailored to the grade at which the doctor enters the NHS Scotland workforce and commitment to ongoing career development support.
Online/recorded resources for those starting out-of-sync.
Rolling educational programme of relevant topics, including simulation sessions.
Enhanced support for specific groups (e.g. those scoring less well in the MSRA; those with co-existing neurodivergent diagnoses).
Online forums and regular informal catchups.
Local IMG champions/Chief Residents leading IMG-focused QI projects.
Links to local BAME networks.
Signposting to communities or religious groups within the area of their own nationality.
