Visiting Professionals Programme

Guidance for observers:

Alder Hey’s International Visiting Professionals Programme offers fully qualified clinicians and other senior professionals a unique opportunity to observe healthcare experts in a world-renowned paediatric setting. This programme is designed to support global colleagues in expanding their existing knowledge, gaining insights into new techniques and enhancing their understanding of advanced paediatric healthcare practices through observation.  

Although the programme does not involve direct patient care, participants will have the chance to build lifelong connections with colleagues at Alder Hey and deepen their expertise by observing best practices and innovative techniques within their chosen specialty. During the placements, observers can: 

1. Attend at ward rounds. 

2. Observe clinical colleagues in clinics. 

3. Observe in theatre (by arrangement). 

4. Engage in case discussions (with appropriate patient / parental consent) 

5. Contribute to multi-disciplinary team meetings and discussions on diagnosis with the clinical team post treatment (but not diagnose or advise treatment) for educational purposes. 

6. Participate in management meetings, quality improvement activities and teaching sessions 

7. Shadow specific teams / senior leaders (by arrangement), such as Innovation, Digital and/or Divisional and Executive Leaders 

Please note that during the placement, observers are not given any responsibility and are not able to make clinical decisions or give clinical advice. Observers are not authorised by the Trust to provide services of any kind either in an employed or honorary capacity.  

Observerships normally last between 4 and 12 weeks. Although the programme is not custom-built around specific learning objectives, we work closely with candidates and our specialty teams to create a learning plan based on specific areas of interest. The experience provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance professional development, deepen clinical expertise, and establish lifelong professional connections with leaders in paediatric healthcare. 

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for the programme, candidates must be: 

• A qualified clinician with registration in their home country OR a senior healthcare professional  

• Sponsored or self-funded to cover the fees at a rate of £600 administration fee plus £300 per week of placement.  

• Be in possession of a contract of employment in their home country in a role dedicated to paediatrics and child health  

• Able to speak and understand English to a good level. It is recommended that candidates achieve an equivalent of either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 or Occupational English Test (OET) score of B.  

Please also note that  

• Visiting observers are expected to find their own funding for travel and living expenses and are responsible for making suitable accommodation arrangements in Liverpool.  

• The Observership programme is not suitable for students or individuals seeking residency opportunities. 

Please note that Alder Hey does not provide scholarships or funding for this programme. 

If candidates are from a low or lower-middle-income economy, a reduced rate may be available. 

Application Process & Documentation

In order to apply for Observership programmes candidates must complete an application form:

and also provide the following via email : 

• A detailed resume or curriculum vitae to include qualifications, employment history and clinical experience 

• two professional letters of recommendation 

• verification of funding arrangements 

Once you have completed an application form, please email your supporting documentation to [email protected]  

Next Steps

The Global Project Team will assess your application before sending it to the relevant specialty. The specialty education lead will then thoroughly review your application and supporting documents. The specialty will determine if they can accommodate your request for an Observership within your preferred timeframe and to align with your learning objectives. 

Upon acceptance, the Global Project Manager will provide candidates with an acceptance letter/email and necessary onboarding paperwork, as well as request any additional documentation if needed. All candidates must undergo a selection process, provide satisfactory references, undergo background checks, and obtain a valid visa for entry into the country.  

The following documentation will be required to support your application: 

• Passport 

• Visa (if Non-EU) 

• Proof of qualification and professional registration (and translation), as applicable 

• Letter of Good Standing from Constabulary or Ministry of Justice Department 

• DBS/CRB/criminal records check from home country/country of residence (and translation) 

• 2 professional reference letters 

You will also be required to provide the following in advance  

• Evidence of your vaccinations to support Occupational Health Clearance 

• Passport size photo 

Please note that we do not directly assist candidates in securing visas or complete visa application forms for observers. All documents must be translated into English before we issue a letter of confirmation 

Important points to note:

• Payment must be received four weeks before the Observership commencement date. Failure to meet this deadline will require the process to restart and Observership dates may need to be rescheduled. 

• If you need to cancel your Observership, please refer to our Terms and Conditions below. 

• Candidates are responsible for organising their own travel and living arrangements as we are unable to provide assistance with accommodation. 

• Candidates will be provided with a certificate of attendance, however due to the observational nature of the programme, Alder Hey is unable to supply letters of recommendation or complete evaluation forms for observers. 

• Candidates will not be able to engage in any direct patient contact or care for the duration of their Observership. 

• Candidates will not normally be given access to hospital systems. In exceptional circumstances, this may be arranged but must be discussed and aligned to candidate learning objectives. 

Cancellation:

The offer of a place on the Observership Programme is made subject to our terms and conditions. By completing your application and/or by making payment for an Observership, you agree to the following terms and conditions: 

• Observers will be eligible for a full refund if they cancel their place more than 4 weeks before the start of an Observership, minus a £300 administration fee. 

• Delegates will NOT be eligible for a refund if they cancel their place less than 4 weeks before the start of an Observership or event (please see Extenuating Circumstances for exceptions). 

Extenuating circumstances include but not limited to acute illness, unplanned hospitalisation, and bereavement. Each case will be considered on its own merit and any decision taken will be at the discretion of the Global Team and will be final. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Alder Hey reserves the right to cancel in the following circumstances: 

• Alterations at service level affecting the ability to provide sufficient supervision. 

• Unforeseen circumstances which affect the delivery of the programme. 

Contact / Informal Discussion

If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone about our Observerships, please email [email protected]