International nurse supply for NHS Trusts & UK hospitals
NMC-registered international RNs sourced ethically under the UK Code of Practice. Approved supplier on the HealthTrust Europe TWS framework. 20+ years of NHS partnership.
Key facts for NHS procurement
- • Listed on the NHS Ethical Recruiters List (UK Code of Practice)
- • Approved supplier — HealthTrust Europe TWS III, Lot 1a
- • Companies House (UK) #15198430
- • Compliant with WHO Global Code on International Recruitment of Health Personnel
- • Zero candidate-side fees (mandated by the UK Code)
- • In-house OET / IELTS / CBT / OSCE preparation programme
Why UK partners choose GNF
The ethical-recruitment audit trail
NHS Code of Practice — listed
GNF is on the UK Code of Practice ethical recruiters list maintained by NHS Employers. Active recruitment is restricted to source countries outside the WHO Workforce Support and Safeguards List per the Code.
HealthTrust Europe TWS framework
Approved supplier on the Total Workforce Solutions III framework — the central UK procurement vehicle for NHS workforce solutions. Lot 1a covers National & International Permanent Recruitment.
In-house OET / OSCE preparation
Candidates complete CBT, English-language proof (OET grade B or IELTS 7.0), and OSCE through GNF's integrated preparation programme. Reduces failure rates and accelerates time-to-first-shift.
NMC registration
From application to first NHS shift
- 1
NMC self-assessment + application
Candidate submits qualifications and credentials to the Nursing and Midwifery Council for evaluation.
- 2
CBT (Computer-Based Test)
Multiple-choice exam at Pearson VUE centres worldwide. GNF provides preparation.
- 3
English proficiency proof
OET grade B each subtest (most common) or IELTS Academic 7.0 each section. GNF provides preparation.
- 4
Hospital interview
Trust or private-hospital interviews shortlisted candidates by video. Hospital retains full hiring authority.
- 5
Health and Care Visa application
Sponsor files Certificate of Sponsorship; candidate applies for the Health and Care Visa (faster processing, no IHS).
- 6
OSCE (in UK)
Objective Structured Clinical Examination at approved UK test centres (Oxford, Northampton, Stratford, Belfast).
- 7
NMC PIN issued + first shift
NMC PIN issued. Candidate starts as a Band 5 RN (NHS Agenda for Change) or equivalent.
Specialty coverage
Specialties supplied to UK partners
For NHS procurement
Frequently asked by UK partners
- Is Global Nurse Force on the NHS Ethical Recruiters List?
- Yes. Global Nurse Force is listed on the UK Code of Practice ethical recruiters list maintained by NHS Employers — a precondition for ethically recruiting international nurses to the NHS. The Code prohibits active recruitment from countries on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List and requires zero candidate-side fees.
- Are you on the HealthTrust Europe TWS framework?
- Yes. Global Nurse Force UK Limited is an approved supplier on the HealthTrust Europe Total Workforce Solutions III (TWS III) framework — the central UK procurement framework for NHS workforce solutions, including Lot 1a (National & International Permanent Recruitment).
- What is the typical NMC process and timeline?
- Candidates complete: (1) NMC application + document submission, (2) Computer-Based Test (CBT), (3) English language proof (IELTS Academic 7.0 each section, or OET grade B each subtest), (4) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), (5) final NMC registration. Total timeline is typically 6-12 months from initial engagement to first NHS shift, depending on candidate readiness and OSCE wait times.
- Which UK regions and trust types do you supply?
- We supply nurses to NHS Trusts in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as private hospital groups including Spire, BMI/Circle, HCA, Nuffield Health, and Bupa. We also supply care homes and community providers. Specialty coverage spans Med-Surg, ICU, ED, Theatres, Mental Health, Paediatrics, and many sub-specialties.
- What is the Health and Care Visa?
- The Health and Care Visa is a UK Skilled Worker visa subset launched August 4, 2020. Benefits for healthcare employers: reduced visa fees, faster processing (3-week priority service available), and full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Eligible for NMC-registered nurses sponsored by NHS Trusts, eligible private healthcare providers, or care providers on the Home Office sponsorship register.
- How does GNF support OET / IELTS preparation?
- In-house language training program: structured OET preparation (the test most candidates choose for NMC purposes), IELTS preparation, and CBT/OSCE preparation. Delivered virtually with cohort-based and 1:1 options. Candidates pay zero — costs are amortized into the placement fee per WHO Code requirements.
- What retention rates do GNF placements achieve in UK Trusts?
- Aggregate retention data shared under NDA with serious NHS Trust and private partners. The 18-month retention bar set by the NHS Code of Practice is consistently met or exceeded across our UK placements. Replacement guarantee terms negotiated per MSA.
Discuss a TWS-compliant pipeline for your Trust
30-minute discovery call. We come prepared with specialty availability, NMC pipeline depth, and a TWS-compatible commercial structure.