Case Study: South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust improves communication and confidence for international staff with NHS Employers

South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust new support programme for international staff

South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust worked with NHS Employers to address challenges integrating international staff into the workforce. The trust had identified issues linked to communication, language and cultural differences, and critical incidents, and needed a more structured support programme for overseas recruits and existing international employees.

NHS Employers supported the trust in developing a tailored induction and workshop programme, co-delivered with Kaplan International College, focused on clinical English, workplace communication and cultural awareness. The programme led to very high attendance, strong demand for more courses, and positive feedback from staff and managers, who reported improved confidence, communication, and effectiveness with patients and colleagues.

South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust