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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].  

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.].  

A Guide to: The British Countryside The countryside holds a special place within English life and culture. Although most Brits work in the city, the countryside remains for most people in Britain an idyllic place and a place where one can both live and relax in their free time. For most people, the British countryside provides endless access to historic sites, memorials, monuments, protected areas, pretty villages and pub gardens. In this blog post, we share the five reasons to visit the British countryside when you relocate to the UK and join the NHS. Spectacular Views When you first visit the British countryside, you will find the views “charming, quaint, lovely and picturesque”. When you first visit the English countryside, you will be overwhelmed with plenty of greenery, country inns, moss-covered walls, hedged roads and rolling hills. Historical The British countryside represents natural beauty; however, a fun fact is that it is artificial and uniquely designed via landscaping over hundreds of years by the British people, who hold a 1000-long-year obsession with gardening. You can travel to the countryside by train The United Kingdom’s rail system is one of Britain’s greatest features, with over 20,000 passenger services per day. Most UK getaways are easily accessible by train and explorable by foot once you arrive and often it is a journey of no more than a couple of hours from the nearest airport. Trains are a great way to travel because you can purchase advance tickets for a cheaper price or last minute if your plans suddenly free up and you find yourself wanting to explore. On British trains, you can bring your own food and drinks, you can spread out and travel with comfort, set out your laptop and catch up on some life admin or even play some card games – and of course, enjoying the beautiful countryside out of the window! You should note that some places in the countryside do require a car to get to. However, you could always travel by train, bus and then get a taxi if need be to the specific location that you are visiting. Range of activities The fantastic thing about the NHS countryside is that is the range of fun activities you can do! Whether you have a passion for hiking, playing golf, surfing in Wales, touring a winery, visiting an auto-museum or rock-climbing – there is something for absolutely everyone. Pub Lunch After you have completed a 10-mile hike or bike ride, a hearty Sunday Roast or a classic British dish: beef burgers with mature cheddar cheese and crisp chips, homemade Cumberland sausage with onion gravy and mashed potatoes or roasted pork with spiced apple sauce; you will be spoilt for choice. If you are a vegetarian, the UK has plenty of fantastic veggie-friendly options from grilled halloumi to roasted butternut squash. Fun Facts about the British Countryside There are 10 National Parks in England: Dartmoor, Exmoor, New Forest, South Downs, The Broads, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Lake District and Northumberland. Wales and Scotland have just 5 National Parks between them: Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales and the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in Scotland. The 15 National Parks have two purposes – conserving and enhancing their natural and cultural heritage and promoting the understanding and enjoyment of the qualities of the parks to the public Britain has few endemic (native) species, due to the closeness to mainland Europe. Britain’s only poisonous snake is the adder The number of magpies in Britain and Ireland has quadrupled in the last 30 years Yorkshire is the most Instagrammed location in Britain, followed by the Scottish Highlands and the Shetland Islands Walking is Britain’s most popular outdoor recreation, with almost a third of the adult population walking at least two miles a month Nowhere in the UK is more than 70 miles from the coast   Relocation to the UK If you are interested in relocating to the UK’s countryside or a major city, email your CV to us at [email protected] and we can help you secure the most perfect NHS post. 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 into the group every single day. We will also always be on hand to answer all 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! References Furfeatherandfin.com. (2020). Facts About the British Countryside and Coast | Fur Feather and Fin. [online] Available at: https://www.furfeatherandfin.com/blog/facts-about-british-countryside-coast/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020]. BuzzFeed. (2020). 9 Reasons Why You Need To Visit The British Countryside. [online] Available at: https://www.buzzfeed.com/visitbritain/reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-the-british-countryside [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020].      

When you first move to the UK, it will be hard to get a credit card, a financed car, get a mortgage or get a bank loan. This is due to the lack of a credit history you have in the UK. Unfortunately, you cannot transfer your credit rating from your home country to the UK. So, you will essentially be starting again. Without a present credit history, lenders won’t have any information on you to determine whether you can manage credit responsibly and may therefore class you as high risk, making them reluctant to lend to you. In this blog post, we share how to build up some positive credit history in the UK to help you with your short-term goals such as obtaining a credit card or long-term goals... buying a house! Please note, we are not financial advisors and this blog post is simply a guide. Please consult a professional for further information. What is included in my credit score? Name, address and date of birth Past credit applications Credit repayment history, including late or missed payments Your existing debt Your electoral register presence 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 is not included in my credit score? Student loans Medical history Council tax arrears Criminal record Parking or driving fines Step 1: Employment Most lenders require evidence of proof of a regular income. So, being employed by the NHS you will be able to evidence a consistent income. Step 2: Get a UK address Most lenders will not give you credit without proof of a UK address. So, the first step is to secure a permanent residence. Please note, when you go to open a UK high street bank account you will need to show proof of address. If you are yet to secure permanent accommodation, you can evidence your Air B n B’s address. Step 3: Open a UK Bank Account Although this is not essential to apply for credit, it is advisable that you open a bank account in the UK as it will make you more attractive to lenders. Having a UK bank account means that you can pay bills by direct debit, receive your salary and transfer money abroad. If you would like our advice on how to open a bank account in the UK, please do read our blog post here. Step 4: Create some Positive History in the UK If you can show that you manage credit responsibly, you are more likely to get better interest rates in the future. You have a number of options available to you when you first arrive: Open a high interest credit card – Make sure that you spend little each month, pay back in full and stay within your credit limit otherwise it will have a negative effect on your credit rating. Example high interest cards, please check with each provider as rates regularly change. The Aqua Card – Typical 35.9% APR variable and up to 51 days interest free credit on purchases if you pay off your balance in full and on time each month The Capital One Classic: Typical 34.9% APR variable The Barclaycard Initial: Typical 27.9% APR variable Put bills in your name (where possible) and pay them by direct debit Open a couple of store cards as they are usually easier to get than standard rate credit cards but always pay them off in full every month and you got another way to show you can handle your finances responsibly. Step 5: Time your applications wisely Applying for lots of credit in a short space of time and being rejected is not good for your credit rating. You can try leaving between three and six months between applications to hep repair your credit rating, however, the process will take longer. One example is a mobile phone contract, car insurance, car finance and a credit card can count towards this. Step 6: Curb your card spending When you do get issued a credit card, you should try to minimise any debt on your cards. As a rule of thumb, you should try to keep the debt on a card under 30% of your credit card limit. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who has decided that you would like our support in securing an NHS service post, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS job and on your journey to the UK today. 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 into the group every single day. We will also always be on hand to answer all 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! References Focus, E. (2020). Moving or Moved to the UK? A Guide to Credit and Financial Freedom | Expat Focus. [online] Expatfocus.com. Available at: https://www.expatfocus.com/guide-to-credit-and-financial-freedom-in-the-uk [Accessed 22 Jan. 2020].  

