Displaced Worker Recruitment Scheme Evaluation

An independent evaluation published in February 2026 has confirmed the substantial regional impact of the SESCA Displaced Worker Scheme during a period of major immigration policy change and sustained workforce pressure in adult social care.

Drawing on comprehensive data, including interviews with over 200 displaced workers and more than 80 participating employers, the evaluation assessed employment outcomes, regulatory confidence and the effectiveness of SESCA’s delivery model.

Recruitment Support

At its core, the scheme provides a structured pathway for internationally recruited care workers who have lost their sponsorship due to licence revocation to secure new employment with assured, compliant providers — underpinned by rigorous vetting, a robust employer assurance framework, and targeted grant funding to support recruitment and onboarding costs.

More than two-thirds of directly matched workers reported they would have been unlikely to secure new sponsorship without SESCA’s intervention.

“Being connected to SESCA has helped to boost my confidence level at getting a job.”

“[SESCA] instils confidence and hope, while giving you the independence of searching for jobs yourself.”

Providers consistently reported improved recruitment efficiency and workforce quality:

“The pre-screening is reliable and saves sifting through what is often an overwhelming number of applicants.”

“We have recruited some really good workers through the SESCA scheme.”

The provider grant — supporting the costs of Certificates of Sponsorship and associated compliance — was widely described as critical:

“The grants mitigate the cost — without them we would have pulled back.”

Information, Advice and Guidance

Alongside recruitment activity, the scheme delivers a comprehensive programme of information, advice and guidance for both workers and providers.

This has included:

• 50+ worker training programmes (900+ attendances)

• 16 provider workshops, legal webinars and helpline sessions (1,000+ attendances)

• Ongoing online resources and a monthly bulletin reaching approximately 2,500 stakeholders

“There is a good amount of expertise on hand via SESCA. I always read the IR updates — they are very important in keeping abreast of what is happening.”

“Having the SESCA assurance mark really helps in dealing with the Home Office.”

“We really value the expertise of SESCA being on hand if we need it.”

Workers similarly highlighted the value of structured training, particularly English language and employability support:

“The coaching about CVs and interviews was fantastic… I see a difference in the responses I am getting from employers.”

“The English language training has been very good. I feel I am a better communicator as a result.”

Conclusion & Continuation into 2026/27

The evaluation concludes that the SESCA Displaced Worker Scheme has:

• Retained skilled migrant care workers within the sector

• Strengthened compliant sponsorship practice

• Improved regulatory confidence among providers

• Enhanced recruitment efficiency and workforce quality

• Contributed meaningfully to workforce stability during a period of sustained disruption

Building on this evidenced impact, funding for the SESCA Displaced Worker Scheme has been confirmed for extension into 2026/27.

The next phase will continue to:

• Support displaced workers into compliant employment

• Provide assurance and sponsorship grants to responsible providers

• Deliver expert information, advice and guidance across the region

Further details of the revised funding package and delivery arrangements will be shared shortly.

SESCA remains committed to sustaining a stable, ethical and compliant care workforce across the South East. We will continue to support overseas care workers to do the vital work they contribute to our communities every day.

We are grateful to the providers, workers, partners and stakeholders who have made this possible — a powerful example of integrated partnership working in action across the region.