Your new adventure in the UK starts here!

Embarking on a career in the UK as an International Healthcare Professional can be both exciting and overwhelming. From navigating the intricacies of the NHS, through understanding how the UK is split up, to navigating our ever-changing weather!

At ID Medical, we understand the challenges you may face and we are here to support you every step of the way!

Ullswater lake curves through the mountains of the English Lake District at Glenridding, looking down on the lake from the crags of Birkhouse Moor.

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is an island nation in north-western Europe, formed of Great Britain (the formerly separate realms of England and Scotland, and the principality of Wales), Northern Ireland and numerous smaller islands including the Isle of Wight, Anglesey, and the Scilly, Orkney, Shetland, and Hebridean archipelagos.

The UK is a sovereign state, but the nations that make it up are also countries in their own right.

The capital city of the UK is London, one of the world’s leading financial, cultural and political centres. As of the latest data, the UK has a population of over 66 million people, representing a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities.

English is the official language of the UK and it is widely spoken across the country.

For further information on the UK landscape and choice of living, please see our downloadable guide.

Living in the UK
Landscape colour photo of a pair of red and white striped deckchairs on a stoney beach

Weather – Be Prepared!

The weather in the United Kingdom is famously unpredictable, characterised by its variability throughout the year.

People of the UK are well-known for talking about the weather – mainly because of its unpredictability

Here’s what you need to know about the weather in the UK:

Four Distinct Seasons

Like many climates, the UK has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each season brings its own unique weather patterns and characteristics!

Rainfall

Rainfall is a common feature in the UK’s weather throughout the year, with varying amounts depending on the region. Rain showers can happen throughout the year, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella when travelling outdoors!

Sunshine

Despite its reputation for rain, the UK does receive its fair share of sunshine! The warmest locations of the UK are the south coast of England.

Download our full guide!
A glass piggybank with soil and a bush inside. The bush is in the shape of a british pound sign to signify growing your savings

Money Matters!

One of the most important thing to do once you arrive in the UK is to open a UK bank account and get to know our currency.

The official currency of the UK is the Pound Sterling (£).

Having a UK bank account is essential as you will need it to receive your salary payments, pay bills and manage your day to day finances.

For information on all the money matters you need to be aware of, including what documents you’ll need to open a bank account, UK currency and information regarding duty or tax on goods you buy and bring in from another country, please refer to our Money Matters guide:

Welcome to the UK: Money Matters
A long row of Victorian houses in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Accommodation

Are you ready for your exciting new move?

By now you should have had a conversation with your ID Medical Recruitment Consultant about where you’ll live in the UK. That could be hospital accommodation for a few months or moving straight into rented accommodation.

Here’s a few tips when it comes to accommodation matters:

• Make sure you pack the address in your hand luggage in case of any problems

• Talk to your Recruitment Consultants about travelling to your new accommodation from the airport

• Find accommodation by looking on websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla and calling local estate agents or ask the hospital where you’ll be working if there are any properties being advertised on staff notice boards

• If possible, view the property in person before you commit


Find your new home!
Red button STOP on the bus. Bus with yellow handrails and blue seats. Photo with the sun effect, glare on the lens from the light. Spacious interior of the bus, bright button with focus

Transportation in the UK

Travelling in the UK, and your choice of transport (driving yourself or using public transport) can feel very different to what you’re used to, depending on your country of origin. This is especially true if you’re a driver used to driving on the right as in the UK we drive on the left!

Here’s a few tips when it comes to travelling in the UK:

• Travelling publicly via trains, buses and tube
• Where to find out if your current driving licence allows you to drive here straightaway, or if you need to apply for a new one

Download our guide to Transportation in the UK today!

A Guide to Transportation in the UK
Young man at home, paying bills online using a laptop on a kitchen counter

Domestic Services

Once you arrive in the UK, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with various domestic services that will support your everyday life!

From entertainment to communication, these services will need set up via third parties.

Click the link to find out more!

A Guide to Domestic Services
Business women using computer and calculator during note some data on notepad for calculate financial at home office

National Insurance Number

Everyone who works in the UK needs to have a National Insurance (NI) Number, which is a unique personal reference number for all your tax/employment affairs.

For all the information you need on applying for an NI Number, including:

• How to apply
• National Insurance contributions – what they are and how to pay

…please download our full guide.

A Guide to National Insurance Numbers!
A front view of a group of school children including siblings running through the schoolyard in their uniform being followed by their teachers who are there to supervise and make sure they play safely outdoors.

Finding schools

The UK has a two-tier education system. There are private schools which are funded through tuition fees (paid for by parents), and state schools.

UK schools are split into the following:

• Primary (ages 4-11)

• Secondary (ages 11-16) where pupils sit their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). The equivalent in Scotland is the Standard Grade.

Following this, students can then go through Further Education to complete A-Levels (Highers in Scotland), a Degree, then, a Masters.

For more information on the UK school system and how to apply for a place for your children, see our downloadable guide!



A Guide to Finding Schools!
Doctor wearing a protective face mask working in a surgery during the Covid 19 pandemic. She is sitting at her desk with her medical tools in front of her while she holds a digital tablet. A patient is sitting with her, also wearing a face mask.

Registering with a GP

When you have a National Insurance number you can register with a GP, which an important thing to do as if you have a health concern or feel poorly, you have access to the healthcare facilities and treatment you need via your GP surgery. You can also register your spouse/partner and children with your GP.

For more information on registering with a GP and the terms and conditions surrounding this process, please download our guide.

A Guide to Registering with a GP
Clock face of Big Ben in London showing the time as eight twenty two in the morning on a clear blue sky day

Local Government Services

We recommend that you make yourself familiar with local government services available to you on your arrival to the UK by visiting www.gov.uk. There is a considerable amount of information that you may need during your time in the UK, what facilities are available to you and advice on where to get help should you need it.

A Guide to Local Government Services
Top down view of a delicious Christmas meal with roasted Turkey, carrots, cashews, pomegranates, dried oranges and red wine on the dinner table.

Food in the UK

The UK’s culinary landscape is diverse and vibrant, representing incredible influences from around the world!

From traditional British food to international cuisines, you will be spoilt for choice!

British cuisine is hearty and comforting, often centred around meat, potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Some typically British meals include fish and chips, a Sunday roast dinner, a full English breakfast or a sophisticated afternoon tea!

The UK is a melting pot for cultures from all around the world! You’ll find a variety of international cuisines including Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Thai – all the way through to Australian!

So, whether you are craving traditional British comfort food, fresh local produce or something that is closer to home – the UK has it all!

A Guide to Food in the UK

Useful Links

British Medical Journal – A global healthcare knowledge provider

Expatica – An expatriate guide on the UK

Gov.UK – Official UK Government website for information on taxation, visas and government departments.

NHS – Information about the NHS

National Rail – Maps and routes of the UK rail network

Ofsted – Find out about schools and their ratings

Right Move – Properties for sale and rent in the UK

The British Medical Association – The professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom

ID Medical’s Guide to Getting Around via the UK’s Public Transport System – For more information on getting around the UK via public transport, please see our blog, which contains lots of useful information and advice

Awards & Accolades

Logo for award: London stock exchange group. 1000 companies to inspire BritainCV Magazine Award Recruitment 2016 LogoAward logo: Real business hot 100Logo Award: Fast track 100 2013 companies by VirginAward Logo: The Sunday Times profit track top 100Fast Recruiter 50 logoRi Awards Winner 2013 LogoRi Award LogoREC Shortlisted Awards 2015Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to work for 2013 - 2016Recruitment international top 500 recruitment companies 2015Winners Award Logo

Frameworks & Accreditations

Health and Social Care LogoHealth Trust LogoNHS Workforce alliance clinical healthcare approved supplier logo