As it’s Big Energy Saving Week, we wanted to share some tips on ways that you can reduce your energy bill, and more importantly, do your bit to save the planet. According to BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy, in 2018, “energy consumption growth was driven by natural gas, which contributed to more than 40% of the increase.” As such, any change we can make to reduce our energy consumption can only be beneficial.   How can I use less water?   Spend One Minute Less in the Shower Energy Saving Trust.org reports that if every person in a family of four spent one minute less in the shower each day, they could save an impressive £75 a year on energy bills! So, if someone in your family takes long showers, imagine how much money could be saved if they cut five minutes off their shower time!   Use a Washing up Bowl Instead of running water continuously to wash your dishes, fill a washing up bowl with water and wash your dishes in the bowl. This may seem like you’re using more water, but you’d be surprised how much water is wasted just by leaving the tap running whilst washing your dishes!   Turn the Tap off! It can be easy to forget, but try to turn the tap off whilst you’re brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face, and you could save 6 litres of water every minute by making this small change to your morning and evening routines!   Use your Washing Machine for one less Cycle Try to reduce the amount of times you use your washing machine a week, by doing even one less cycle, you can make a surprising difference to your energy bill.   Only Fill the Kettle with the Water you Need Instead of filling the kettle up to the maximum level each time you use it, only fill it up with as much water as you need at a given time.   Replace your Shower Head Change your shower head to a water efficient one, and you could save yourself £70 a year on gas and a whopping £115 a year on your water bill, not only will this make a huge difference in saving the planet, but you could put that money towards something else.   Monitor your Taps! Energy Saving Trust.org has reported that dripping taps can waste more than 5,300 litres of water a year! As such, make sure that your taps are properly turned off, and its recommended that you regularly change the washers on your taps if you notice that they’re beginning to drip.   How can I use Less Electricity?   Use Energy Efficient Bulbs Where possible, try to replace standard lightbulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. This change could save you £35 on your yearly energy bill.   Buy Energy Efficient Appliances In the UK, many appliances come with energy grades, with A+++ being the best for the environment and your energy bill, and G being the worst. When it’s time to replace your current fridge, dishwasher or washing machine, or if you’re just relocating to the UK and looking to buy new appliances for your home, try to buy products that have an energy rating of A+++ if possible, to save yourself the most money on your electricity bill.   Switch Off Try to remember to switch lights off if you’re not using them, as well as other electrical appliances such as TVs, computers, and even chargers. By switching lights off when you’re not using them, you could save £14 a year on energy bills. Also, if you have an appliance in standby mode, make sure to switch it off, this could save you £30 a year. This might not seem like a lot, but these small changes combined with others on this list can add up at the end of the year!   Wash Clothing on a Lower Temperature Where possible, try to wash your clothes on a lower temperature, such as washing on 30 degrees instead of 40 degrees. Many newer washing machines now have ECO cycles and energy saving settings that you can utilise as well.   How can I use Less Gas?   Set a Timer If your central heating system allows you to set the time that the heating comes on, utilise this so that it only heats the house when you’re home and doesn’t waste energy by warming the house when no one will be home to benefit from this.   Turn Your Thermostat Down If possible, try to turn your thermostat down by one degree, this small change can save you an impressive 10% on your energy bill at the end of the month!   Close Blinds and Curtains in the Evening This is likely something you do anyway, but did you know that by closing blinds and curtains around your house in the evening, it prevents heat from escaping out of the house through the windows?   Seal any Cracks in Windows, Doors and Skirting Boards Following on from the previous tip, you can save £20 a year on your energy bill by sealing up any cracks or draughts in windows, doors and skirting boards and you can prevent heat from escaping your home.   Get Double Glazing and Insulate your Home Double glazed windows provide less room for heat to escape from your house than single glazed windows do, and can save you £110 a year on energy bills. If possible, also try to get your roof and loft insulated, again, whilst this can be costly initially, by doing this, less heat will escape from your home, and you can save yourself up to £135 a year by doing this, so it is actually beneficial in the long run.   Install a Smart Thermostat Smart thermostats can save you money as they will only heat the rooms you are spending time in, and they can learn how long it takes to heat your home so that your property is heated efficiently. Having a smart thermostat installed can save you £75 a year!   Monitor Your Usage Our final recommendation is to monitor your energy consumption. An easy way to track your usage is to have a smart meter installed in your home, this way, you can easily see where your energy consumption is highest, and make plans to reduce this.   How Much Could I Save a Year? The amount you could save on your energy bills a year will vary vastly depending on how many of these tips you decide to follow, how many people are in your family, the size of your home and the kind of energy saving techniques you may already have in place, so we cannot give you a definitive answer. However, we will strive to give you a very rough estimate based on a family of four. Energy Saving  Money Saved Using a washing up bowl £12 Reduce washing machine use by 1 cycle £12 Only fill kettle when needed £12 Spend 1 minute less in the shower a day £75 Replacing your shower head with an energy efficient one £185 Switch to energy efficient lightbulbs £35 Switch off lights when you're not using them £14 Switch off appliances in standy £30 Seal up draughts in doors, windows and skirting boards £20 Get double glazing put in £110 Insulate your roof and attic £135 Have a smart thermostat installed £75 Total Saved: £715 As you can see, if you make some small changes to your daily habits, and some changes to your home, you can save a great deal of money each year, money that could be put towards a holiday for your family, or something you’ll all enjoy, with the added benefit of doing your part to save the environment.   Relocating to the UK If you’re an international doctor hoping to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we would be happy to help you on your relocation journey. 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 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, Stitcher, Spotify and Buzzsprout. We have several episodes with tips and advice on relocating to the UK and the routes you can take to achieve this. Keep your eyes peeled for the second season of our podcast, coming soon!   References Bp.com. (2020). [online] Available at: https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/business-sites/en/global/corporate/pdfs/energy-economics/statistical-review/bp-stats-review-2019-full-report.pdf [Accessed 22 Jan. 2020]. Energy Saving Trust. (2020). Big Energy Saving Week 2020. [online] Available at: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/big-energy-saving-week-2020 [Accessed 22 Jan. 2020]. Moneysupermarket.com. (2020). Energy Saving Tips | How To Reduce Bills | MoneySuperMarket. [online] Available at: https://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/energy-saving-tips/ [Accessed 22 Jan. 2020].  

