It is important to note that the current situation around COVID19 is entirely changeable so please keep checking the most recent guidance from the World Health Organisation for important updates. During these unprecedented times, we want to help in any way that we can, so we hope that this guide will give you some information about the additional considerations of an international move or hiring an international doctor. As always, we will look at the issues as well as the solutions and try to give a realistic expectation of what to expect. The following are the headings we will consider (please contact us if you think we should add others): International Travel Guidance The GMC and International Medical Councils Attendance of PLAB / Royal College / English Language Tests Delays for HR and Management International Travel Guidance First and foremost, the latest UK guidance on international travel can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus - this is the overarching guidance on international travel from the UK government in relation to COVID19 outbreak https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - this links to the specific country by country guidance so that you can check on current guidance for your own country The UK, like most countries, are advising against international travel for all but essential journeys – currently this advice applies for 30 days from the 17th March. In practice, the UK’s largest airport, Heathrow, is still operating flights and their advice is that many airlines are rescheduling, consolidating and cancelling flights so check with your airline directly before attempting to travel. If you are due to travel imminently then you will need to consider your own circumstances and discuss with the HR department / recruitment team to decide if travel is appropriate. Whilst it is not the case in the UK at the time of writing, the travel restrictions in Italy may give us a sign of things to come. Currently, the borders are effectively closed in Italy with only a limited number of flights entering the country, most airports closing and an obligatory 14 day self-isolation for anyone arriving from abroad. Most countries have kept travel options available with limited air travel services still running from key airports and many have specifically advised that ‘key-workers’ should still be able to travel. If the UK do enter in to any border closures, we hope that they will still allow entry for ‘key-workers’ and that some airlines will still operate flights so that our doctors can make travel arrangements if they still wish to. All current travel guidance is temporary so, if you have accepted a role, there may well be other parts of your pre-employment checks and visa applications that can be done in the intervening period. We strongly recommend completing everything that you can so that, once the time comes, you will be ready to travel straight away.   The GMC and International Medical Councils Once again, the most up to date guidance from the GMC can be found here: https://www.gmc-uk.org/news/news-archive/coronavirus-information-and-advice - this links contains the full guidance on what to expect from the GMC at the moment https://webcache.gmc-uk.org/gmccgs_enu/start.swe?SWECmd=GotoView&SWEBHWND=&_sn=mNTm1dU94HeDI42VEwApsT8LiJGockVArTp7RhT9scKPgKUDXrb.TWRdugA5g1oCaPMNadPnxv-oLuaoXHenbO-g-iO3c8q02-bCGRWF6Gle-JbLMbvl1WOrcPQUynDtQGFysVGIKOMyPnzVvjaKqJ4L0Ap-m1UQ5J81nZZMo45m5ijiWK81mz-TrXeByTWA1DbA8x85s4A_&SWEView=GMC+CGS+External+Search+View&SRN=&SWEHo=webcache.gmc-uk.org&SWETS=1584869175 – this will link you to the relevant International Medical Councils so that you can check guidance for your own country The GMC have made some incredibly encouraging steps in ensuring that doctors in the UK can continue to practice effectively and also in assisting anyone who is able to join the register, to do so as soon as possible. For anyone worried about whether or not the UK still need international doctors, the GMC’s actions in recent days show a clear statement of intent that you are needed more than ever. Here is a summary of the recent updates and we will be posting a full guide in the coming days: ID checks have been postponed until social distancing measures have been lifted and licences granted without the need to attend Revalidation has been deferred for a year for doctors currently on the register to allow doctors to prioritise clinical care Temporary registration available to those who have recently left the register Upcoming rotations and medical exams have been postponed to assist over 20,000 trainees who would otherwise be adjusting to a new workplace during this difficult time There is also speculation that final year medical students will be fast tracked into the workplace to help Our advice if you are approaching the completion of your registration, is to contact the GMC about your individual circumstances and any queries that you have. They are currently dealing with thousands of enquiries however they are being incredibly accommodating to doctors that are keen to join the register so you are likely to be offered the assistance you need to get on to the register if you are suitably qualified.   Attendance of PLAB / Royal College / English Language Tests   The guidance from some of the Royal Colleges is linked below, check with your examining board website for others: MRCPCH - https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/covid-19-update-examinations MRCP – https://www.mrcpuk.org/news/mrcpuk-and-specialty-certificate-examinations-cancelled-until-september-2020 MRCEM – https://www.rcem.ac.uk/RCEM/Exams_Training/Coronavirus_Exams/RCEM/Exams_Training/Coronavirus_Exams_FAQs.aspx?hkey=a3e51572-45b3-4e3d-ab83-30f2f13e9a38 FRCA – https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/examinations FRCR – https://www.rcr.ac.uk/college/coronavirus-covid-19-what-rcr-doing/rcr-position-coronavirus-covid-19-and-aprilmayjune-rcr MRCS – https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/coronavirus/ FRCPATH – https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/examinations.html   Guidance from the GMC on the PLAB examinations is linked below: PLAB - https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab/coronavirus---information-for-plab-candidates Guidance on IELTS and OET tests can be found below: IELTS - https://www.ielts.org/news/2020/covid19-information-for-our-global-test-taker-community OET - https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/coronavirus-update/ As most will fully appreciate, the priority for doctors around the world at the moment is to focus on clinical commitments and, considering social distancing measures, it hardly seems surprising that most examinations are being postponed until later in the year. Whilst this may be frustrating for those of you that had been preparing hard for upcoming sittings, don’t be too disappointed and use this time to further gain experience and learning which can only help you in passing your rescheduled sittings when they come along. For those of you that have completed your examinations, you’ll be pleased to hear that the GMC are inviting IMGs on to the register without the need to attend ID check until social distancing measures are lifted. Updates on EPIC / ECFMG verification can be found below and, whilst there may be delays, we hope that this aspect should be relatively unaffected: EPIC / ECFMG - https://www.ecfmgepic.org/index.html   Delays for HR and Management Each hospital in the UK will adopt it’s own policy on the supporting functions and their role during this time. Keep in mind that HR departments may be working hard to clear workers who can join the workforce immediately or those returning to practice as per the GMC recent initiative. With this in mind, they will be under intense pressure to prioritise as best they can and this may cause delays in the usual aspects of recruitment (booking interviews, issuing offer letters, confirming salaries, issuing certificates of sponsorship etc). The general feedback from the hospitals that we work with over the last couple of weeks has been that they are still trying to continue ‘business-as-usual’ for the time being however they are also contingency planning and preparing for the potential influx of COVID19 patients. Managers are generally focussed on efficiency in patient flow in order to free up beds and workforce planning to ensure that there will be enough staff in the event of escalated events. All that said, each and every person that we speak with tell us that they continue to value the contribution of IMGs and international recruitment is still a huge part of the NHS agenda. Most emergency departments, cancer services and urgent surgeries have been advised that they still need to function as normal throughout so they are still very actively recruiting. Equally, ICU, acute medicine, microbiology and respiratory departments are in more demand than ever for obvious reasons. Doctors are being re-deployed from some areas of planned care however we have had interview requests in every speciality over the last week and placements are still going ahead. Our message here is that delays can be expected in the recruitment process however the NHS need staff more than ever so most clinicians, managers and HR departments still want to hear from you. Equally, you will get all of the support you need in order to make your relocation to the UK happen as quickly and efficiently as possible, given the current circumstances. We want to hear from you and will be happy to answer any questions that you have regarding all aspects of relocation, now and always, so please send us your comments as well as supporting one another in the IMG community.

Education is an important part of raising children and preparing them to live successful lives and we understand that if you have children, finding the right school for them is a crucial step of your relocation journey. In this blog, we have identified the main differences between Private and State Schools in order for you to have a wider understanding of education within the UK.   Funding The main and most obvious difference between State and Private schools is how they are funded. Whilst State schools are financed by the government, Private Schools are largely financed by school fees paid by parents. This means that tuition fees for Private Schools tend to be high and expensive. On the other hand, private schools often have more financial aid access and consequently can award scholarships. On average, Private Secondary School Fees in the UK per year for day pupils are £15,000, whilst a boarder would pay £33,000.   Boarding As previously mentioned, some parents opt to pay more in order to have their children ‘board. A boarding school provides education for pupils who live on the premises, as opposed to a day school. The majority of UK boarding schools are private however there are a few state schools in the UK where students can board for an additional price. For Private schools, you will need to pay for tuition and boarding.  Boarding fees generally cover items such as accommodation, food and drink and laundry. It is important to note that every school is different and consequently we advise Asking the schools that you are interested in what they offer in their ‘boarding package’.   Class Size Private schools do tend to be much smaller in size than State Schools, and thus may provide a more interactive and personal learning experience for students. The average class size in Secondary schools in the UK is currently 22 pupils, decreasing to 14 pupils at A-Levels whilst private schools may range from 8-15 pupils.   Subjects While a Private school might be more desirable due to class sizes, this might also result in fewer subject choices within the curriculum. Whilst the curriculum will always contain Core and STEM subjects, such as Science, Maths, English, Languages, I.T, History and Geography, there will be less choice of specific subspecialties within the curriculum for students.     Applications The application process for state schools is generic. You must apply through your local authority for a place at a primary or secondary school, even if it’s linked to your child’s current primary school. Most local authorities will ask for a list of three or four schools in order of preference, however London requests six. If your child qualifies for more than one of the schools, you will be offered a place for the school that is highest on your list. If you want to apply to a private school, you will need to check out their specific websites as each establishment will have its own specific process. It is advisable to plan a few years ahead if you have a specific private school in mind, as many secondary private schools will have ‘feeder schools’, from which they take the majority of their first year intake. If you ae considering private education, visit the website of the Independent Schools Council. Both Private and State schools will have their own admissions criteria. It is important for you to read the admissions criteria you look the look of, before filling in your application form. If you do not meet one of the first few criteria bands of the school you apply for, you are most unlikely to get a place.   Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.                                                                                                                             References Study-uk.britishcouncil.org. (2020). Boarding schools | British Council. [online] Available at: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/find/study-options/boarding [Accessed 12 Feb. 2020]. ThoughtCo. (2020). Public vs. Private Schools: 5 Major Differences. [online] Available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/major-differences-between-public-and-private-2773898 [Accessed 12 Feb. 2020]. Writer, S., Walsh, J., Walsh, J., Walsh, J. and Walsh, J. (2020). Private School vs. State School: Which Would Work Best for You? - Peterson's. [online] Peterson's. Available at: https://www.petersons.com/blog/private-school-vs-state-school-which-would-work-best-for-you/ [Accessed 12 Feb. 2020].  

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, located on the River Clyde in the Scottish Western lowlands, renowned for its art, architecture and culture. Glasgow is the UK’s 3rd largest city by population, with 598,830 inhabitants. Facts About Glasgow The Glasgow Cathedral is the most complete medieval cathedral on the Scottish Mainland. Fossil Grove in Glasgow’s Victoria Park has trees that are twice as old as dinosaurs. Eleven extinct fossilized trees date back 330 million years to a time when Glasgow’s climate was warm and humid. The Glasgow Tower is the only structure on Earth that has the ability to rotate 360 degrees into prevailing wind and it holds the Guinness World Record for tallest fully rotating freestanding structure in the world. Glasgow’s underground railway system, often referred to as the ‘Clockwork Orange’ because of its colour, is the 3rd oldest underground railway system in the world. Famous people to come from Glasgow include Billy Connolly, Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Capaldi, Charles Mackintosh, John Barrowman and Andy Murray. Glasgow was rated the top place for concerts in the UK outside of London, with eight venues in the Top 100 list of places to watch gigs. Cost of Living in Glasgow Cost of Renting Accommodation per month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £639.11 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £462.50 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1157.80 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £793.80   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.27 One-Way Public Transport Ticket £2.50 Monthly Public Transport Ticket £54.00 1km Taxi Journey £2.08   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £24.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £50.00 Cinema tickets for two people £22.00 One-month gym membership £24.38 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £11.30 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £3.55 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.34 Cappuccino £2.74   Time it Takes to Travel by Train from Glasgow to Cities in the UK City Time it Takes to Travel London  4 Hours 39 Minutes Bristol  6 Hours 4 Minutes Cardiff  6 Hours 27 Minutes Manchester  3 Hours 19 Minutes Newcastle  2 Hours 30 Minutes Birmingham  4 Hours 20 Minutes Liverpool  3 Hours 30 Minutes Edinburgh  48 Minutes   Education in Glasgow Glasgow currently has 149 Primary Schools, 36 Secondary Schools and 41 ASL (Additional Support for Learning) Schools. To find out more information about term dates, applications, standards, curriculum and general education, visit the Glasgow City Council Education website here. Glasgow hosts three world class universities within a three-mile radius, The Univeresity of Glasgow, The University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow Caledonian University, all with renowned international student support systems. The Universities are proud of their diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 120 different countries.   Things to do in Glasgow: Glasgow Cathedral Glasgow Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings and the only one on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. The wonderful architecture of the Cathedral speaks for itself and is to be enjoyed by anyone who visits it. Full tours of the Cathedral and Historical guides are available, with events often running on a weekly basis. Botanic Gardens Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens are located din the heart of thee city’s West End, containing a variety of plant collections, woodlands and riverside walks as well as the famous Kibble Palace. Kibble Palace is an amazing glass structure with a heated greenhouse, exotic plants and a variety of marble statues. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular free attractions and features 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects. The attraction welcomes families and is also home to a restaurant, café and gift shop. Famous Football Venues Glasgow is home to the most successful football team in the world, in regards to domestic league championships, Rangers FC. The home of Rangers FC, is Ibrox Stadium, found in Glasgow, the third largest football stadium in Scotland with an all-seated capacity of 50, 817. Also found in Glasgow, with a capacity of 60,411, Celtic Park is the largest football stadium in Scotland, and the eighth-largest stadium in the United Kingdom. Hampden park is the normal home venue of the Scotland national football team and Scottish League Two club Queen's Park. The West End The West End of Glasgow features some of the most unique and exciting retail and dining locations in the city. The West End boasts the largest collection of unique and original traders in the city whilst offering a superb variety of food, from Italian, Indian, Belgian, Vietnamese to Spanish and Scottish cuisine. This busy hub is perfect for both family and friends with cinemas, museums, hotels and restaurants galore.   Relocation to Glasgow If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Glasgow, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References https://wanderlusters.com. (2020). 11 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Glasgow. [online] Available at: https://wanderlusters.com/fun-facts-didnt-know-about-glasgow/ [Accessed 5 Mar. 2020]. Visitscotland.com. (2020). Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow – Parks. [online] Available at: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/glasgow-botanic-gardens-p246171 [Accessed 5 Mar. 2020]. Tripadvisor.co.uk. (2020). THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Glasgow - 2020 (with Photos) | Tripadvisor - Must See Attractions in Glasgow, Scotland. [online] Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186534-Activities-Glasgow_Scotland.html [Accessed 5 Mar. 2020]. Glasgowcathedral.org. 2020. Cathedral Welcome. [online] Available at: <https://www.glasgowcathedral.org/visiting/welcome-2/> [Accessed 9 March 2020].

