Congrats on your first Job in UK! Welcome to NHS!
The Journey was tedious but you have landed safely🌸 This section is to give you a bit of insight on what to expect and how to go about on your initial days.
We will compile as many locations as possible for you to get settled easily. The basics-
Meet the HR : The day you join/land , first thing you should do is to meet your HR. There’s a medical staffing department in every hospital where all the HRs (Medical Workforce managers) sit, typing relentlessly to every doctors (working and non working) emails, Home office, payrolls etc. Meet those lovely people, sign your contract papers, ask any queries you had un-answered – face to face, put in your Bank details, uk address, sign up for Doctor’s Mess, seek information about IT Access, trainings and timings and your inductions (Corporate+Local)
Bank Account :Shoot! You don’t have any UK bank account yet. Ask your HR to give you letter stating your contract details, take that letter and your BRP+passport to the bank of your choice (Usually Hospitals are linked up with one within their premises – Your HR will inform you which one it is, it’s easier and better to open with them for less hassle)
Collecting BRP: Your BRP should be collected within 10days of your landing in UK. The earlier you can get it, the better. Be pragmatic and while choosing nearest post office ALWAYS check on google map how far the nearest post office is. Sometimes visa application site (GOV.UK) may show a post office which is in reality 2-3hrs away from your city. So always double check and if needed search for nearest other BRP collection point
Accomodation : PLEASE sort your accomodation before you come, otherwise you are looking at an unnecessary headache on your first Job. Always better to get Hospitals accomodation to start with regardless of the rent rate, if the hospital doesn’t provide one or all apartments/Houses being occupied, search through rightmove.co.uk, SpareRoom.co.uk, zoopla.co.uk and try getting your accommodation sorted beforehand. Before signing tenancy agreement check make sure you know the ins-out clauses of the agreement in regards of how long you will have to stay before terminating the agreement, the bills/any hidden charges, provisions of kitchen utensils, washer, dryer, irons, cleaning services and DO check the water supply in bathroom and kitchen, it may sound silly but you don’t want to run after the agents/landlords just after moving in to fix your shower which stopped providing hot water!!!
Occupational Health : You were given health questionnaires to fill in and to provide vaccinations proofs, however you might be asked to give further blood samples and swabs and arrange an appointment with your Hospitals Occupational health department right away. The results take few days to week to come and meanwhile you won’t be allowed to have access card /IT access , which is bit daunting if you want to start shadowing and be proactive. GET IT DONE ASAP
Get on the voter registry : Get your name on the voter registry. You don’t necessarily have to vote but having your name on the registry helps solidifying your legal existence in UK!
RAILCARD : Buy yourself a railcard and enjoy the perks of travelling around with a discounted rate all year round. The card worths the money 100%. www.railcard.co.uk
Credit Card: Getting a credit card is not mandatory but it will make your life a lot easier and it’s a good idea to have one tp build a good credit score for your future. A quick read you can have from some tips given on roadtouk
Strive 