Ofsted stands for the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It is an independent body that reports directly to Parliament. Ofsted inspects services in the UK that provide education and skills for learners of all ages. Each week, Ofsted carry out hundreds of inspections and regulatory visits throughout England publish the results online. The body has around 1,800 employees across 8 regions: East Midlands East of England North East, Yorkshire and Humber North West South East South West West Midlands London Ofsted is responsible for: The inspection and regulation of educational institutions including independent schools, state schools, academies and childcare facilities The inspection of agencies responsible for adoption, fostering and other social care services The inspection of other services for children and young people Carry out research on education and social care Reporting on the above institutions and relaying the information to the government What is an Ofsted rating and why is it important to me? When you are researching into the school that you want your child to attend, it is essential to look at the school’s Ofsted rating as it will give an indication into its quality of teaching and pupils’ achievements. There are four Ofsted ratings: Grade 1: Outstanding An outstanding school provides exceptionally well for the needs of its pupils and prepares them for the next stage of their education or employment at the highest possible level.  Grade 2: Good A good school provides well for the needs of its pupils and prepares them effectively for the next stage of their education or employment. Grade 3: Requires Improvement A school that requires improvement is not inadequate, but neither is it satisfactory. Grade 4: Inadequate An inadequate school has significant weaknesses and is failing to prepare its students effectively for the next stages of their lives. The management and leadership, however, are judged to be Grade 3 and above. To search for a school’s Ofsted report, click here. When you are reading a school’s report, look out for their scores in: Leadership and management Behaviour and safety of pupils Quality of teaching Achievement of pupils Summary Final judgements Please note if you are relocating to Wales, the school inspection body is called Estyn - https://www.estyn.gov.wales/ If you are relocating to Scotland, you can search their reports here - https://www.mygov.scot/school-inspection-reports/ Northern Ireland can be found here - https://www.etini.gov.uk/ Childcare If you are a doctor that has children younger than school age, please have a read of our blog post on the childcare options available in the UK. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who has decided that you would like our support in securing an NHS service post, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS job and on your journey to the UK today. 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 into the group every single day. We will also always be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 45 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! References Engage Education. (2020). What is OFSTED? | Educational Standards - Engage Education. [online] Available at: https://engage-education.com/blog/video-article/ [Accessed 14 Jan. 2020].

Having a local bank account is essential for life in the UK; your NHS salary will be paid directly into it, you will need it to obtain a mobile contract, set up household bills and a debit card to pay for every day life. In this blog post, we discuss the documents you will need, fees and charges involved, how to choose which high street bank to bank with and credit cards. It is important to note that there is no legal barrier to opening a UK bank account as an international doctor, but each bank does have its own products which come with different rates, terms and conditions. So, you should always read the fine print before you agree to open an account with them. Documents needed To open a bank in the UK, you will need to evidence your identity, address, salary and your biometric residence permit (BRP). This allows banks to maintain their security and ensure accounts are not used for illegal activity. 1. Proof of Identification To evidence your identity, you will need to show a current photo ID. Typically, doctors use a valid passport to do so. Other documents are accepted such as your driving licence or your BRP. 2. Proof of Address Each high street bank has their own list of documents that they will accept for your proof of address. So, you will need to double check exactly what your chosen bank requires before you visit the branch to open up your account. Typically, doctors use an Air B n B address or hospital accommodation. 3. Salary As you will not have an available credit history, the bank may ask you to provide evidence of your yearly salary. You can obtain this evidence from your hospital’s HR department. Try and obtain this letter before you attend your appointment at the bank. 4. BRP Evidencing your BRP is needed to confirm your right to reside in the UK. Doctors typically receive their BRP 3-7 days after arriving. All documents must usually be original, issued within the last three months and show your full name and UK address. The Application Process The process can differ slightly depending on the bank. We advise that you call the branch in ahead of attending in person and confirm the documents that you need to open up an account. The typical steps are: Collect all of the required documentation Complete the banks application form Book an appointment at a local branch of your choice Attend your appointment to show your original documents Make a deposit It can take a few days for your bank card and security number (PIN) to arrive in the post Please note, it can sometimes take a week or two to book an appointment in busy high street branches i.e. in major cities, so, planning ahead is essential. How much does it cost? Opening up a UK bank account is typically free; however, you may be required to have a certain amount paid into your account each month. With regards to ATM fees, typically high street cash machines are free to use if you have a UK-issued debit card. However, ATM machines you find in airports, train stations or pubs may charge a fee for cash withdrawals, usually around £1.50-3 per transaction. The machine will always notify you that there is a charge to use the service so, do check the screen before you enter your card and PIN. How to choose your high street bank Everybody’s banking needs are personal. If you have a healthy balance with lots of savings, you may be interested in the bank that pays the most interest. Or potentially, to aid your relocation you might seek a bank that does not charge for you to use their overdraft facilities. Click here to compare high street banks. Monzo Monzo was established in 2016 and it is a bank that will live on your smartphone and it is completely free to use. The bank allows you to sort your salary when you get paid into spending, saving and bills. You are able to set specific spending budgets for different categories, such as your food shop, entertainment or eating out so, you can track how well you are doing for each month. There are two main advantages to Monzo. The first is that you can withdraw up to £200 per month abroad for free, from £200+ you will be charged 3%. Second, you can open up an account by simply uploading your passport and a video of yourself to the app. Applications are usually accepted in 1-2 days. For further information, please click here. How I open a UK bank account from overseas? Depending on what country you are residing in, you may be able to open up a UK bank account from overseas. Many British banks have a correspondent banking relationship with countries overseas. These accounts are designed for non-residents, so they are the perfect option if you cannot evidence a UK address. Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and NatWest offer international accounts. However, typically opening an international account from outside the UK can require a large initial deposit and you must commit to pay in a minimum amount of money each month. Some banks will charge you a monthly fee in addition to these requirements. Can I get a UK credit card? As you will be new to the UK, you might have difficulty getting access to credit, even if you did have good credit history in your home country. Credit reference agencies in the UK do not share data with similar agencies overseas, so when you first arrive in the UK, it is essentially like you are “invisible” to lenders and because they do not have any record of what you are like with money, therefore you might find it is harder to take out a credit card and loans. If you have made an application for credit but been refused, it is not sensible to make too many applications. Lots of applications in a short space of time could damage your credit history, even if you have not been successful with your applications. What can I do? If you had good credit in your home country, you could contact your bank manager and ask them to provide you with a reference to your local branch in the UK. You could also consider applying for a “Credit Card Builder”, a credit card available for those building their credit. You should note that these cards often have higher interest rates, with the average interest rate 30% (January 2020). Click here to compare cards. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who has decided that you would like our support in securing an NHS service post, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS job and on your journey to the UK today. 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 into the group every single day. We will also always be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 45 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! References The Telegraph. (2020). Tips for opening a UK bank account. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/transferwise/how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-uk/ [Accessed 6 Jan. 2020]. Vanquis.co.uk. (2020). Getting a Credit Card as a New UK Resident - Vanquis. [online] Available at: https://www.vanquis.co.uk/understanding-credit/financial-problems/overseas-uk-credit-rating [Accessed 6 Jan. 2020].

