Key guidance documents

IMPORTANT UPDATE

As of 22 July 2025, recruitment of care workers from overseas is no longer permitted under current immigration rules. Consequently, providers are no longer required to recruit from the Displaced Worker Pool. However, since migrant care workers already in the UK remain eligible to switch to new sponsors, we strongly encourage providers to continue using SESCA’s Displaced Worker Recruitment Scheme, which includes access to funding support.

We will be updating this section as soon as updated guidance becomes available from the Home Office.

Background

Department of Health and Social Care guidance emphasises:

Displaced care workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, and it is imperative you have completed due diligence on any employers involved in the matching process.

Key expectations:

• No sponsor licence suspension/revocation within the past 2 years.

• No zero-hours contracts for sponsored workers.

• Clear employment contracts (including hourly rate, pension, and leave entitlements).

• Use of Local Authority inteligence to vet employers.

The 3-step assurance process

Each CQC-registered location a provider wishes to recruit into must go through:

1. Background Checks
   Review of open-source and official information about the provider.

2. Provider Interview
   In-depth discussion with a senior representative (e.g. Director or Registered Manager).

3. Assurance Board Review
   Findings are presented to the Provider Assurance Board for decision-making.

This process ensures the provider:

• Is compliant with UKVI and CQC expectations.

• Offers sustainable and ethical employment.

• Has safeguards and support in place for international workers.

Criteria & evidence checked

Each area below is assessed during the assurance process:

1. Basic Eligibility & Legal Status

• Postcode Check – Must be within the South East region.

• Company Registration – Verified via Companies House.

• CQC Registration – Checked against the CQC website for accuracy.

• Sponsor License – Must be active with no suspensions/revocations.

2. Compliance and Internal Processes

• CQC rating and inspection history.

• Use of quality assurance tools (e.g. PAMMS, mock inspections).

• Internal governance and safeguarding practices.

Providers aren’t expected to be perfect—but they must demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement.

3. Security of Employment

• Proof of ongoing contracts (e.g. Local Authority funded care packages).

• Must have been registered with CQC for at least 12 months.

• Must offer ongoing full-time work to any recruited skilled worker.

4. International Recruitment Experience

• Must have previously sponsored care staff under the Skilled Worker route.

• Details of past and current international staff.

5. Employment Standards

• No recent (past 2 years) Employment Tribunal losses relating to care staff.

• Contracts of employment and pay rates for international staff.

• Training time must be paid.

6. Support for Recruits

• Evidence of:

  • Buddy systems or peer support

  • Transport/accommodation help

  • Dedicated induction for international recruits

7. Ability to Recruit Displaced Workers

• Providers must understand that displaced workers may lack references.

• Must be flexible and supportive during onboarding.

How to Join the SESCA International Recruitment Scheme

If you are a CQC-registered provider and wish to join the SESCA International Recruitment (IR) Scheme:

• Carefully review the DHSC guidance and SESCA Provider Assurance Criteria outlined above.

• Submit a separate application for each CQC-registered location you intend to recruit into.

• Be ready to participate in a thorough due diligence and assurance process, which includes checks, an interview, and approval by the SESCA Provider Assurance Board.

Complete our Online Application Form here

Once submitted, a SESCA representative will contact you to begin the assurance process.

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Further Information

• UKVI Sponsor Guidance

• DHSC Guidance for Regional Partnerships

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Need Help?

If you have any questions about the application or assurance process, please get in touch:
internationalrecruitment@sesca.org.uk

If you are interested in sponsoring a displaced worker, please complete our application form here.