Key points of codes of practice

Department of Health

Developing countries should not be targeted for active recruitment by the NHS unless the government of that country formally agrees
NHS employers should use only recruitment agencies that have agreed to comply with the code
NHS employers should consider regional collaboration in international recruitment activities
Staff recruited form abroad have the same legal protection as other employees
Staff recruited from abroad should have same access to further training as other employees

Commonwealth

Based on principles of "fairness, transparency and mutuality of benefits"
Recruiters should not recruit workers who have an "outstanding obligation" to their own country
Recruiters should provide recruits with full information on employment rights and job responsibilities and benefits
Recruits should have the same rights and benefits as equivalent "home" workers
Recruiting countries should consider programmes to reciprocate for recruitment through transfer of technology, skills and technical and financial assistance to source countries
Arrangements should be in place to support "returners"
Commonwealth countries should explore additional strategies for retaining personnel