Once you have found a property to rent in the UK, you may be wondering what your responsibilities as a tenant are, and what your landlord’s responsibilities will be. In this article, we will be explaining what will be expected of you, what you can expect of your landlord, what to do at the end of your tenancy, and who you should contact if any issues arise during your tenancy.   Before Moving In Documents Prior to moving into the property, there are several documents that your landlord must provide you with. We covered which documents your landlord will need from you in a previous article. Firstly, and most importantly, you should make sure that you receive a written tenancy agreement from your landlord. This should specify the length of your tenancy, what changes you can and can’t make to the property, and the notice period required should you wish to end the tenancy early. Before you sign this agreement, ensure that you have read and understood the terms. If you are uncertain about anything in your tenancy agreement, seek advice from Shelter before you agree to sign. We would also recommend that you ensure your tenancy agreement includes a break clause. A break clause allows you to give your landlord notice if you wish to leave the property before the end of your tenancy without incurring any fees for breaking the terms of your contract. It will usually mean that if you wish to leave, you will need to provide your landlord with a set notice period in writing, and will ensure that when your notice ends, your tenancy will end, your right to live in the property will end and you will not be liable for ongoing rent. A break clause will also generally state a given period of time that must pass before you are able to make use of this clause, for example, it may state that you can offer a month’s notice after you are six months into your contract. If you would like to learn more about break clauses, you can read about them on the Shelter website. You and your landlord should agree to a check-in report or inventory before you move into the property. An inventory will outline any furniture, appliances or belongings that the landlord is leaving in the property for the use of tenants, and if damaged at the end of your tenancy, your landlord may keep part, or all your deposit as compensation for any damage to these items. It is advisable to take photographs of any belongings left in the property by your landlord, prior to you moving in, just in case there is any dispute about the condition of these objects at the end of your tenancy.  Once you move in, take meter readings at your earliest convenience, this is to ensure that you don’t end up paying for any of the previous tenant’s bills. Finally, ensure that your landlord follows a code of practice. A code of practice ensures that a property is of a good quality and high standard. You can read about the code in detail here.   Documents your Landlord Should Provide you with There are several documents your landlord should provide you with either before you move in, or within the first month or so of you residing in the property. Contact Details Perhaps most importantly, your landlord or letting agency should provide you with contact details should you need to contact them in an emergency or about any issues that may arise with the property. Legally, you can be made aware of your landlord’s name and address.   Renting Checklist As mentioned in our previous article about renting, your landlord should provide you with a copy of the renting checklist. This checklist is a document outlining what you should be aware of throughout the renting process and should help you to remain aware of your rights and responsibilities, as well as the rights and responsibilities of your landlord.   Gas Safety Certificate Gas safety certificates confirm that any appliances fueled by gas within the property have been checked and are safe for your use. You should receive a copy of this when you first move into the property. Checks should be completed annually, something your landlord will be responsible for arranging, and you should also receive a certificate within 28 days of each gas safety check.   Deposit Paperwork If your landlord or agency has requested a deposit, it is the responsibility of your landlord to protect it in a government approved scheme within 30 days of receiving the deposit, and they should inform you of any information regarding this. It is also important for you to understand how you will get your deposit back at the end of your tenancy, so be sure to discuss this with your landlord or agency when you first pay your deposit.   Energy Performance Certificate The energy performance certificate determines the cost of energy bills for a property, unless the property is multiple occupancy, where common areas such as the kitchen and living room are shared by multiple tenants. Properties rented after April 1st, 2018 must have an energy performance rating of E.   Electrical Inspection Records Electrical appliances provided by the landlord in a property should be checked every five years, and so you should receive a record of the most recent inspection to ensure that all electrical appliances within the property are safe.   Evidence that Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are Working Your landlord should also provide evidence that any smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms are in working order before you move in. All properties should contain a smoke detector on each floor of the property, so if this is missing, you should request that your landlord install them. If the property you intend to move into has a woodburning stove or fireplace, then it should have a carbon monoxide alarm in addition to the previously mentioned smoke detectors.   Responsibilities During your tenancy, both landlords and tenants have certain responsibilities. We will go into detail about these, but to give you a brief idea, landlords have a responsibility to ensure that their property is safe and habitable for tenants, and tenants have a responsibility to respect and maintain the property.   Tenant Responsibilities   Pay your Rent on Time Your main responsibility as a tenant will be to pay your rent on time. Generally, tenants will pay rent monthly, but in certain circumstances, it is possible to pay an annual fee instead.  If you fail to pay your rent within 14 days, you may have to pay a default fee. It’s also likely that if you continually fail to pay your rent, your landlord will evict you for breaking your tenancy agreement.   Pay your Bills As well as your rent, it will also be your responsibility to pay your council tax, gas, electricity and water bills, unless your tenancy agreement states that these bills are included in your rental agreement.   Maintain the Property It is important to ensure that you maintain the cleanliness and condition of the property where you can. Whilst the landlord will be responsible for larger issues, you should be considerate of the property, cleaning regularly and completing smaller tasks such as changing lightbulbs. If you wish to redecorate, you should consult with your landlord beforehand to ensure that they are happy for you to make changes, or to discuss what changes you can or can’t make. If any appliances provided by the landlord break, or if any plumbing, electrical or structural issues arise, make sure to contact your landlord immediately so that they can resolve these issues promptly. Whilst it is the landlord’s duty to ensure that any issues are resolved, you will be equally responsible for reporting any problems. It is also advisable to take out contents insurance, as even if your landlord has insurance, it likely won’t cover your personal possessions, only the possessions provided by the landlord.   Be Considerate of Neighbours If you will be living in a property where you will have neighbours, it is important to be respectful of your neighbours by ensuring that you are not disruptive (e.g. playing loud music late at night) or anti-social (harassing or threatening your neighbours). If your landlord receives reports that you have exhibited disruptive or anti-social behavior, it is possible that they may take actions to evict you.   Subletting Subletting is when a tenant rents the property, or a room in the property, out to someone else. Generally, this practice is illegal as the landlord is often not made aware that their property is being let out by the tenants. If you do wish to sublet the property you are living in, make sure to seek permission from your landlord, and if they refuse, do not proceed with plans to sublet.   Be Aware of the Property When you first move into the property, ensure that you are aware of how to operate the boiler and any appliances provided to you by the landlord. It will also be your responsibility to ask where the stopcock, fuse box and meters are.   