As a manager or leader you have a significant role to play to ensure your colleagues feel supported and integrated.

• Ensure access to pastoral support networks.
• Make sure your colleague receives organisational induction.
• Develop a local induction that meets the needs of the individual.
• Check in with them regularly to make sure their induction is going well, ask them for feedback, chat through any worries, concerns or additional needs.
• Demonstrate compassionate leadership, take time to listen to the individual, understand the cultural differences faced, emphasise with and help them overcome challenges faced.
• Consider the language that you are using, try and avoid colloquialisms.
• Show them around the department, introduce them to colleagues, explain routines and facilities.
• Offer support such as a ‘buddy’, mentor, preceptor or supervisor.
• Set meaningful personalised objectives and development plans.
• Support the individual with any training and assessment needs e.g. OSCE.
• Promote health and wellbeing resources and flexible working opportunities.
• Offer advice and support

As a team member you have a big part to play in welcoming and supporting international colleagues. How you welcome colleagues doesn’t have to be complex its often the simple things that make a difference:

• Welcome your colleague and introduce yourself, a smile and a hello can go a long way.
• Show them around the department, let them know where to store their belongings and where key facilities are located.
• Offer to be a buddy, mentor, preceptor, supervisor or coach.
• Be compassionate, empathetic, patient and understanding, keep thinking how challenging it must be.
• Consider the language that you are using, try and avoid colloquialisms.
• Take time to chat with your colleague to understand the differences in cultures and role that they are experiencing.
• Check in with them, do they need any help or support?
• Offer advice and support.