Difficulties in recruitment and retention in the allied healthcare professionals (AHP) workforce aren’t news to radiographers working in the NHS, and the SoR continues to work to remedy these challenges. 

International recruitment is one area that has been highlighted as a potential partial solution to the 13.4 per cent average vacancy rate across radiography departments in the UK. Significant growth in the AHP workforce is a vital part of improving the conditions radiographers face every day, and a considered approach to ethical international recruitment is a key component of growing this workforce.

The SoR is here to support those looking to work in the UK as well as those seeking to recruit from international countries, but adjusting to life in a new country will always be a challenge – enter the Nigerian Radiographers in the Diaspora (NIRAD) professional and sociocultural organisation. Representing Nigerian-born and Nigerian-trained radiographers who are currently practising in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, NIRAD is committed to promoting and advancing the professional, educational, public and workplace interests of its members. NHS workers from Nigeria are the third largest ethnic group working in the NHS excluding British.

Synergy spoke to Chidi Ollawa, sonographer at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and secretary of NIRAD, to find out more about the support the organisation offers to its members, and how it aims to increase collaboration with the SoR to improve international recruitment.