Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Welfare Officer

The closing date is 22 October 2025

Job summary

The NHS regularly recruits doctors and other clinicians from outside the UK. These individuals are fully qualified in their field but may be unfamiliar with NHS practices and procedures. They will be offered a Trust / specialty induction to help with this, but will still face other issues outside of work, such as being unfamiliar with housing, childcare, the school system, driving licenses, etc

This role has been developed to provide inclusive, tailored welfare support to new-to-UK Clinicians (in particular International Medical Graduate doctors) across the NHSE Wessex and Thames Valley Deanery footprints.

Support offered may include help with signposting and information with for example, accommodation, travel, childcare, national insurance, tax and linking with local support networks and existing health and wellbeing offers. This is not an exhaustive list.

The role will also support New to UK Clinicians' immediate family.

The engagement will occur via phone/Microsoft Teams, and written correspondence including email and potentially other online mediums. Attendance at in person meetings / events will be required occasionally.

The key aim of this service is to help New to UK Clinicians integrate, both professionally and personally, as quickly and smoothly as possible. The most effective care is provided by those who are well-supported.

This is a new role, and the individual will be required to set up the service and referral processes, as well as undertaking consultations.

Main duties of the job

Set up the service, including referral pathways, databases, Standard Operating Procedures and publicity / promotion of the offer.

Make contact with New to the UK Clinicians early to ease transition and help troubleshoot common problems as soon as possible.

Act as the main point of contact for partner organisations with updates and queries dealt with in a timely manner

Signpost New to UK Clinicians to appropriate external support where necessary and form links with relevant community groups to ensure signposting for extra support

Provide expert knowledge on support available to New to the UK Clinicians

Act as a positive ambassador for the international workforce across Thames Valley and Wessex regions

To lead service developments and be responsible for implementing agreed changes in Services, this will include reviewing processes such as data collection

There may be the occasional requirement to travel to sites across the Thames Valley and Wessex regions.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata (This will be pro rata depending on hours)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

193-7407951COR

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital, with possibility of some travel within Thames Valley and Wessex

Craven Road

Reading

RG12 5AN


Job description

Job responsibilities

Work closely with the Royal Berkshire Health and Wellbeing team who can provide further avenues of support.

Develop knowledge of and ability to signpost to relevant community groups, statutory and third sector organisations in order to provide further support

Ensure all referrals to the service are handled promptly, empathetically, efficiently and within the agreed inclusive service provision and requirements

Provide excellent communication to internal and external stakeholders regarding development opportunities for New to the UK Clinicians

Attend meetings relevant to role and development

Be able to respond to changes in policies, national guidelines and strategy and reflect these in advice given

Effectively prioritise work to ensure that the competing demands on the service are met.

Link in with the evaluation provider to support as required

Responsible for the coordination and delivery of celebration/development days for New to the UK Clinicians

Ensure that day-to-day activities are delivered on time and to a high standard

Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues at all levels and across teams and sites

Maintain accurate records for all consultations and store securely

To investigate complaints/incidents in relation to the service and organise a response

To be responsible for compiling statistics and reports

To monitor and review all administration systems within the service to ensure efficient working practices to implement efficiency projects.

Appropriate risk and other assessments are completed and documented in a timely manner in accordance with Trust Policy

Keep up to date with government travel and immigration changes

Accurately record, analyse and report on required data and information for evaluation of service

Job description

Job responsibilities

Work closely with the Royal Berkshire Health and Wellbeing team who can provide further avenues of support.

Develop knowledge of and ability to signpost to relevant community groups, statutory and third sector organisations in order to provide further support

Ensure all referrals to the service are handled promptly, empathetically, efficiently and within the agreed inclusive service provision and requirements

Provide excellent communication to internal and external stakeholders regarding development opportunities for New to the UK Clinicians

Attend meetings relevant to role and development

Be able to respond to changes in policies, national guidelines and strategy and reflect these in advice given

Effectively prioritise work to ensure that the competing demands on the service are met.

Link in with the evaluation provider to support as required

Responsible for the coordination and delivery of celebration/development days for New to the UK Clinicians

Ensure that day-to-day activities are delivered on time and to a high standard

Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues at all levels and across teams and sites

Maintain accurate records for all consultations and store securely

To investigate complaints/incidents in relation to the service and organise a response

To be responsible for compiling statistics and reports

To monitor and review all administration systems within the service to ensure efficient working practices to implement efficiency projects.

Appropriate risk and other assessments are completed and documented in a timely manner in accordance with Trust Policy

Keep up to date with government travel and immigration changes

Accurately record, analyse and report on required data and information for evaluation of service

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • Education to degree level or equivalent experience
  • Evidence of continuous professional development

Knowledge and Training

Essential

  • Knowledge and understanding of working in the NHS
  • Knowledge and understanding of the issues that New to the UK Clinicians may face
  • Knowledge and awareness of local area and community support
  • Experience of leading and managing teams

Desirable

  • Knowledge of NHS policies and doctors training pathways.
Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • Education to degree level or equivalent experience
  • Evidence of continuous professional development

Knowledge and Training

Essential

  • Knowledge and understanding of working in the NHS
  • Knowledge and understanding of the issues that New to the UK Clinicians may face
  • Knowledge and awareness of local area and community support
  • Experience of leading and managing teams

Desirable

  • Knowledge of NHS policies and doctors training pathways.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Berkshire Hospital, with possibility of some travel within Thames Valley and Wessex

Craven Road

Reading

RG12 5AN


Employer's website

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Berkshire Hospital, with possibility of some travel within Thames Valley and Wessex

Craven Road

Reading

RG12 5AN


Employer's website

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Medical Education Service Manager

Monica Canosa

monica.canosa@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

01183226846

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata (This will be pro rata depending on hours)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

193-7407951COR

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital, with possibility of some travel within Thames Valley and Wessex

Craven Road

Reading

RG12 5AN


Supporting documents

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