If you are an international doctor aspiring to practice as a Paediatrician or Neonatologist within the NHS, then MRCPCH is arguably the best route for you. The MRCPCH has three theory exams, Foundation of Practice (FOP), Theory and Science (TAS), Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) and one clinical exam. This article outlines BDI Resourcing’s top tips for your studies, explaining the types of questions and the exam formats:   Theory Exams: Foundation of Practice (FOP) Exam Tips The aim of the FOP Exam is to assess basic paediatric knowledge, understanding and clinical decision making early in specialist training. The exam has 80 questions, formatted as follows: Best of five - 70 questions (4 marks per item) Extended Matching Questions- 10 questions (3 marks per item)   In regard to revision and preparation tips, do try and use a variety of revision sources from books, websites and testing your knowledge with colleagues as reading a textbook from front to back will not help you pass the FOP Exam. Passing the exam is based on pattern recognition; the same areas come up again and again. The only way this can be learnt is by repeatedly practising questions and backing them up with solid grounding in each subject from book work. Please note, that there are no negative marks given in any of these exams, so make sure you answer all of the questions. Make sure you cover certain fundamental topics extremely well, such as:   Illnesses that can kill (i.e Meningitis, coarctation of the aorta and other duct-dependent cardiac defects, non-accidental injury). Common syndromes (i.e Down’s syndrome, Turners Syndrome) Development and Growth Immunisations Failure to thrive/faltering growth Go back to basics! – Make sure you study basic science and stats. Whilst these are arguably ‘boring’ areas to revise, it is important that you do not miss out on these marks when/if they come up in the exam. It is more important to cover all areas of the curriculum quite well than know some areas very well and others not at all. People often have a tendency to focus on areas they find interesting or good at – this approach may not be helpful for passing the exam. We recommend using all the resources available to you. The RCPCH have a variety of practice papers and answers which can be found here.   Theory and Science (TAS) Exam Tips: The aim of the TAS Exam is to test the basic scientific principles upon which clinical practice is based. The format of the exam is identical to that of the FOP, as follows: Best of Five – 70 Questions (4 marks per item) Extended Matching Questions- 10 questions (3 marks per item) The exam itself is considered to be one of the harder exams of MRCPCH as it involves more complex solving questions, requiring more complex and in-depth answers.  When revising for the TAS Exam, make sure you revise specifics including receptors and pathways that do not come up in more clinical based exams. Below is a list of common themes that come up in TAS, we advise that you do a set amount of revision on each: Renal Disorders Calcium, Vitamin D and Bone Metabolism Genetics in Common Syndromes and Genetic Testing Immunology Allergy Statistical Analysis Hormone Synthesis  Cardiac Lesions Haematology and Oncology Diabetes Insipidus Blood gasses and Ventilator Settings Gut absorption Clotting Disorders   Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP) Exam Tips: The aim of the AKP Exam is to test clinical decision making and management, asking questions about differential diagnosis investigation and management decisions. The AKP is made up of two exams, each 2.5 hours in duration, both with 60 questions. There are a variety of question types within these exams, as follows: Best of Five Questions: Extended Matching Questions “N from many” Questions Questions may be based on: Photographs Data Interpretation Case Histories Before you start revising for this exam, consider printing the exam syllabus and working through the outcomes in topics. Additionally, print off a variety of examples of photographs, data and case histories. When answering the questions, eliminate answers that are definitely incorrect and you will probably be left with two or three answers.   Clinical Exam: The aim of the clinical exam is to test your ability to work at the level of a junior registrar. Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in: Communication History-taking and management planning Establishing rapport with both parents and children Physical examination Child development Clinical judgement Organisation of thoughts and actions Recognition of acute illness Professional behaviour Ethical practice The best way to revise for this is to read through all of the guidance documents found on the RCPCH website, found here. Remember, the clinical examination stations and communication stations are 9 minutes long. BDI Resourcing’s top tips for the day of your Exam are as follows: If something goes wrong in one station when you come out, don’t panic. Forget about that station and move on with a clear mind. Don’t let one bad station ruin the whole exam for you Smile at the examiners Talk to both the parents and the patient Wash your hands between each station   Types of Questions explained: Best of Five Questions are designed to test judgement and experience. They start with a statement followed by 5 answers. One of the answers will be correct, but only one will be the most appropriate answer to the statement. Take your time reading and answering the question and if in doubt go with your gut instinct rather than over thinking the question and second-guessing yourself. Possible stems might be: “What is the most Likely Diagnosis?” “What is the next best step?” “What is the most common cause of this?” “What is the best advice to give to parents?” Extended Matching Questions require you to choose the best option from a list of 10 possible options, all are feasible, but only one is completely correct. These are similar to the best of five questions. Possible stems might be: “Choose the most likely diagnosis from the following results” “Choose the organism which matches most closely each of the following case scenarios” N from Many questions require you to choose a number of options from a longer list, such as treatment options.   Other Online Resources: RCPCH practice papers – found on RCPCH website. Pastest – Online revision pack for both TAS and FOP. It’s good value for money and easy to use, providing lectures and clinically based questions. Oneexamination – Online resource providing core questions, detailed analysis and feedback.   Relocating to the UK If you have just passed your MRCPCH or you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to the UK, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group each day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast! You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this. Finally, we have just launched our new Instagram, so if you are a member, feel free to follow us to view our posts and IGTV: @bdiresourcing   References: Rob Primhak, A. (2020). Foundation of Practice (FOP) | MCQ writing for the MRCPCH. [online] Rcpch.ac.uk. Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/sites/default/files/rcpch/HTWQv8.4/foundation_of_practice_fop.html [Accessed 17 Feb. 2020].   AKP, M. (2020). MRCPCH: AKP. [online] BMJ OnExamination. Available at: https://www.onexamination.com/products/mrcpch-akp [Accessed 17 Feb. 2020].

