Guidance for International Medical Graduates working in ICM
On Arrival to the UK
The following checklist is suggestive of things you will need to consider. Some are mandatory for UK practise:
- GMC registration /ID check
- Medical indemnity
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Bank account
- National Insurance number
- Driving requirements
- GP registration
- Dentist
- Online resources
- Contact Employing department
- Schools
General Medical Council Registration
The GMC is responsible for ensuring that doctors have the knowledge skills and experience expected by patients. A licence to practice is required, which allows doctors to fulfil certain duties. There are a variety of routes to GMC registration, and these vary depending on your prior experience. These can be found at the GMC website. Anyone holding a license to practice will need to go through the process of revalidation.
Medical Indemnity Cover
As you are dealing with acutely unwell patients, it is strongly recommended to apply for medical indemnity with organisations such as the Medical Defence Union, Medical Protection Society or Medical and Dental Indemnity UK (MDDUS). Membership with any of these organisations will provide you with continuous medico-legal advice and assistance with claims, complaints, disciplinary procedures etc. The membership cost will depend on your grade and role. Many hospitals will not allow you to start working without having medical indemnity.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a criminal record clearance. You should apply for it online through a link that the lead employer or employing trust/health board send to you. You will need a record of your living addresses for the past three years and your current address in the UK.
Once you have your DBS certificate, consider registering with the DBS online update service, which will keep your DBS record active in case any other employer needs to access your criminal record status.
For more information, please visit the government website here.
Biometric Residence Permit Collection
Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is your visa permit to stay in the country. You should have a letter given to you when you receive your Tier 2 or Health Worker visa to state which post office your BRP will get sent to. BRP is likely to be ready within approximately 10 days of your arrival in the UK.
To report a delay in BRP, use the government website here
Opening a Bank Account
Most high street banks require proof of address and 2 forms of identification to open an account, your employer should provide you with a letter confirming your employment, salary, and current address. Some new online banks do not require proof of address and can be used to have your salary paid into it.
You can do a web search to find out about the various banks in the UK. You will need to check the different banks’ websites to determine the documentation they need in order for you to open an account.
National Insurance Number
You can apply for a National Insurance (NI) number; if you have the right to work in the UK, are working, looking for work or have an offer to start work. It is your unique identifier for ensuring that the tax and NI you pay is recorded against your name. It also acts as a unique identifier if communicating with the Department of Work and Pensions of HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC).
Schools
Depending on your location (variation between devolved nations - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) you can access information on the standard of the schools in the areas. Feedback from the students’ families can be found on websites such as: www.schoolguide.co.uk
Your local council website will also provide reports.
You can only apply to a certain school if you live in the catchment area (geographical area around the school). Catchment areas can be found on the council website. You would apply for your child to attend a particular school via the council’s website. You need proof of address to start the application. It is advisable to speak to the school managers/ headteachers if you are coming from abroad, as your children may require additional support in the transitional phase of the new education system in a new country.
GP Registration
Find your nearest GP surgery to register. Search by postcode on the NHS website here
Driving
You can use an International Driving License to drive in the UK for up to one year. If you have a driving license issued in the UAE, Ukraine, Taiwan or Republic of North Macedonia, you may exchange it with a British Driving License without taking a driving test. Otherwise, you should apply for a provisional driving license through the Driving & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website, take a theory test, and assign yourself to an instructor to help you pass the practical test.
For more information, please visit the government website here.
Public Transport
This depends on your arrival destination. There are bus networks with services starting at 7am - midnight in most cities. There are National Railway service links in cities and some towns. In more rural areas public transport can be more sporadic. Some hospitals have lift share options.
There are many taxi/cab companies, and most of them accept cash and/or card payments. You can search on Google for the most popular taxi companies in your area. In addition, the Uber taxi app provides competitive prices compared to taxicabs. You are required to have an account to start booking journeys.
Blue Light Card
The Blue Light Card is a discount card for NHS workers. This is a great way to save on your expenses for a small subscription fee. It comes with thousands of discounts online and on the high street.