International Recruitment: Support for Social Care Employers

Recruiting internationally can be hugely rewarding, but it’s not without challenges. Whether you’re a small, independent care provider or a larger organisation, the South East London Health & Care Jobs Hub is here to support you through every step of your international recruitment journey.

We offer tailored guidance, funding opportunities, and access to a pool of experienced, job-ready international care workers, including those displaced from their previous sponsors. We’re committed to building a fairer, more inclusive Health and Social Care workforce in South East London.

See how we’re advancing equality, diversity and inclusion through the South East London Inclusion Collective — and join us in making a difference.

What Support is Available ?

We provide a range of practical resources, services and funding opportunities to help you recruit safely, ethically and effectively:

  • Access to the Displaced Worker Pool
    We manage a dedicated pool of over 200 international care workers in South East London whose sponsorship licences have been revoked. These candidates are experienced, trained, and eager to re-join the workforce.
  • To access the pool, email us at info@goodworkselondon.co.uk

Funding Support for Care Providers

As part of our Recognition Scheme, we offer financial support to care providers to help cover the costs of recruiting and sponsoring displaced international recruits. Eligible care providers can claim reimbursement towards:
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £525
  • Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): £480 for the first 12 months, £240 for each additional 6 months (for small sponsors/businesses)

  • DBS reimbursement (minus admin fees, subject to eligibility): up to £50

  • Funding is available for up to 14 candidates per provider

Who is Eligible?

To access this support, your organisation must:
  • Be recruiting from our South East London displaced worker pool
  • Be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to deliver adult social care services
  • Hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence
  • Maintain and regularly update the Capacity Tracker, ensuring accuracy

Funding Contribution

To ensure fair access:

  • Small care providers (fewer than 50 employees, turnover under £10 million, and assets under £3 million) will receive 100% funding for CoS and up to two years’ Immigration Skills Charge

  • Large care providers will receive a 25% contribution towards ISC costs
  • Companies House checks will confirm business size

Employer Responsibilities

As part of the scheme, employers must:
  • Sponsor the care worker
  • Offer a minimum of 37.5 hours per week (or meet the required annual salary threshold)
  • Meet UKVI Skilled Worker visa requirements
  • Keep the Capacity Tracker up to date
  • Submit an invoice for reimbursement after sponsorship is confirmed

Further Resources for Employers

We’ve gathered helpful resources from national and sector-leading organisations to support safe, ethical international recruitment in social care:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the English language requirement for the Health and Care Worker Visa?

Unless an applicant is exempt (e.g. they are a national of a majority English-speaking country), they will need to pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) with at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, or have an academic qualification that was taught in English. 

Level B1 is broadly equivalent to English GCSE Level 4 / 5 (formerly grade C), or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 4 (whereas Nurses and qualified social workers must score 7). 

Click here for further information

How can accredited English Language test certificates be verified?

There are two accredited English language test providers, IELTS and the Occupational English Test (OET). Both providers have online verification systems for validating English language certificates and test results.


Can sponsored care workers work a second job under a Health and Care Worker Visa?

Health and Care Worker Visa holders can work a maximum of 20-hours of supplementary paid work per week. The job will need to be either in the same occupation code and at the same level as their main job, or in a shortage occupation. However, if a Health and Care Worker Visa holder undertakes more than 20-hours of supplementary work, they will be breaking the terms of their visa. This could lead to their visa being cancelled, and they could be deported. 

Supplementary work will have no impact on the primary employer’s sponsorship obligations – i.e. the sponsor must ensure that the work they offer delivers the minimum salary requirements, without considering any secondary earnings


visit gov.uk for official guidance 

Can Health and Care Worker Visa holders switch to another visa category?

Yes, Health and Care Worker Visa holders can switch to another visa category, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for that category.

Can a sponsored worker continue working if their sponsor has its licence revoked?

If a licence holding organisation has their licence revoked, there is no immediate obligation on them to dismiss their sponsored employees. Once the licence has been revoked, the Home Office might shorten or cancel the visas of the sponsored workers. Until then, the workers are still entitled to their rights under the visa conditions and can continue working till this comes into effect.

Can I recruit workers from the Health & Care Jobs Hub displaced worker pool if I am not based in South East London?

This scheme is currently open to all care providers recruiting from the South East London pool of displaced care workers who are willing to relocate.

How do I get access to the displaced worker pool?

to discuss your requirements. We'll match suitable candidates to your vacancies and share their CVs with their permission. Contact us atinfo@goodworkselondon.co.uk 

How do I know if I’m a small or large care provider for funding purposes?

A small provider is one with fewer than 50 employees, with a turnover of under £10 million and assets under £3 million. Checks via Companies House will be carried out to confirm eligibility. 

What support is available to help me through the sponsorship process?

Our Health & Care Jobs Hub team can guide you through the process of accessing displaced candidates, funding applications and linking you to resources. However, we cannot provide legal advice.

Can I access funding support for workers recruited through other channels?

No. Funding support through this pilot scheme is only available for care providers recruiting from our displaced worker pool in South East London.

How many candidates can I receive funding for?

Funding is available for up to 14 candidates per provider through this scheme.

Can I claim back the cost of the worker’s DBS check?

Yes — you can claim up to £50 towards the cost of a DBS check (minus any admin fees) per candidate, subject to eligibility  site here

Who do I contact if I have concerns about a potential immigration crime?

You can report any immigration or border crime anonymously via the Home Office

⚠️ Legal Advice Disclaimer Please note: The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice in relation to international recruitment, sponsorship, visa requirements, or employment law, please contact your organisation’s legal team or an accredited immigration solicitor. We are unable to provide legal advice.