Swansea is a coastal City and County located in the South of Wales. The City itself is the second largest in Wales after Cardiff, with a population of around 245,000. Much of the coast is an area of outstanding beauty, attracting a significant number of tourists year-round. The Swansea Bay University Health Board delivers NHS healthcare for the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot areas through their community-based services and three main hospitals.   Facts About Swansea Swansea has been recently named as the cleanest city in Wales and is the second cleanest city in the whole of the UK. Famous people from the city include poet Dylan Thomas, entertainer Sir Harry Secombe, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, politician Michael Heseltine, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and footballers John Charles, Ivor Allchurch and John Hartson The Gower Peninsula was designated the first Area of Outstanding Beauty in 1956 and is one of only five in Wales.   Cost of Living in Swansea Cost of Renting Accommodation per month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £558.33 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £450.00 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1062.50 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £725.00   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.28 One-Way Public Transport Ticket £3.55 Monthly Public Transport Ticket £72.50 1km Taxi Journey £2.00   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £15.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £47.50 Cinema tickets for two people £16.00 One-month gym membership £22.78 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £23.59 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £3.70 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.44 Cappuccino £3.00   Time it Takes to Travel by Train from Swansea to Cities in the UK City Time it Takes to Travel London 2 Hours 52 Minutes Bristol 1 Hour 46 Minutes Cardiff 53 Minutes Manchester 4 Hours 37 Minutes Newcastle 5 Hours 52 Minutes Birmingham 3 Hours Liverpool 4 Hours 22 Minutes Edinburgh 12 Hours 27 Minutes   Education in Swansea Swansea currently has 62 primary schools and 11 secondary schools. To find out more about term dates, school admissions, welfare and contact details for all schools in Swansea, please visit the Swansea Councils website here. Swansea is also home to over 24,000 students studying at Swansea University or University of Wales Trinity St David. Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery, and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. The stunning waterfront campuses make it a desirable location for students and staff from around the world, and their multicultural community provides a global perspective, enabling those who join them to develop skills and knowledge that set them on successful and enriching careers.   Things to do in Swansea: Gower Peninsula Gower was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With cliffs and woodlands ringed by sparkling beaches, the Gower peninsula is so adored by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers, it’s been scooping awards ever since. Mumbles Pier Mumbles Pier aims to be the perfect family day out. The Mumbles Pier was first built in 1898 and the site includes an amusements arcade, a Beach Hut Café and Restaurant and a number of other attractions including a mini bowling alley, Pirate Boating Lake and one of Swansea most bizarre landmarks ‘the Big Apple’. Swansea Market Swansea Market is the largest indoor market in Wales, an award winning, historic market that offers both tourists and residents a unique shopping experience. You will find local/Welsh produce here along with eclectic items, food and cafes. National Waterfront Museum The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. The Museum has free entry, offers interactive displays and has a variety of displays with fascinating artefacts for you to explore.   Relocation to Swansea If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Swansea, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Swansea.gov.uk. (2020). Swansea - Key facts and figures about Swansea. [online] Available at: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/businessfactsandfigures [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020]. Swansea.ac.uk. (2020). Swansea University. [online] Available at: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/ [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020]. Living, C. and Kingdom, U. (2020). Cost of Living in Swansea. [online] Numbeo.com. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Swansea [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020].

Travelling to Europe on a Tier 2 Visa (Shengan Visas) A lot of Doctors contact us wanting to know whether they can use their Tier 2 Visa to travel to different areas within Europe. The answer is yes, you can travel to Europe for Tourism, once you have obtained a Schengen Visa. A Tourist Schengen Visa permits nationals to enter into the Schengen Area (see image) for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period, under the purpose of traveling or visiting Europe for pleasure. You must apply for this Visa at least 15 days before your intended visit to Europe and no more than 3 months before. Am I eligible and What will I need to apply? When applying for a Schengan Visa, you will have to provide documentation which differs dependant on which Schengan states you plan on visiting. The specific requirements for each of the states can be found here. However, here is a list of the most common requirements and documents that a person will need to successfully obtain a Schengan Visa in the UK. 1)  A valid passport : Your passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you exit the Schengen Area. The passport must have 2 full blank pages to accommodate the visa stamp 2) A completed and signed Shengan Visa Application Form, which can be found here. 3) A cover Letter : Explaining the purpose of your travel Identifying which state or states you will be visiting 4) Proof of travel arrangements : Flight Reservations Hotel Reservations 5) Proof of financial sufficiency: A document that proves you have the financial ability to travel and reside abroad in the specific state you plan on visiting within the Schengan Area A personal bank statement / Proof of employment / Pay slips 6) Letter stating the status of your UK Employment: Salary Hire Date Position Dates of Vacation . How do I apply? To apply for a Schengen visa from the UK you must book an appointment with the relevant Consulate or Embassy in London. You can do this by visiting in person or by applying via a credited agency (i.e VFS or BLS). Consulates advise visa applicants to apply well in advance of their planned trip in order to avoid any unwanted complications. What is the cost? When applying for a Schengen visa you will have to pay a non-refundable fee. The cost will vary dependant on the type of Visa you are applying for, the length of time you will be visiting, and the specific states you are visiting. The fees below represent the average cost of Schengan Visa applications: Schengen Visa Category (by age) Fee in UK Pound Adult 51 £ Child between 6-12 years of age 30 £ Child younger than 6 years of age Free   Relocating to the UK If you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to the UK, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group each day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast! You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Schengen Visa Info. (2020). Tourist Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for Tourism. [online] Available at: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/ [Accessed 4 Feb. 2020]. Schengen-visa-info.eu. (2020). Schengen visa countries - Schengen Visa Information. [online] Available at: https://www.schengen-visa-info.eu/schengen-visa-countries [Accessed 4 Feb. 2020].

