The SoR, along with the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS), has released a guidance document aiming to support sonographer recruitment.
This document, completed as a result of a survey, focuses on the recruitment of international sonographers and of sonographers without a Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) accredited award.
Guidance allows for a better understanding of current legislation and best practice for recruitment, the level of support for successful candidates, and a better understanding of what knowledge and skills these candidates possess.
Survey of ultrasound managers
The document, ‘Recruiting international sonographers and those without a CASE accredited award’, outlines findings of research which explored the following four aims:
- To investigate current recruitment methods that work well
- To investigate if additional help is needed by managers to aid future recruitment
- To investigate managers’ perspectives on how well those without CASE accredited awards integrate into the ultrasound department
- To identify what additional help, if any, these recruits might need for a smoother transition
In total, 195 responses were obtained. You can read more about the results of the survey in the document, but some key themes from qualitative feedback include:
- There is no reliable way to match overseas qualifications with ones obtained in the UK
- International recruits from some countries are more versatile and could enhance the workforce
- A recommendation that at least six months’ support should be available to international recruits
- A desire for a more standardised way to recruit and support international individuals, to benefit both employer and employee
Most participants reported successful attempts at international recruitment, and this is reassuring in view of current NHS international recruitment drives and the fact that only 17 per cent stated that their departments were fully staffed.
The information provided by the participants has highlighted examples of best practice that can be shared, while also identifying areas that need more standardised and enhanced support for both ultrasound managers and recruits.
A spokesperson for the SoR added: “The recruitment of sonographers without CASE- accredited qualifications presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the profession.
“This guidance, developed from the survey findings and relevant best practice, outlines the key considerations for employers and educational institutions, offering a structured approach to integrating individuals from alternative educational pathways.
“By broadening the recruitment pool and providing clear guidance on training and competency, we aim to support the workforce expansion while maintaining the high standards of patient care that are essential in ultrasound practice.”
International sonographers
Addressing sonography’s chronic workforce shortages has required new methods of training and recruitment, with international recruitment marking one such avenue.
However, managers have anecdotally reported “mixed results” in their ability to successfully recruit and retain sonographers from abroad.
This guidance aims to help key stakeholders in ultrasound to work together to bridge these gaps, thereby supporting managers, increasing the retention and satisfaction of recruits, improving the consistency of service delivery, and ultimately keeping patients safe.
A spokesperson for the SoR said: “As the demand for sonographers continues to grow, the recruitment of international professionals and those without a direct sonography qualification is essential to address workforce shortages.
“This new guidance provides a clear framework for employers, helping them to understand how to effectively recruit and support international sonographers and those transitioning from related disciplines.
“By fostering diversity in the workforce and creating pathways for skill development, we can continue to deliver high-quality care to patients while addressing the ongoing workforce challenges.”
Guidance outlined in this document does not replace good recruitment and selection processes currently in place locally, the SoR and BMUS warned.
The document should be reviewed in conjunction with government guidance and the SoR, Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) guidance document Supporting International Recruitment – Principles & Standards.
More information can be found in the full guidance document and survey findings here.
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