Test the Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Whilst it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and that they are functioning when you initially move in, it will be your responsibility as the tenant to test these detectors on a monthly basis. If you find any issues with one of the detectors, you should report it to your landlord immediately.   Landlord Responsibilities   Maintain the Exterior, Structure and Safety of the Property The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the property you are living in is structurally sound, and safe for habitation. If you have any concerns or find any issues with the property, always contact your landlord.   Fit Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms As previously mentioned, smoke detectors should be installed on each floor of a property, and if there is a wood or coal burning oven or fireplace available in the property, a carbon monoxide alarm should also be installed. If either of these is missing, you should request your landlord to have them put into the property.   Water, Electricity and Gas Issues If any issues arise with the water, electricity or gas supplies, you should report this to your landlord, and it will be their duty to send someone to the property to fix this.   Gas Safety Check As mentioned in the documents section of this article, your landlord should arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out and inform you of this, as it is likely that you will either need to be home to let someone in to carry out these checks, or the landlord themselves will need to be present during the check if you aren’t available.   Maintain Furniture and Appliances and Provide Repairs If your landlord has supplied you with any appliances or furniture, it will be their responsibility to maintain these items and ensure that they are functioning correctly. If one of these appliances breaks or malfunctions, ensure that you notify your landlord so that they can have it repaired or replaced. As well as the appliances and furniture supplied by the landlord, if any issues arise with the property itself, it is generally the landlord’s responsibility to have these issues repaired, unless otherwise specified in your tenancy agreement.   24 Hours’ Notice for Visits If, for any reason, the landlord needs to come to the property for repairs or any kind of visit, they are legally required to give you at least 24 hours’ notice prior to this. Even though the landlord owns the property, they aren’t allowed to enter the property without giving you the specified amount of notice.   Maintain Energy Efficiency As previously stated, your landlord will need to provide you with documentation outlining the energy efficiency of the property. The landlord will need to ensure that the minimum energy efficiency is in band E, unless the property is exempt from this.   Insuring the Property The landlord’s final responsibility is to insure the property to cover the costs of any damage caused by fire or flood.    Ending your Tenancy At the end of your tenancy, you’ll usually either wish to extend your tenancy, or leave the property. In both situations, there are steps that both you and your landlord will need to complete.   Extending your Tenancy If you decide you’d like to remain in the property, and your landlord is happy for you to do so, you will either need to sign a new fixed term contract, the way you did initially, or you could opt for a rolling tenancy. A rolling tenancy allows you to continue living in the property but with no fixed term date. In this situation, your tenancy agreement with the landlord should state how much notice you will need to provide the landlord with should you wish to leave, the notice period will generally be one month. It is also possible that if you extend your tenancy, your landlord may wish to increase the cost of rent, which they are entitled to do before you sign a new tenancy agreement, but they must inform you of this change and include it in the new agreement before you sign it.   If you Want to End your Tenancy If your landlord wishes to end your tenancy, they are legally required to give you proper notice, at least two months usually, and must have allowed any fixed term period of the tenancy to have expired. If you decide you want to end your tenancy early, you may be charged for this as you will be breaking your contract. It should stipulate in your tenancy agreement how much notice you need to provide your landlord with in this situation, but it is generally one month. The property will be inspected once yourself and your landlord have decided that you wish to end the tenancy agreement, this inspection will determine if any of your deposit will be deducted due to damages to the property. The gov.uk website recommends that you be present for this inspection. If you disagree with the outcome of an inspection, you can contact the relevant deposit protection scheme to appeal. Here are a few of the deposit protection schemes in place: Deposit Protection Service MyDeposits Tenancy Deposit Scheme You should also ensure that all your rent and bill payments are up to date prior to leaving, if they are left unpaid, it could have a negative impact on your credit rating and if you wish to obtain a reference from your landlord. During the process of vacating the property, make sure that you clean the property thoroughly, as well as removing all of your possessions, even if there are items you don’t intend to take to your new home with you, remove and dispose of any wanted belongings. If you leave any of your personal belongings in the property, the landlord is entitled to dispose of them after 14 days, though they must inform you that they intend to do this. Finally, ensure that you take meter readings, return any keys to the landlord, and provide your landlord with a forwarding address should they need to contact you or forward any post on to you after you have vacated the property.   Issues During or After your Tenancy Major issues can usually be avoided if you do your research whilst searching for a property to rent and before signing a tenancy agreement, however sometimes problems can arise during your tenancy that are beyond your control, and it is useful to know who to contact in those situations. It should be noted that if possible, it is always best to discuss any problems with your landlord or letting agency first, as often they can find a quick resolution to any worries or issues you may have.   Letting Agencies If you have any complaints about the letting agency you are dealing with, and the letting agency itself can’t resolve this for you, it is possible to make a complaint to the Independent Redress Scheme, and they should be able to better advise you.   Landlords If you find that you are having difficulties with your landlord that can’t be resolved by discussing the issue directly with them, you should report the issue to your local authority, you can find yours here. Examples of difficulties with your landlord are: Your landlord refusing to repair the property when the conditions are unsafe. If your landlord attempts to evict you without valid reason or without providing written notice as stipulated in your tenancy agreement. If your landlord unfairly retains your deposit at the end of your tenancy. If your landlord makes unannounced visits or harasses you (if you feel threatened or unsafe, it is recommended that you call 999).     Financial Difficulties Sometimes, circumstances beyond your control may prevent you from being able to afford the cost of your rent. It is vital to speak to your landlord as soon as possible in this situation, as they are likely to be more understanding if you are honest with them from the outset and may be able to offer you some help and advice. If the issue is potentially going to be a long term problem, it is wise to contact Citizens Advice or Shelter for further advice.   Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor with plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we would love to help you 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 into the group every single day. We will also be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 50 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with the IMG Advisor Podcast! You can find us on Apple Podcast, 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 Rla.org.uk. (2019). [online] Available at: https://www.rla.org.uk/documents/download.shtml?pid=3414&v=3cf1a0fb170ac7ad4569f80fba7bfe39 [Accessed 30 Dec. 2019]. GOV.UK. (2019). How to rent: the checklist for renting in England. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent/how-to-rent-the-checklist-for-renting-in-england [Accessed 30 Dec. 2019]. England, S., advice, H. and renting, P. (2019). How to end a fixed term tenancy early. [online] Shelter England. Available at: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/how_tenants_can_end_a_fixed_term_tenancy [Accessed 30 Dec. 2019].

