Registration required a mandatory language test. Without this, these skilled practitioners were working in lower bands in the UK, despite having qualified as a nurse overseas.

These mandatory language tests did not recognise these practitioners' adoption of English language skills from being in the UK for over 15 years, and successfully working in the healthcare setting without any communication issues.

At this time, a nursing shortage was continually being reported. It was therefore important that these nurses were acknowledged and their registration made as seamless as possible while safeguarding public safety.

Looking for a solution

The issue was brought to the attention of Dr Dilla Davis, who led the research, by friend and colleague Dr Agimol Pradeep BEM, whose initial conversations with the NMC led to the conception of the research. Dr Davis led research into the demographics of this cohort which aimed to stimulate change within the NMC registration culture, and how its registration policy viewed and treated the IENs. This issue was highlighted to the NMC in 2021 at an NMC roundtable and an Expert Advisory Group was formed.

Dr Davis and her colleague worked with different stakeholders on NMC proposals to streamline the entry of these IENs onto the NMC register. The project used social and digital media to raise the profile of the campaign and show how these nurses were trapped in the UK.

NMC opened a public consultation of the proposals which received an unprecedented 34,000 responses.

Following this resounding and pioneering research, the NMC accepted one of the study's recommendations (employer reference) to support IENs, and implemented the Supporting Information From Employers (SIFE) pathway in February 2023, which waived the need for language tests for nurses who qualified overseas.

Human impact of research

The research brought about a transformative impact. It influenced change in the national policy of a powerful regulatory body for nursing in the UK and as a result, over 800 IENs gained entry to the NMC register within the first six months of implementation of the SIFE pathway, reviving shattered dreams and mending fractured careers.

The SIFE pathway not only harnessed a competent workforce that was being underutilised, but also embodied principles of ethical recruitment and diversity. It prioritised inclusivity by recognising the cultural nuances of communication possible through the SIFE pathway. The change enhanced individual wellbeing and promoted fairness and equality by eliminating language test barriers.

Throughout the project, a closed Facebook page was created to facilitate easy communication and share experiences. This currently has over 5,000 unregistered practitioners and this number is increasing daily. Project workers conduct webinar sessions to provide participants with updates and guidance on how to proceed with the SIFE pathway, and position themselves as the conduit between these unregistered practitioners and the NMC. The Facebook community's continued growth and active participation shows a supportive network of these practitioners growing up organically around the project.

Dr Davis and colleagues are currently looking at ways in which the pathway could be embedded in social care across the counties.

Embedding academic practices into social engagement

By pioneering research into the demographics of IENs, the project ensured that empirical evidence and scholarly perspectives guided the engagement process. Research findings were integrated into advocacy strategies, showcasing a synergistic relationshiip where academic insights fuelled meaningful societal impact.

By leveraging social media, researchers bridged academic research with public awareness and gave the research a national reach.

The SIFE pathway was developed as a direct result of public engagement: a tangible outcome deeply rooted in research-informed proposals.

The project has since received an HSJ Workforce Initiative Award, underlining the value of innovation within the research culture and instilling a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of engagement. It reinforces the need for ethical, inclusive and impactful research practices.