Following on from a successful Bespoke Employer Led Programme (BELP) with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in 2025, our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tutor, Phil, was delighted to be approached for a second year to deliver to another cohort.

This ESOL BELP emphasised practical language skills needed for everyday life such as integrating into British culture, interacting with local services in a personal capacity and understanding the leisure system.

Phil, Curriculum Manager at Redcar and Cleveland College, said: “Closed loop conversations are of vital importance within the healthcare sector – miscommunication is not an option, as it could have serious consequences. The See ME First initiative is a widely recognised, staff-led campaign, pledging to nurture non-judgemental environments in addition to supporting integration into the community for staff who join the NHS from overseas, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

One aspect of the course that the cohort enjoyed was learning about British idioms and what they mean, as a way to reduce the likelihood of miscommunication during patient interactions. Some great examples of these included:

• ‘Sound’ – used to mean ‘good’ e.g. ‘Yeah, I’m sound.’
• ‘Under the weather’ – used to mean that you don’t feel very well e.g. ‘I’m a bit under the weather.’
• ‘Proper’ – used to mean ‘very’ e.g. ‘I’ve been feeling proper bad.’

Mylene, Clinical Educator and International Nurse Educator at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust explained why courses like ESOL are so important. She said: “We’re seeing more staff being recruited from oversees and when it comes to job inductions, we see understanding the culture of the NHS and the UK as equally important as understanding how the organisation works. Ultimately, this aspect of training is integral to patient safety.

“I’m also proud that the support we offer goes far beyond a professional context. We help people to settle in the UK, such as organising their clinical registration and housing, providing pastoral support and ensuring they know the opportunities available to them in terms of promotions and personal hobbies.”

Originally from India, Allied Health Professional, Savitha has worked in the NHS for 30 years, with her husband and children also dedicating their lives to medicine. Learning through this year's ESOL programme forms an essential part of her work, and personally in terms of her passion for diversity within the sector. She said: “At this point in my career I am driven to ensure that future generations of medical professionals are given the opportunity and confidence to ask for support.

“At the beginning of my journey, I was the only person from an ethnic background in my team for a long time, and it can be difficult to navigate cultural norms when those around you all have their upbringing and education in common – opportunities like this are essential to making people feel welcome and confident in their roles.”

Would you like to chat about the impact a Bespoke Employer Led Programme (BELP) could have on your business? Get in touch: business@the-etc.ac.uk

Bespoke Employer Led Programmes (BELPS) are delivered with funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund.