New information available for NHS professionals, enabling them to make better informed decisions about accompanying an overseas assignment.
Evidence from Families Federations prompts new guidance
Through cases raised with us and participants of the RAF Community Forum, NHS Health Professionals brought to our attention the difficulties they face when trying to maintain their professional registration whilst accompanying their serving partner overseas, and revalidating on their return to the UK.
As members of the NHS Step Into Health Stakeholder Reference Group, the RAF Families Federation, along with colleagues from the Naval Families Federation and Army Families Federation, presented evidence on this issue; highlighting more information is needed to help spouses and partners make informed choices on overseas postings and the personal and professional impact.
FAQ guidance
Following the request, Step into Health has worked with various regulatory bodies to launch a new Frequently Asked Questions page that gives information about maintaining professional registration if accompanying a serving spouse or partner overseas.
Return to Practice Webinar
To accompany the FAQs there will be an information session on ‘Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad’:
Date: Wednesday 26th March 2025
Time: 10:00hrs
Attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.
The objectives of the session are:
- Provide a clear overview of the steps involved in returning to practice for spouses and partners posted abroad with serving personnel.
- Offer detailed information from various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions to ensure participants are aware of the requirements and standards.
- Highlight the resources and support available from NHS England’s return to practice team.
- Introduce the comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet developed by Step into Health, explaining its relevance and how to use it effectively.
- Facilitate an interactive question and answer session where participants can seek clarification and additional information from the experts.
Find out more and to register for a place at the return to practice webinar >
Overseas and Partner Employment Policy Advisor, Sue Gee, comments:
“We continue our work to bring more focus on spouses and partners of serving personnel, highlighting the unique challenges of serving families and how to best support them. We would like to thank our families for providing evidence of their lived experience, as without this we cannot advocate for change.”
Please continue to Contact Us < RAF Families Federation with any issues you may have, and also share positive experiences to let us know what is working well.