The Isle of Wight is a small island located off the South Coast of England, well known for its beautiful beaches, and for its unique form of transport, hovercraft (yes, you’ve read that correctly!). Despite being a separate island, it is much closer to the mainland than you may think, not only is it visible from the mainland, but it only takes 45 minutes by ferry to get from the Island to Portsmouth. The Isle of Wight’s population of 141,538 reflects the popularity of this small, unique location. Facts about the Isle of Wight The world’s only fully functioning hovercraft can be found on the Isle of Wight! Reportedly, the island enjoys more sunshine than some parts of Spain, receiving 1,800 to 2,000 hours of sunshine a year! Ryde Pier, on the Isle of Wight, is the UK’s oldest pier, having first opened in 1814. You may be surprised to know that one of the island’s most important exports is garlic, and there is even an Isle of Wight Garlic Festival. Some well-known people have inhabited the island, including Queen Victoria, Karl Marx, Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens. England’s smallest county is Rutland, near Leicestershire, however, during high tide, the Isle of Wight steals this title! The world’s oldest amusement park, Blackgang Chine, can be found on the Isle of Wight. Built in 1843, its creation came about to amuse Victorian holidaymakers. The Isle of Wight receives over twenty times more visitors to the island than its permanent population. Certain areas of the island allow you to see the Milky Way due to the lack of light pollution! Red squirrels have become a rare sight in the UK, but the Isle of Wight is one of two locations where you can still see them. The island is so small that you can get from the East to the West of the island in just an hour by car! Osborne House, located in East Cowes, was Queen Victoria’s summer home, and you can still visit it today!   Cost of Living on the Isle of Wight Renting Accommodation per Month One-bedroom apartment in the city centre £900 One-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre £712.50 Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre £1,250 Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre £866.67   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.27 One-way public transport ticket £2.75 Monthly public transport ticket £45 1km Taxi journey £2.02   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £27.50 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £42.50 Cinema tickets for two people £20 One-month gym membership £32.08 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £10 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £4.00 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.16 Cappuccino £2.85   Education on the Isle of Wight At present, there are 44 primary schools, 14 secondary schools and 12 sixth forms and colleges on the Isle of Wight. The vast majority of the schools have been awarded an Ofsted rating of Good. If you would like to see the Ofsted ratings for individual schools, you can find them on the Gov.UK website.   Time it takes to Travel from the Isle of Wight to other UK locations by Train City Time it Takes to Travel London 2 Hours 55 Minutes Bristol 3 Hours 24 Minutes Cardiff 4 Hours 18 Minutes Manchester 5 Hours 55 Minutes Newcastle 6 Hours 24 Minutes Birmingham 4 Hours 19 Minutes Liverpool 5 Hours 50 Minutes Edinburgh 7 Hours 54 Minutes   Things to do on the Isle of Wight Blackgang Chine Visit the world’s oldest amusement park! The park has a plethora of themed areas on offer, visit Restricted Area 5 and step into a world of dinosaurs! Venture into Fairyland and get lost in a magical world of castles and magic. Venture back into the world of the wild west in Cowboy Town. Dive into the depths of the Underwater Kingdom and befriend a 60-foot whale. Or, if pirates and treasure are more appealing, find adventure in Pirate Cove! There are also several roller coasters, waterslides and attractions to appeal to every member of the family. On a warm summer’s day, there are picnic facilities available for you to bring your own food, but there are also café and restaurant facilities available. Advanced ticket prices cost £20 during off-peak times and £25 during on-peak times. Saver tickets for groups of four people cost £76 off-peak and £96 on-peak, and children under 4 have free entry. For more information about Blackgang Chine, you can visit their website.   Osborne House Visit the beautiful Italian style-holiday home of Queen Victoria. Get a glimpse into the life of the Queen and Prince Albert as you stroll through the state rooms and take in the artwork and regal architecture. You can also explore the breathtaking views of the grounds filled with an abundance of fruit trees and flowers, a beautiful sight, particularly during the spring and summer months. For children, there are two playground areas for them to enjoy, or they can have a paddle at the Queen’s private beach. If you’d like to dine like royalty, you can visit the Terrace Restaurant or enjoy a lighter snack at the Petty Officers’ Quarters. There is a cake shop and gift shop where you can purchase a tasty treat or a memento of your day. Adult tickets cost £15, and £9 for children between the ages of 5 and 15. You can also purchase a family tickets for two adults and three children for £39. Plan your visit here.   Robin Hill Robin Hill is a parkland with woodland and countryside gardens, perfect for an outdoor family trip. Take a leisurely stroll through the woodland trails and gardens boasting beautifully carved sculptures, ponds and bridges, and meet the peacocks who inhabit the park. If you’re feeling adventurous, take on the treetop canopy walkways, Jungle Heights adventure nets, and the rides they have on offer. There are several themed play areas for children, and a 4D cinema available on a rainy day. There are a number of cafes and picnic areas, so there is no shortage of places to enjoy a meal or snack. Standard tickets to the park cost £17 off-peak and £23 on-peak, whilst tickets for groups of 4 cost £66 off-peak and £88 on-peak. Children under 4 go free. Learn more about Robin Hill here.   The Needles Landmark Attraction The Needles Landmark is an iconic attraction of the Isle of Wight. Take a chairlift to experience the breathtaking views of the beach and sandy cliffs. Visit Alum Bay Glass and learn about the art of glass blowing or explore the IW Sweet Manufactory and watch how their unique selection of sweet treats are created, you can even sample a few! There are a number of rides for children, including a traditional Victorian carousel, a tea cups ride and a games kiosk.  There is also a 4D cinema where you can have an immersive cinema experience! There are several restaurants, cafes, picnic areas and vending machines available for refreshments. For more information, visit the Needles Landmark Attraction Website. See the chart below for pricing. Ticket Price 4D Cinema £4 per ticket Alum Bay Glass Demonstration £2 per ticket Chairlift one-way £3 per ticket Chairlift return £6 per ticket Chairlift unlimited travel £9 per ticket Games Kiosk – Per Game £2 per ticket Jurassic Adventure Golf £4 per ticket Sweet Factory Demonstration £2 per ticket Water Walkerz £4 per ticket   Sandown Beach You can’t spend time in the Isle of Wight without visiting at least one of its iconic beaches. Sandown is considered to be one of the best beaches on the island, having received the BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Beach of the Year Award in 2019. Take in the sights of the beach by visiting Sandown’s Pleasure Pier. Or try your hand at surfing in Sandown’s beautiful waters. There are several traditional beach shops and amusements available to keep the family entertained throughout the day, and even a crazy golf course. After all of that exploration, settle down on the golden sands on a deckchair with an ice cream whilst the children build sandcastles. You can find more information about Sandown beach here.   Isle of Wight Steam Railway If you’re interested in the history of locomotives, take a trip to the Isle of Wight’s Steam Railway where you can take a trip on a beautiful Edwardian steam train and enjoy the sights the countryside has to offer. The railway’s oldest train dates back to 1864! They also host events during the year to celebrate the history of the railway. There is a café and gift shop at the station where you can find refreshments and memorabilia. If you buy tickets online, adult tickets cost £13, tickets for children cost £6, tickets for dogs cost £3 and a family travel ticket costs £32. Children under 4 travel free.   Relocation to the Isle of Wight If you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to the Isle of Wight or anywhere else in the UK, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to join the NHS and relocate to the UK. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Anon. (2020). Prices in Isle of Wight. [Online]. Available at: www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Isle-of-Wight-United-Kingdom [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. Elizabeth. (2019). Isle Of Wight Facts: 15 Fun Things You Should Know (Written By A Local) - Together In Transit. [Online]. Available at: https://togetherintransit.nl/top-fun-things-the-isle-of-wight/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. Orr, Sophie. (2018). 10 Weird & Wonderful Things You Didn't Know about the Isle of Wight: Sykes Cottages Blog - Sykes Holiday Cottages. [Online]. Available at: www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/10-weird-wonderful-isle-of-wight/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. Anon (2020). The Needles Landmark Attraction - ALUM BAY - Visit Isle Of Wight. [Online]. Available at: www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/the-needles-landmark-attraction-p148371 [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. Anon (2020). All Schools and Colleges in Isle of Wight - GOV.UK - Find and Compare Schools in England, UK Government. [Online] Available at: www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=default&table=schools®ion=921&la-name=isle-of-wight&geographic=la&For=ofsted&dataSetFilter=final&page=1. [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020].