When you are preparing to rent a property in the UK on an assured shorthold tenancy, your landlord must provide you with something called The Checklist for Renting in England. In this article, we will run through some of the key points included in the Checklist relating to the things you should be aware of before you rent a property, and during the process of viewing properties to help ensure that you find a safe and legal place to live.   What is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy? An assured shorthold tenancy (AST) is the most common type of tenancy England. Your tenancy will be an AST if: You will be renting privately If your tenancy started on or after January 15th 1989 The property you intend to rent will be your main accommodation The landlord doesn’t live in the property   Your tenancy won’t be AST if: The tenancy agreement started before January 15th 1989 The cost of rent will be more than £100,000 a year The cost of rent will be less than £250 a year (or less than £1,000 in London) The tenancy is a business tenancy or tenancy of a licensed premises Your landlord will be a local council The property is a holiday let   Are you being Asked to Pay a Fee? As of June 1st 2019, it is illegal for landlords or letting agencies to charge a fee for their services, so if you show interest in a property and the landlord or agency are requesting a fee other than the deposit, they are breaking the law, and you should not do business with them. How long do you want to Rent the Property for? Depending on how long you plan to live in an area and in a particular property means that you are able to negotiate the length of your tenancy with the landlord, anywhere between 6 months and 7 years. Obviously, if you are hoping to buy a home within a few years of relocating to the UK, it is probably worth negotiating a tenancy plan that only spans 6 months to 1 year to begin with. If you decide that you like the property at the end of your tenancy agreement, you can always negotiate a longer agreement when the initial period of your tenancy is due to expire. How much can you Afford to spend on Rent? The government reports that the majority of people can afford to spend 35% of their take home income at the end of the month on rent, depending on factors such as whether you have other family members to support. This is something you will have to try and calculate before you can decide on a property. You can roughly work out your take home pay on this website. Are you Entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit? This question will be on the checklist, but if you are just relocating to the UK for the first time, you will not yet be entitled to help such as housing benefit or Universal Credit. You may be entitled to these if you have lived in the UK for a length of time and have Indefinite Leave to Remain, but there are still some stipulations to this. Which Area Would you like to Live in? Obviously, you will want to find a property within a reasonable distance of the hospital you will be working for, and within a good distance of local schools if you have children. You may be able to commute, but you should consider how far you are willing to commute before you start looking at properties, that way, you can narrow down your search to find properties within a specific area or distance from your place of work. Do you have the Relevant Documents? You will need certain documents in order to rent a property in the UK. You will need: Proof of identity – Passport or photocard driving license, an official letter dated within the last three months such as a utility bill Proof of your right to live in the UK – A copy of your Tier 2 Visa and any relevant documentation associated Credit history – A tax return for the most recent tax year, pay slips from the previous 3 to 6 months. Bank Account – You will need to have a UK bank account in order to rent a property, in order to open a UK bank account, you will need proof of employment and a BRP, which are explained below. Proof of Employment – You will need a letter from your NHS employer confirming your salary, job title and length of contract, a current employment contract. You will also need this to open a bank account. Biometric Residence Permits – You will also need to provide biometric residence permits for all of your family members. This will also be necessary to open a bank account.   Will you have a Guarantor?  Some landlords will require you to have a guarantor, someone who will be responsible for paying the rent if you don’t pay it for some reason. Landlords prefer for your guarantor to be someone who is living in the UK, preferably a family member, but if this isn’t possible, they may accept someone from overseas, it will depend on the landlord. Are you being charged Fairly for the Deposit? Whenever you rent a property, you will be asked to pay a deposit beforehand. This is to cover any damage that may be caused to the house, or may be used if you, for whatever reason, can’t afford to pay rent one month. The deposit should not be more than five weeks’ worth of rent (where the annual rent is less than £50,000) or six weeks’ worth of rent (where annual rent is more than £50,000). It is also important to check that the landlord will be protecting the deposit in a government protected scheme. Are there Property Restrictions? Some landlords do not allow people to live in their property if they have children, pets, or if they are smokers. If it is not stated on the property ad, it is important to check with the landlord or agency whether they allow children/pets/smokers if any of these circumstances are relevant to you. If you’re hoping to redecorate, whether you’re planning on painting rooms in a property or putting up shelves and photo frames, it’s also worth checking with the landlord beforehand if they are happy for you to make these modifications. Some landlords prefer for tenants not to make changes, as they may only be living there for a short period of time, so it’s important to check first.   Who will be Responsible for Bills and Council Tax? In certain circumstances, the landlord may be willing to pay for bills such as gas, electricity and water, though generally this will be your responsibility, if it’s not specified in the rental ad, it is worth enquiring about this. Is the Property Safe? When viewing a property, it is important to be aware of safety regulations that all landlords should be following. The government website has some more in-depth documents on the checks you should do to ensure that a property is safe, one on how to rent a safe home, and one on fitness for habitation. To give you a brief overview though, you should ensure that there is a working smoke detector on each floor, and if the property has a woodburning stove or fireplace, it’s also very important to check that there is a carbon monoxide detector too. If the property does not contain these, it is possible for the landlord to install them, but you should certainly bring it up.   Is the landlord subletting? If someone is renting a property from someone, and the person renting then attempts to rent it out to someone else, this is called subletting. Subletting can be illegal, so it is important to be certain that if someone is attempting to sublet a property to you, that the owner of the property has given the tenant permission to do this. How do I find a Property to Rent? If you would like to know more about how to find a property to rent, and the pros and cons of renting a property, we have an article giving an overview of the rental process in the UK which you can read here.   Relocation to the UK If you’re an international with plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we would love to help you on your journey 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 into the group every single day. We will also be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 50 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with the IMG Advisor Podcast! You can find us on Apple Podcast, 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 Byers, C. (2019). The documents needed to rent in the UK. [online] Movebubble.com. Available at: https://www.movebubble.com/london/renting-advice/2015/10/documents-need-rent-house-flat [Accessed 17 Dec. 2019]. Citizensadvice.org.uk. (2019). Check if you can get Housing Benefit. [online] Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/housing-benefit/help-with-your-housing-benefit-claim/check-if-you-can-get-housing-benefit/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2019]. GOV.UK. (2019). Private renting for tenants: tenancy agreements. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/private-renting-tenancy-agreements/tenancy-types [Accessed 17 Dec. 2019]. Citizensadvice.org.uk. (2019). Using a guarantor. [online] Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/using-a-guarantor/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2019]. Rla.org.uk. (2019). [online] Available at: https://www.rla.org.uk/documents/download.shtml?pid=3414&v=3cf1a0fb170ac7ad4569f80fba7bfe39 [Accessed 17 Dec. 2019]. GOV.UK. (2019). How to rent: the checklist for renting in England. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent/how-to-rent-the-checklist-for-renting-in-england [Accessed 17 Dec. 2019].  

