Holly Starling-Cass, centre, with Andrea Ashman, to her left, and Julie Yanni, left, and two other team members with the award. They are standing in a garden area with a hedge behind them. Julie is wearing a uniform, the others are not.

Trust's work to welcome international staff recognised with quality award

East Kent Hospitals’ work to welcome and care for internationally educated nurses and midwives has been recognised with the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award.

The national award scheme aims to ensure international nurses and midwives receive high-quality pastoral support during the recruitment process and their employment, and allows Trusts to showcase their commitment to staff wellbeing.

Launched in March last year, it is awarded to Trusts who demonstrate they meet a set of high standards for best practice pastoral care, and are committed to supporting the international workforce at every stage of their recruitment and beyond. East Kent Hospitals is one of the first in the south east to receive the award.

The standards have been co-developed with regional and Trust international recruitment leads and international nursing and midwifery associations.

Holly Starling-Cass, matron for resourcing and pastoral support, said: “During the past ten months I have witnessed the dedication and passion across our system of key stakeholders and those at the heart of the services to be actively involved in bridging the gaps between existing services and embedding robust, streamline processes for the onboarding of our internationally recruited workforces. 

“I am looking forward to the next stages of the journey for pastoral care services.”

All internationally recruited Agenda for Change staff benefit from a new induction programme, and an integrated pastoral support programme designed to provide comprehensive support with the transition to life in the UK.

The programme runs in collaboration with speciality teams including people and culture, library and knowledge services, equality, diversity and inclusion leads, 2gether Support Solutions accommodation team, health and wellbeing teams, and community integration with support from Lily’s social kitchen.

There is also a visible single point of contact for international staff to access support, and a dedicated social media community.

Andrea Ashman, chief people officer, said: “I’m delighted the hard work of so many teams in improving the experience of our internationally recruited nurses and midwives has been recognised with this reward.

“It is fitting that it is announced in the week the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday and we acknowledge the vital part international staff have played since its inception.

“As with generations before them, our international colleagues have uprooted their lives and often their families’ lives too to come and help care for our patients and it is absolutely crucial that we show them the same care and compassion as they adjust to life on the other side of the world.”