Cambridge is a city on the River Cam, located in Eastern England, most famously known for being the home to the prestigious University of Cambridge. The city is the perfect place for culture, adventure and family fun. Cambridge has a population of 123,900, making it the second largest city in Cambridgeshire.  While Cambridge is most known to the world for the university, it is also home to three highly reputable NHS Trusts and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, one of the world's largest biomedical research centers. Facts About Cambridge People associated with Cambridge University have won 89 Nobel Prizes, with 29 of those being in physics Football as we know it today has its origins in Cambridge. The first official game using the ‘Cambridge Rules’ was played on Parker’s Piece in 1848 – this formed the basis of the Football Association’s rules drawn up in 1863. Cambridge is the centre for the technology industry in the UK with up to 3,000 tech and science businesses based here. The university library has over 29 million books and receives a free copy of every book published in the UK. Cambridge has been the backdrop for a number of famous films including: The Theory of Everything, with Eddie Redmayne as renowned physicist Stephen Hawking; and Sylvia, which tells the story of poets and Cambridge students Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes.     Cost of Living in Cambridge Cost of Renting Accommodation per month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1,071.59 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £831.25 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1,685.42 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £1,275.43   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.62 One-Way Public Transport Ticket £2.80 Monthly Public Transport Ticket £57.55 1km Taxi Journey £3.50   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £30.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £70.00 Cinema tickets for two people £27.00 One-month gym membership £32.50 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £25.00 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £5.00 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.90 Cappuccino £3.96   Time it Takes to Travel by Train from Cambridge to Cities in the UK City Time it Takes to Travel London 48 Minutes Bristol 2 Hours 54 Minutes Cardiff 3 Hours 23 Minutes Manchester 3 Hours 13 Minutes Newcastle 3 Hours 31 Minutes Birmingham 2 Hours 37 Minutes Liverpool 4 Hours 2 Minutes Edinburgh 5 Hours 13 Minutes   Education in Cambridge Within Cambridgeshire there are 253 Primary Schools and a further 83 Secondary Schools, with the majority of which being rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Cambridgeshire County Council shares with schools a vision for learning that is ambitious, innovative and collaborative, supports all children, excites and stimulates, giving life long learning and providing stimulating and rewarding jobs for all those who work and volunteer in learning.   As of 2019, Cambridge is the top-ranked university in the United Kingdom according to all major league tables. Located in the center of the ancient city of Cambridge, 50 miles north of London, the University of Cambridge is a collegiate public research institution that serves more than 18,000 students from all corners of the globe. The University consists of Six academic schools – Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology .   Things to do in Cambridge Punting Tours A punt is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow, designed for use in small rivers or other shallow water. The national pastime of Cambridge and one of the best ways to see the city. Punting Tours are popular ways to enjoy learning about Cambridge’s history and pass by top sights such as Kings College. Botanic Gardens Cambridge’s botanic gardens are an Arcadian paradise hidden behind a fairly nondescript entrance at the station end of town. The Garden is home to over 8,000 plant species, including 9 National Collections and a wonderful arboretum. Explorer trails and guided tours are available. The Fitzwilliam Museum The Fitzwilliam Museum is Cambridge’s first-rate art and antiquities museum where you can marvel at objects from around the world. The museum itself is free entry and houses vast collections of antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, including exhibits of English and European pottery and glass, furniture, clocks and ceramics from Japan and Korea. The Cambridge Gin Laboratory Cambridge Gin Laboratory is an interactive space in the heart of Cambridge, dedicated to the appreciation of gin! Owned and operated by the world famous Cambridge Distillery, the Gin Lab contains a beautifully well-appointed classroom, shop, tasting lounge and private hire room. Kings College Chapel The stunning gothic chapel that dominates the centre of Cambridge. It’s a must-visit, even if church-spotting isn’t your sport. The English Gothic structure was built between 1446 and 1515, and is the site where many great scholars were educated.   Relocation to Cambridge If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Cambridge, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References England, N. (2020). NHS England » East. [online] England.nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/digitaltechnology/connecteddigitalsystems/digital-roadmaps/footprints/mids-east9/east/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. Aru.ac.uk. (2020). Eight fascinating facts about Cambridge - ARU. [online] Available at: https://aru.ac.uk/student-life/life-on-campus/cambridge-campus/eight-fascinating-facts-about-cambridge [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. Living, C. (2020). Cost of Living in Cambridge. [online] Numbeo.com. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Cambridge-Canada [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020]. Time Out Cambridge. (2020). The 12 best things to do in Cambridge right now. [online] Available at: https://www.timeout.com/cambridge/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-cambridge [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020].

The shortage occupation list is an official list of occupations for which there are not enough resident workers to fill vacancies. Several times a year, the government and the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) regularly release an up-to-date list of all the industries and occupations that urgently require more staff or vacancies.   How does this effect IMGs? In May 2019, the MAC recommended that ‘Medical Practitioners’ be added to the UK Shortage Occupation List and in October 2019 this was confirmed.  The British Medical Association has stated: 'It's very clear that overseas doctors have always made a valuable contribution to the success of our health service; their contribution is needed now more than ever’. In light of this, international recruitment of doctors has increased. Not only this, but overseas doctors no longer have to meet extortionate visa fees and financial thresholds to work within the NHS. Does this effect Tier 2 Visas? The standard UK work visa is the Tier 2 visa, which has a points-based application system. In total you must secure 70 points to qualify for the Tier 2 Visa, 30 of which rely on your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your UK employer and whether your salary will meet the UK requirements. However, due to the Shortage Occupation List, IMG’s that come to the UK to fill a position now gain enough points without having to prove their potential earnings. Additionally, the cost of a Tier 2 Work Visa on the Shortage Occupation List is almost 25% less than occupations that don’t appear on it. What’s more, if you want to obtain permanent UK residency after your Tier 2 visa has expired, you will be exempt from the minimum income threshold and salary requirement of £35,000. Will the Shortage Occupation List Change? The Shortage Occupation List is regularly reviewed by both government and the MAC. However, it is important to note that removal of an occupation from the list does not mean that a Tier 2 application will not be granted for any vacancy that exists. BDI If you’re a doctor who would like support relocating to the UK and finding a job in the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you on your relocation journey. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you will join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer any relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on obtaining GMC registration and securing an NHS job. References Bma.org.uk. (2020). BMA - Government widens job shortage list. [online] Available at: https://www.bma.org.uk/news/2019/may/government-widens-job-shortage-list [Accessed 31 Jan. 2020]. S. (2020). Shortage occupation list. [online] Nhsemployers.org. Available at: https://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/recruit/employer-led-recruitment/international-recruitment/shortage-occupation-list [Accessed 31 Jan. 2020]. AWH Solicitors. (2020). Coming to Work in the UK with Skills on the UK Shortage Occupation List. [online] Available at: https://awhsolicitors.co.uk/articles/immigration/shortage-occupation-list/ [Accessed 31 Jan. 2020].