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest employers in the world and it is the biggest employer in Europe, with over 1.3 million staff. A typical day for the NHS includes: Over 835,000 people visiting their GP practice or practice nurse Almost 50,000 people visiting accident and emergency departments 49,000 outpatient consultations 94,000 people admitted to hospital as an emergency admission 36,000 people in hospital for planned treatment No matter what area of the NHS you join, you will become part of a talented, passionate team of individuals who are committed to providing extraordinary care and treatment to UK patients. With the NHS being such a busy institution and with over 10,000 vacancies at this present time – it is important for the NHS to possesses both Service Doctors and Training Doctors but we often get asked what the difference is… An NHS Service Post An NHS service post (also known as a non-training post) is designed to fill gaps in the department’s rota of training doctors. So, in order to ensure that NHS patients receive continuity of care and excellent quality of care, service posts exist. The job role of a service doctor is essentially the same as a doctor in training, except the post is not recognised by an NHS Deanery and it is not designed to provide official educational support. That being said, some hospitals do provide international doctors with CESR support to help them get onto the Specialist Register (get in contact with us today to find out which hospitals – [email protected]). What is an NHS Deanery? An NHS Deanery is a regional organisation who is responsible for postgraduate medical training, within the NHS. Each NHS Deanery is advised by a Specialty Training Committee (STC), which includes a number of Consultants who provide their expert opinion. The recruitment of doctors into Specialty Training Programmes are managed by Deaneries. Once you have accepted a training post the Deanery will then allocate specific jobs, arrange educational supervision and provide the assessment of whether you have demonstrated sufficient progress within your training. What is an NHS Training Post? If you have secured an NHS training post, your relevant Deanery will provide you with a set curriculum that you will need to follow with regards to updating your e-portfolio, signing off competencies and attending teaching sessions. You will be allocated an Educational and Clinical Supervisor to provide you with support. Within a training post, you will be allocated study leave to allow you to study for your postgraduate qualification exams. As an international doctor – can I apply for a Specialty Training Post? It is important to note that NHS training posts are extremely competitive. So, to successfully obtain an NHS training post we always advise the following: Obtain a service post for a year or two years, acclimatise yourself with the system and then you will be both physically and mentally prepared and eligible to apply for a training post. Good luck! Securing an NHS Service Post If you are an international doctor who has plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS – email your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to support you through the entire process. From your GMC Registration, assistance securing a post, relocation logistics to finding schools for your children. Are you a member of IMG Advisor? Here, you will find access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to receive professional guidance on relocating to the UK and the chance to meet other IMGs! References Jobs.nhs.uk. (2019). NHS Jobs - Working in the NHS. [online] Available at: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/about_nhs.html [Accessed 24 Apr. 2019]. BMJ.com (2004). The BMJ – What is the difference between a LAT post and a LAS post? [online] Available at: https://www.bmj.com/content/329/7479/s236.1 [Accessed 24 Apr.2019].

If you have lived and worked in the UK for a number of years or are planning to remain in the UK on a long-term or permanent basis, you may wish to apply for British Citizenship. Some of the benefits of obtaining British citizenship are that you will be eligible to receive free healthcare from the NHS, you will be granted access to unemployment allowances, you’ll have the right to vote and you can apply for a British passport. In this article, we will shed some light on what makes someone eligible to apply for British citizenship and the requirements necessary for the application process.   Eligibility There are a few different circumstances that may make you eligible to apply for British citizenship, these depend on your status within the country and how long you have lived within the UK. You may be eligible to apply for citizenship if: You have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) If you have Permanent Residence status You have ‘settled status’ under the EU settlement scheme You’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen There are some requirements specific to each of circumstances listed above which will determine whether or not you’re eligible to apply, we will explain these in further detail later in this article.   General Requirements No matter what your circumstances are, there are some overarching requirements that you must comply with, such as evidencing your English skills and completing certain tests. So, whether you have IRL or are married to a British citizen, you will need to adhere to these conditions. The most basic requirements that require little explanation are: You must intend to continue living in the UK on a long-term basis You must be 18 years of age or older   Evidencing your English Language Skills This should be a familiar requirement as it will have been necessary to obtain GMC Registration, and to get your Tier 2 Visa as well. In order to apply for British Citizenship, you will also be expected to prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic skills, depending on where you’re hoping to settle. To evidence your English language skills, you can either use UK NARIC, or you will need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT). If you passed IELTS in order to obtain GMC Registration, you will be able to use this as proof of your English language skills, even if has since expired. You will need to provide a certificate or evidence of your score. Unfortunately, the OET is not currently accepted by the Home Office, so if you passed OET for GMC Registration and your Visa application, you will need to sit either IELTS or the Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE). It may be a relief to know that you will only need to achieve a score of 4 in IELTS in order to be eligible to apply for British Citizenship, unlike the score of 7.5 necessary for GMC Registration. GESE, on the other hand, is slightly different to IELTS as you will be able to take tests at different grades. You will need to achieve a pass in a GESE grade 5 test in order to be eligible to apply for British Citizenship, if you pass a GESE test of a lower grade, this will not be accepted by the Home Office. You can learn more about GESE on the Trinity College website.   Life in the UK Test Before you can apply for British Citizenship, you will also need to pass the Life in the UK Test. The purpose of this test is to ensure that anyone applying for citizenship has sufficient knowledge and understanding of British history, society and values to make them a good candidate to obtain citizenship. The test itself is computer based, consisting of 24 questions and will take roughly 45 minutes to complete. You can only book the test online, on the gov.uk website, and must book at least three days in advance. The fee is currently £50, which you will pay during the booking process. There are over 30 test centres in the UK, so it should be relatively easy to find one nearby. In order to go through with your booking, you’ll need an email address, credit or debit card and an accepted form of ID such as a passport, UK driving license (full or provisional), certificate of identity document, EU identity card, immigration status document endorsed with a UK residence permit that has a photograph or your biometric residence permit. It’s also important to ensure that the name you input when booking your test matches the name on the document you intend to use as identification. On the day of the test, you must take the same form of identification you used to book your test. You will also need to provide proof of address, this can be a gas, electricity or water bill, a council tax bill, a letter from the Home Office, a UK photocard driving license (full or provisional), a bank or credit card statement. Whichever document you use as proof of address, it must not be the same document you used for proof of identity, it must be the original document rather than a copy, and it must include your name, address and postcode, and be dated within three months of the day of your test. In order to pass and to be eligible to apply for British Citizenship, you will need to score 75%. If you pass, you’ll be sent a letter notifying you of this, and this is the document you must send to the Home Office in order to prove that you have passed this test and meet the criteria to apply. Once again, you must send the original document, not a copy. The best way to prepare for the Life in the UK Test is to purchase the handbook, as this book covers any questions that may come up on the test. You can order the handbook here.   Good Character Assessment The Gov.UK website states that to be eligible to apply for British Citizenship, candidates must be ‘of good character’. This essentially means that during your time living in the UK, you have abided by and been respectful of UK laws and fulfilled any relevant obligations and duties of being a UK resident such as paying income tax and making national insurance contributions. As well as this, if you have breached any of the UK immigration laws in the past ten years, this will reflect badly on your character.   Proof that You have Lived in the UK for Several Years One of the basic requirements to apply for citizenship is that you have lived in the UK for a number of years, usually five. The only exception to this rule is if you are applying for citizenship because you are married to a British citizen, you will only need to have lived in the UK for three years in this situation. You will be expected to provide evidence that you have lived in the UK for five (or three) years and that you were actually in the country five (or three) years prior to your application. Documentation you can use as proof includes tax documents such as your P60 or a P45, a letter confirming your employment from the hospital you were working in at the time, council tax bills, mortgage statements, tenancy agreements, bank statements or pension statements from your employer at the time. Extra Requirements if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status ILR and Settled Status have identical requirements, if you are a member of the EU, EAA or Switzerland, ILR may be referred to as ‘settled status’ or ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’. If you hold either of these, in addition to the general requirements listed, you must also have lived in the UK for five years, as mentioned previously, and have held ILR or settled status for 12 months prior to your application. It is important to note that you won’t be eligible to apply for British Citizenship if you have: Been outside of the UK for more than 450 days during the five years prior to your application. Spent more than 90 days outside of the UK in the last 12 months. Have broken any immigrations laws.   Extra Requirements if you are Married or in a Civil Partnership with a British Citizen As previously mentioned, if you are applying for citizenship because your spouse is a British citizen, you will be an exception to the five years of residency rule. In order to apply, you must be able to prove that you have lived in the UK for three years, prior to your application. To apply for citizenship, you will also need to have one of the following: A document proving you have permanent residence status in the UK. Indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Settled Status (also referred to as ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’). Indefinite leave to enter the UK (permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad).   You will not be eligible to apply for British Citizenship if you have: Been outside of the country for more than 270 days during the last three years prior to your application. Spent more than 90 days outside of the UK in the last 12 months. Broken any UK immigration laws. If your spouse who was a British citizen has died.   Extra Requirements if you have Permanent Residence status Under this circumstance, you will need to prove your status by providing a permanent residence document. You can apply for this document on the Gov.UK website. As previously mentioned, you must have lived in the UK for at least five years prior to your application and must have held permanent residence status for at least twelve months. You will not be eligible to apply for British Citizenship if you have: Been out of the UK for a period of two years or more since obtaining your permanent residence status. If you have been outside of the UK for more than 450 days in the last five years. If you have been outside of the UK for more than 90 days in the last twelve months. Broken any UK immigration laws.   How do I Apply? The application fee is £1,330, you will also have to pay an additional £19.20 to have your biometric information, consisting of your photograph and fingerprints, taken. If you meet all of the requirements and have completed the relevant tests, you will need to fill in an application form on the Gov.UK website which can be found here.   Citizenship Ceremony The final step in the process of obtaining British Citizenship is attending a Citizenship Ceremony. If your application has been accepted and you have provided the Home Office with the necessary documentation, they will send you an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony. Upon receiving your invitation, you must book to attend a ceremony within three months, and you can do this with your local council. These events tend to be group ceremonies and cost £80, though it is possible to book a private ceremony, if you would prefer, but it will be more expensive, and the price varies depending on the local council’s rules. You will also be permitted to invite two guests, if you wish. During the ceremony you will make an oath of allegiance to God (you may choose your religion), and a pledge that you will respect the laws, freedoms and rights of the UK. If you are not religious, you are also permitted to make an affirmation instead. At the end of the ceremony, you will be presented with your certificate of British Citizenship and a welcome pack, so if you don’t attend the event, you won’t be granted British Citizenship.   Relocating to the UK If you’re an international doctor with plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your cv to [email protected] and we would love to help you on your journey 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 into the group every single day. We will also be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 50 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! Listen to BDI Resourcing on the go with the IMG Advisor Podcast! You can find us on Apple Podcast, 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 Gov.uk. (2019). British citizenship - GOV.UK. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/citizenship [Accessed 11 Dec. 2019]. Ukcitizenshipsupport.com. (2019). Explore the Benefits of Obtaining British Citizenship. [online] Available at: https://ukcitizenshipsupport.com/british-citizenship-info/british-citizenship-benefits/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2019]. Citizensadvice.org.uk. (2019). Preparing to apply for pre-settled and settled status. [online] Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/staying-in-the-uk-after-brexit/preparing-to-apply-for-pre-settled-and-settled-status/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2019].  

London is full of sparkle at Christmas time and we wanted to share the best spots to get the best views! Whether you want to take a trip to the UK’s capital to visit the endless markets and fairs, go ice skating or visit the amazing shops, you must detour to see the spectacular illuminations lighting up the entire city. Oxford Street Oxford Street is one of the most famous streets in the world for shopping and at Christmas time, it is completely transformed by sparkly, glowing lights. This year the lights look like curtains which are draped down the entire length of the street, making up a total of 222,000 lights. Carnaby Street Carnaby Street is just an 8-minute walk from Oxford Street. This year, Carnaby has collaborated with an Ocean Conservation Project 0 for a sustainable display. You see dazzling underwater scenes with giant clusters of jellyfish and 200 illuminated vampire squid. The most amazing bit? It has all been made by using recycling and reusable materials. Covent Garden Covent Garden is known for its cobbled streets and market buildings. However, at Christmas time you can also find a huge Christmas tree with over 30,000 festive lights, 115 lights sparkling across the Piazza, a reindeer sculpture and some festive benches to rest on in between all the shopping and exploring. Regent Street Regent Street, located just 6-minute walk from Oxford Street is home to world-class flagship stores and award-winning restaurants. Each year, you will see the street receive its festive makeover with garlands of angels down the length of the road. This year, you will also see an array of carol singers, ballet dancers, brass brands and drumming soldiers all confirmed to bring seasonal cheer. To celebrate Regent Street’s 200th anniversary, 200 lucky customers will receive a gift in store from an array of brands. These brands include Karl Lagerfeld, Kiehl’s, L’Occitane, Microsoft, Molton & Brown, UGG and Gaucho. Gift will range from drinking or dining experiences to wellness treatments and gift vouchers. Kew Gardens Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It is a hub for botanical research and education. If you visit the Garden’s this Christmas, you will see all of the weird and wonderful plants lit up in addition to a mile-long twinkling trail. Eccleston Yards Eccleston Yards is a bold, urban community known for its independent and creative businesses, only minutes away from Victoria Station. This year the Yards have put its own spin on Christmas lights with an installation of 500 individually orbs suspended in space, visualizing a multicoloured solar system. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who would like support in securing an NHS service post, email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you in securing an NHS post and on your journey to the UK today. 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 into the group every single day. We will also always be on hand to answer all your relocation queries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have over 45 videos on everything you need to know about relocating to the UK and joining the NHS! References Time Out London. (2019). Christmas lights in London. [online] Available at: https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/christmas-lights-in-london [Accessed 12 Dec. 2019].