Moving to the UK: Pre-Employment Checks and First Steps

This course explains the checks every NHS employer must complete before you start work, including identity, right to work, registration, references, criminal record checks and occupational health. It then guides you through your first practical steps after arrival, so that you can prepare documents early, avoid common delays and settle in safely.

What you will learn

• List the six NHS Employment Check Standards and the evidence you are likely to need for each.
• Prepare a document pack that reduces delays in pre-employment checks.
• Explain what an occupational health assessment involves, including immunisation and screening history.
• Describe the criminal record checks used in each UK nation and when overseas police certificates may be needed.
• Plan your first weeks in the UK, including essential registrations and sources of support.

Course content

1. Why pre-employment checks exist (1 min)
2. The six NHS Employment Check Standards (4 min)
3. Criminal record checks (2 min)
4. Occupational health assessment (2 min)
5. Registration, qualifications and mandatory training (3 min)
6. Case study: a delayed start (2 min)
7. Your first weeks in the UK (2 min)
8. Settling in and staying well (1 min)
9. Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
10. Guided reflection (15 min)

Standards and guidance covered

• NHS Employers: NHS Employment Check Standards
• GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), including honesty in all professional dealings
• NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including acting with honesty and integrity
• HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024)
• UK Health Security Agency: Immunisation against infectious disease (the Green Book), chapter on immunisation of healthcare and laboratory staff

Certificate

Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.

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Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.