Portsmouth is a dynamic and vibrant waterfront port city located on England’s South Coast, packed with great reasons to visit. There are lots of things to do in Portsmouth, with magnificent museums, live music venues, contemporary art galleries, two cathedrals, a diverse literary heritage, nightlife, festivals and countless events throughout the year. The population of Portsmouth is estimated at 296,400 consisting of a variety multi-cultural communities. Facts About Portsmouth Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and later included the city in his novel ‘Nicholas Nickleby’. A variety of literary greats have also spent their time in Portsmouth including Rudyard Kipling and H. G. Wells. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, even practiced as a doctor in Southsea and wrote fiction while waiting for patients. The city is home to some extremely famous ships, including HMS Warrior, the Tudor carrack Mary Rose and Horatio Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory (the world's oldest naval ship still in commission). Despite being built with 11,000 cubic metres of concrete, the Spinnaker Tower was structurally designed to sway in the wind.  At 115 metres up and in high winds, the Tower can flex approximately 150mm. Arnold Schwarzenegger once lived in Portsmouth and was a member of a Southsea gym in the 1960s Portsmouth is home to the country’s biggest fruit handling port! In 1917 Portsmouth was the first town in the country to open clinics for the free treatment of venereal disease. Cost of Living in Portsmouth Cost of Renting Accommodation per month One-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £741.67 One-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £632.50 Three-Bedroom Apartment in the City Centre £1281 Three-Bedroom Apartment outside of the City Centre £1005.56   Transportation 1ltr Petrol £1.28 One-Way Public Transport Ticket £2.25 Monthly Public Transport Ticket £59.10 1km Taxi Journey £2.11   Entertainment Meal out for two in a local pub £18.00 Meal out for two in a mid-range restaurant, 3 courses £45.00 Cinema tickets for two people £12.00 One-month gym membership £25.00 Tennis court rental for 1 hour on the weekend £13.50 Beer 0.5ltr bottle £1.60 Coke/Pepsi 0.33ltr bottle £1.20 Cappuccino £2.65   Time it Takes to Travel by Train from Portsmouth to Cities in the UK City Time it Takes to Travel London 1 Hours 37 Minutes Bristol 2 Hours 10 Minutes Cardiff 2 Hours 41 Minutes Manchester 4 Hours 20 Minutes Newcastle 5 Hours 52 Minutes Birmingham 3 Hours 37 Minutes Liverpool 4 Hours 32 Minutes Edinburgh 6 Hours 58 Minutes   Education in Portsmouth According to Portsmouth City Councils website, there are 49 Primary Schools and 10 Secondary Schools located within the Portsmouth catchment area. The majority of schools in Portsmouth are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, whilst a handful are rated ‘Outstanding’. Portsmouth is also home to an award-winning University, with a Gold rating in the Government-backed Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – which means our teaching, learning and student outcomes are outstanding and among the highest quality in the UK. The University also has a huge variety of societies and clubs, as well as excellent sports facilities. Things to do in Portsmouth Historic Dockyards and HMS Victory Whether you’re an amateur naval historian or a looking for a hands-on experience for your kids, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard gives you full-day access to three ships, three submarines, and as many museums as you like. A personal guide offers informative commentary while accompanying you on Royal Navy warships including the HMS ‘Victory’ and HMS ‘Warrior.’ Step foot aboard the ‘Mary Rose’ and see exhibits at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth, then take a boat tour of the harbor.   The Beachfront and Southsea Commons The seafront is one of the most popular areas of Portsmouth, enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. The beach stretches along the whole southern end of Portsea Island from Old Portsmouth to the conservation area of Eastney. There are many places to visit along Southsea seafront including Southsea Castle - one of the historic fortifications built during Henry VIII's reign and the D-Day Story. Just behind the seafront, you will find the communal SouthSea Common, a large open green space, a fantastic place to bring the kids or family over the Summer for picnics, BBQ and more. Facilities also include a children's play area, beach volleyball courts, tennis, pitch and putt and a skate park.   Victorius Festival Victorious Festival is a three-day music festival held in Portsmouth, founded in 2011. The festival is for everyone, with music ranging from rock, indie and alternative to electronic, pop, world, acoustic and folk. The event takes place in August and tickets range from £25-121. Gunwharf Quays Gunwharf Quays is the South’s leading designer outlet, boasting over 90 stores and over 30 restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The center is located on the beautiful waterfront and is the ideal place to explore, shop, dine and take in the exciting sites of this historic coastal city. Royal Navy Submarine Museum Just across the water from Portsmouth in Gosport is the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Highlights include Britain's first submarine, Holland I, launched in 1901, along with HMS Alliance, launched just after the close of WWII. There are a variety of fascinating interactive exhibits dealing with life underwater and life in a submarine. Relocation to Portsmouth If you’re an international doctor looking to relocate to Portsmouth, or another location in the UK, please email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of vlogs and blogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go to IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Visitportsmouth.co.uk. (2020). Visit Portsmouth - Official Portsmouth Tourist Information Site. [online] Available at: https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/ [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020]. Dearsley, W. (2020). 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Portsmouth | PlanetWare. [online] Planetware.com. Available at: https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/portsmouth-eng-hmp-po.htm [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020]. http://wearejourney.co.uk, J. (2020). Ten things you didn't know about Portsmouth - Emirates Spinnaker Tower. [online] Emirates Spinnaker Tower. Available at: https://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-portsmouth/ [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020]. Portsmouth.gov.uk. (2020). Infant, junior and primary schools - information and catchment areas. [online] Available at: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/schools-learning-and-childcare/schools/infant-junior-and-primary-schools-information-and-catchment-areas [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020].

