International Recruitment
The Government is committed to helping providers make more effective use of international recruitment to help grow the adult social care workforce alongside wider action to improve domestic recruitment and retention.
We recognise that many providers find international recruitment difficult and experience various barriers, including administrative complexity and cost, together with issues around pastoral support, housing and travel. Our International Recruitment Hub contains guidance and resources, as well as signposting to support services, to help our providers overcome these barriers, whilst upholding an ethical approach.
It has been commissioned as part of the Department of Health and Social Care International Recruitment Funding initiative and produced by Berkshire Care Association, in collaboration with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Care (ADASS) and South East Social Care Alliance (SESCA). We would like to give special thanks to the contributors from across the sector involved in developing it.
The immigration system is constantly changing, and although our Hub is updated from time to time, the GOV.UK website provides official, up-to-date guidance.
Real Life Perspectives on International Recruitment
SESCA’s latest video showcases the inspiring stories and first-hand experiences of care workers and providers engaged in International Recruitment across the Southeast. Alongside these stories, Erica Lockhart, Chair of SESCA, shares insights into the support we’re offering providers to sponsor displaced migrant care workers.
SESCA International Recruitment Hub
Berkshire Care Association is a member of the South East Social Care Alliance (SESCA), which is the South East arm of the Care Association Alliance. The CAA has 50 local care association members, 10 of which are in the South East. SESCA work across the South East to share ideas and best practices that will benefit their local membership and the wider social care community.
International Recruitment Grant Application Form
Any provider wishing to apply for a grant should first check that they meet the scheme eligibility criteria: South East Region International Recruitment Grant Scheme – Grant Conditions
Applications will be checked by the receiving hub and a response will be issued to the email address supplied within 14 days (providers are advised to check their spam/junk folders).
In the event that an application is rejected, providers can contact the appropriate hub to appeal the decision. Appeals can be escalated to the central SESCA International Recruitment Project Team, who will make the final decision.
Should a provider’s circumstances change, following an unsuccessful application, they will need to submit a new application.
Please note that Grants for applications in Berkshire are being distributed by the Oxfordshire Hub, run by Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers.
International Recruitment Bulletins
International Recruitment Bulletin 1 – 9th June ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 2 – 30th June ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 3 – 14th July ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 4 – 1st August ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 5 – 25th August ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 6 – 4th September ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 7 – 15th September ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 8 – 6th October ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 9 – 13th October ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 10 – 10th November ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 11 – 17th November ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 12 – 15th December ’23
International Recruitment Bulletin 13 – 5th January ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 14 – 26th January ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 15 – 12th February ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 16 – 12th March ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 17 – 25th April ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 18 – 21st May ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 19 – 28th June ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 20 – 30th July ’24
International Recruitment Bulletin 21 – 18th September ’24
Free Training for Newly Arrived Overseas Staff
BCA has been working with SESCA to provide free training – our training programme has been designed to enhance your pastoral support and increase retention rates, all at no cost to you!
Delivered online via live tutor-led group sessions by specialist, qualified trainers.
Available to CQC-registered adult social care providers operating in the South-East.
The current courses available are:
Training must be booked by an authorised manager from the Care Service on behalf of the overseas recruits being put forward to attend (terms and conditions apply).
You can register on the SESCA website for all courses. The courses have proved to be very popular and if you would like to be on the waiting list for future courses please email lisa.leah@oacp,org.uk
This page was last updated on the 19th November 2024