Since 2017, updates to data security via GDPR, the implementation of the settlement status scheme through Brexit and the Pandemic have led to sweeping change in how workforce compliance and governance legislation is administered, and this has led to those who work in governance and compliance, requiring new stringent scheduling to check that best practice, and in fact, general operations, still conform to evolving requirements.

Workforce Compliance Checks

To this end, a new method of governance checking must be developed, where every aspect of guidance should be checked thoroughly to ensure you are up to date – and fitting this into your schedule of work should be becoming common-place.

Having easy access to government sites which confirm what the current rules are is vital – but as challenges to the settlement scheme mount, one should be mindful of potential issues arising from the scheme.

One way in which compliance and governance experts are surmounting these challenges is to find legal blogs which update often on the current status quo of best practice checking – but until changes are implemented at the top level, one must adhere to the guidance, explaining to candidates the rationale and ultimately the necessity of conformance. 

Guidance on Workforce Compliance

Another increasingly important aspect of conformance is regular communication with administrative bodies – for example, agencies should expect more regular communiques with the frameworks for NHS supply, who would be offering up to date guidance on how to complete the necessary checks. One of the upshots of the pandemic was remote auditing and remote meetings. An increasingly necessary aspect of conformance would be comprehensive discussions on updates, changes and issues as they arise- and being proactive in planning these meetings is a key directive in keeping aligned with best practice. 

Disseminating Compliance Best Practices

Creating internal dialogue with teams as you learn updates to legislation or changes to policy are vital – internal communication is a key aspect of improving compliance standards, and something that is overlooked in many cases. 

One suggestion is to create a live-time flow chart related to compliance standards, which can be updated regularly and cascaded to relevant parties to ensure best practice is always adhered to. 

Best practice is a phrase often injected into discussions around the theoretics of compliance, and is seen as a “best case scenario” over a goal for which to aim- but as methods change and new methods and tech rise, it is fruitful to work within the highest standards possible.

Supporting your Workforce Compliance Obligations

If you would like assistance to ensure that you are operating the correct workforce compliance policies and procedures, you can email our Governance Advisors here at MEDSU on [email protected] or call us on 0207 183 9544 to arrange a meeting. Further information about our full range of compliance and regulatory support services can be found on our website.