When you relocate to the UK, no matter how much credit history you managed to build in your home country, you will essentially be starting from scratch in the UK. As such, there will be certain things you won’t immediately be able to do once you arrive in the UK, for example, you won’t be able to apply for a mortgage, loan or even particular types of phone contract at first. In this article, we will explain the best ways to build up your credit rating to allow you to apply for credit and work towards buying a house in the future. Please note that we are not financial advisors and this article is merely a guide. Please consult a professional if you would like further information.   What is a Credit Score or Rating? Your credit score or credit rating is what a potential lender would use to assess you to ensure that you are a good investment. When you first arrive in the UK, you will likely have a poor credit score, purely because you do not have any credit history. There is a myth that you have a fixed credit score, however, different lenders may use slightly different methods to assign a credit rating to you, and these may vary slightly from lender to lender. Essentially, their assessment will determine whether they’re willing to lend you money, if you’ve had any credit products in the past, how reliable you were at paying money back, how much they are willing to lend you and how much interest you will be charged. You may wonder why having no credit history means that you have a poor credit rating, the reason for this is that lenders have no way to assess if you will be a good and safe investment for them, if you look at it from the lender’s perspective, they only want to lend to people who will reliably pay their money back, this is why it is important to start building your credit score as soon as possible.   How can I build my Credit Score?   Get a UK Address This will likely be something you do quite soon after you arrive in the UK anyway, so it will hopefully be an easy win! Having a fixed, UK address is an excellent way to start building your credit score. The reason for this is that in order to borrow money from any lender, you will require a permanent residence. As well as this, they can use this information to confirm your identity, and if you have multiple forms of credit further down the line, they will likely check that all of your credit agreements are linked to the same address to ensure that you are not a fraudster.   Keep Your Accounts up to date Linking on from the previous point, once you do have accounts, it is important to ensure that you keep these up to date, inform the bank if you change your address. It may seem like a small thing, but having the wrong address listed on accounts can have a big impact on any credit applications you make, as previously mentioned, this is one way that lenders check your application is legitimate, if they see you have multiple addresses listed, even if this is an old address, they could deny your application for fear that it is not legitimate.   Open a UK Bank Account It can be tricky to open a UK bank account initially as you will need proof of address in order to open an account, and you need a UK bank account to secure accommodation! If you have not yet secured accommodation, this can be a hindrance. That said, there are now online banking services such as Monzo that only require a passport and video of yourself to open them.  For more detailed information on how to open a UK bank account, you can read one of our previous articles. Once you have opened a bank account, this can be a great and simple way to build credit. Make sure to maintain it by ensuring that, if possible, you always have enough money in your account to cover your payments and bills each month. This is beneficial as it shows lenders that you can maintain a responsible relationship with a bank. As an alternative to applying for a credit card, in certain situations, banks may offer you an interest-free overdraft for the first 12 months of being an account holder, this is a great way to build credit so long as you ensure to always pay it off in full before the end of the interest-free period.   Set Up Direct Debits This one goes hand-in-hand with the previous point. Set up direct debits for your bills and rent to ensure that they are paid on time as any late or missed payments could cause issues when you are applying for credit.   Provide Proof of Employment This may seem like an easy one, but being able to prove that you are in a stable job with a regular income will give your credit score a little boost, as it proves to lenders that you have the means to pay them back. Once you have been receiving regular pay into your bank account for a few months, this can help you to apply for credit.   Get a Mobile Phone Contract You may not be able to do this immediately as you may need to build a little credit first, or you may only be able to apply for a SIM only contract to begin with. You can learn more about acquiring a phone contract in our previous article about things to do when you first arrive in the UK. This would be considered a small credit account, so you will not need to build as much credit to open a phone contract as you would, for say, a mortgage. Ensure that you pay your phone bill on time every month, and this will show lenders that you can reliably make repayments.   Get a Credit Card Once again, it is unlikely that you will be able to do this as soon as you arrive in the UK, as you will likely need some credit history to actually be eligible for a credit card, so it might be worth waiting a few months until you’re settled and have been regularly following some of the previous steps. If you would like to find out how to get a credit card, you can read our recent article on the matter. In order to get a good credit card with a low interest rate, you will need a good credit rating…so unfortunately, your first credit card will likely have a high interest rate, it’s estimated that 34.9% is the most common interest rate for these types of cards. It is advisable that prior to applying for a credit card, you check which cards you will be eligible for. You can use Money Saving Expert’s calculator to check your eligibility without negatively impacting your credit score. Once you have acquired a credit card, it is incredibly important to ensure that you use it responsibly and make your repayments on time each month so that you don’t need to pay interest. The best way to make use of it to build your credit is to use it for payments you were already going to make and have the money set aside for, such as rent or bills. It is also highly recommended that you do not withdraw any cash on your credit card as it can be seen by lenders as poor money management. In addition, the interest is higher, and you will be charged for doing this, even if you repay this in full. In doing this, you will be able to demonstrate that you can be trusted to make credit repayments. Try to only use a small amount of your credit limit, the average you’re recommended to use is about 25%-30%. For example, if your credit limit is £500, try not to spend more than £125. If, for any reason, you are struggling to repay your credit card on time, make sure that you contact your lender and ask if you can change your repayment schedule, it may have a negative impact on your credit score, but not as much as missing payments or continuing to pay late will. If you find that later down the line, you are not using a credit card, it is also important to cancel it, as if you have access to too much credit, even if you are not using it, can reflect badly on you when you apply for other forms of credit.   Check your Credit Report for Errors It is important to regularly check your credit report for errors. If you find any incorrect information, ensure that a notice of correction is added to your file. To check your credit report, you will need to order a copy of your credit file online, you will usually be charged a small fee from this, and you can order your file from the following agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.   Don’t Submit Credit Applications Too Frequently It is important not to apply for too much credit in a short space of time, as this can have a negative impact on your credit rating. Where possible, try to space out any applications you make so that it doesn’t appear you are bad at handling money and need to rely on credit.   Don’t get a Pay Day Loan The Money Saving Expert website warns against applying for pay day loans, reportedly, these companies claim that this can be a good way to build credit, however, there interest rates are generally ridiculously high, and can end up getting you into debt, rather than improving your credit score.   Register to Vote Admittedly, this one won’t be very helpful to you when you first arrive, as you will need to obtain British Citizenship in order to have the right to vote. However, if you have been in the country for five years you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship which allows you the right to vote and apply for a British passport. If you are looking to improve your credit score and you have British Citizenship, this can be a great way to give your rating a boost, as it is one way that lenders can confirm your identity and address.   What can Lenders Find Out about me? You might be wondering what information lenders will be able to obtain about you, and why. We will list what lenders will be able to see below, it is important to note that the reason they can learn this information about you is so that they can ensure you are a reliable person to lend money to.   What Information is Included in my Credit Score? Your name Your address and postcode Your date of birth Past credit applications Credit repayment history, including late or missed payments Any existing debt you have If you are on the electoral role If you have any joint credit cards or loans If you have been declared bankrupt or have an IVA Any county court judgements (CCJ’s) Current account turnover   What Information is Not Included in my Credit Score? Student loans Medical history Council tax arrears Criminal record Parking or driving fines   It can seem daunting and even frustrating to have to completely rebuild your credit score once you arrive in the UK, particularly if you are hoping to secure a mortgage to buy a house later down the line. While it can be discouraging, take your time and follow these tips and gradually, you will be able to build up a good credit score, which is sure to benefit you in the long run. If you would like further advise on managing your credit or other financial matters, we would advise that you speak to a professional.   Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who would like to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to relocate to the UK. Are you a member of our Facebook group? When you join IMG Advisor, you join a community of doctors all looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS. We post a series of blogs and vlogs to the group every day. We will also be on hand to answer all of your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 60 videos covering everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS. Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with IMG Advisor the Podcast. You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Buzzsprout. We have a number of episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this.   References Lewis, M. (2018). Credit Scores. [Online]. MoneySavingExpert.com. Available at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.]. Saxon.H. (2018). Build Your Credit History. [Online]. MoneySavingExpert.com. Available at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/build-credit-history/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.]. Moneyadviceservice.org.uk. (2020). How to get credit for the first time. [Online]. Available at: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/getting-credit-for-the-first-time [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.]. http://www.facebook.com/katsgoneglobal (2019). How to Build a Credit Score as a New UK Resident. [Online] Kats Gone Global. Available at: https://katsgoneglobal.com/credit-score-new-uk-resident/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2020.].