International comparator research

To understand the impact and benefits of changing their standards, the NMC commissioned two pieces of research and gathered views from their stakeholders. Harlow Consulting was commissioned to carry out one of these pieces of research: a desk-based review of the effectiveness and impact of EU education and training requirements, and a review of nursing and midwifery education standards in other countries, sub-national regions and for other UK health professionals. We produced an evidence review report and a benchmarking report which helped the NMC understand the impact and benefits of potential changes to their standards.

We were commissioned by OPSS to undertake research comparing the regulatory infrastructure in different countries to provide essential measurement metrics for OPSS’s design of future border activities to deliver on the Government’s strategy “to have the world’s most effective border that creates prosperity and enhances security for a global United Kingdom”. This was achieved through a structured and systematic rapid evidence assessment (REA), supplemented with depth interviews with stakeholders from each of the comparator countries.  

Harlow Consulting was commissioned to complete four separate commissions for NHS England to support recruitment of midwives, mental health nurses, dietitians and radiographers. The purpose of these projects was to scope countries from which NHS England can ethically source international educated individuals with appropriate training and experience to meet UK standards for registration in the respective professions. We conducted extensive reviews of international education and training standards and regulations, supplemented by in-depth interviews with expert stakeholders in eight countries. Findings from our research were shared by NHS England with NHS trusts to help target recruitment.