International Recruitment

Displaced Worker Sponsorship Scheme

Use the tabs below to navigate key information about our Displaced Worker Scheme.

As of 22nd July 2025, care providers can no longer sponsor new applicants from overseas in care worker (SOC 6135) or senior care worker (SOC 6136) roles.

Transitional arrangements will remain in place until 22 July 2028, allowing overseas nationals already in the UK to switch roles or sponsors. To be eligible, workers must either already be sponsored under code 6135 or 6136, or have been lawfully employed by the same sponsor for at least three months, prior to a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) being issued.

The Government continues to support the sponsorship of overseas care workers living in the UK who have become “displaced” (i.e. have lost their sponsorship due to their original sponsor having their licence revoked) into new sponsorship with reputable, CQC registered care providers.

In the South East, ESPIC is working with SESCA (the South East Social Care Alliance) to help providers gain access to a large database of displaced care workers. These workers are trained, experienced, and ready to continue delivering high-quality care.

In addition, SESCA is currently offering care providers funding up to £6,000 per displaced worker sponsored (terms apply – see SESCA website for full details).

As part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s 2024–2026 International Recruitment Programme, ESPIC leads the Sussex Hub of a wider initiative coordinated by SESCA (South East Social Care Alliance). The scheme supports displaced overseas care workers – those who have lost their sponsorship because their employer’s licence was revoked – to secure new, ethical employment with approved care providers in the South East.

Working in partnership with three other regional hubs, the Sussex Hub supports providers in East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove, helping to match displaced workers with CQC-registered sponsors who meet quality assurance criteria.

What the Scheme Offers

  • Fast access to experienced, pre-screened care workers already living in the South East
    • Up to £6,000 in funding per worker
    • £3,000 when a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued
  • Up to £3,000 more after onboarding support
  • Priority access to free training for new recruits – including Everyday English, Cultural Awareness, and Wellbeing support
  • Dedicated regional support throughout the recruitment process

ESPIC ensures that Sussex-based providers are supported every step of the way — from initial application and assurance checks to onboarding your new recruit.

ESPIC and our regional partners are building a strong pool of skilled, experienced migrant care workers who are ready to join the workforce — many with backgrounds in residential care and strong English language skills.

How to Join

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 in this section.

  • 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 – details of what we check are outlined below.

APPLY HERE

Once submitted, a SESCA representative will contact you to begin the 3-step assurance process.

Upon successful completion of SESCA’s assurance process, you will be referred to the Sussex Hub Team, managed by ESPIC, who will support you from that point onwards. They will introduce you to suitably matched displaced workers and guide you through the recruitment process — including funding applications where relevant.

If you’re unable to find a suitable candidate, they will assist you in updating the Home Office, so you can proceed with recruiting an overseas care worker independently.

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.

If you are an overseas care worker living in Sussex and your visa sponsor has lost their licence, we are here to help you.

ESPIC, as part of a regional programme funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, is helping displaced care workers secure new sponsorship with approved local care providers.

How We Can Help

All enquiries are initially handled by the central SESCA team, who manage the overall scheme across the South East region.

If you are looking to live and work in Sussex, once you are confirmed as eligible, you will be referred to ESPIC.

We will then:

  • Help match you with local care providers in Sussex who have passed a thorough quality assurance process

  • Support you through the recruitment journey and assist with your transition into a new role

Are You Eligible?

You may be eligible for help if:

  • You are a care worker on a Health & Care Worker visa

  • You are currently living in the South East of England (if you live outside the South East of England, you can find details of the Regional Partnership you should apply to here)

  • Your sponsor’s licence has been revoked, and you need support to find a new sponsor

If your sponsor’s licence has not been revoked but you are still seeking a new role, please visit the “Finding a New Sponsor” section on the SESCA website.

How to Apply for Support

To begin the process, please email:
workforce@sesca.org.uk

Include the following information:

  • Your full name, residential address, contact number and email address

  • The name of the care provider that previously sponsored your visa

Important:

  • At the current time, all support is coordinated by email only

  • Please do not phone or visit our registered offices, as this will delay your application

We understand how challenging this situation can be and are committed to helping you find secure, ethical employment.

ESPIC leads the Sussex Hub as part of SESCA’s Displaced Worker Recruitment Scheme, one of four dedicated regional hubs supporting care providers across the South East. Each hub is staffed by experts committed to helping displaced migrant care workers find meaningful employment and supporting providers through the sponsorship process.

Serving East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove, the Sussex Hub supports local care providers and displaced workers from the initial enquiry through to successful recruitment and beyond.

Elizabeth Mackie – Hub Lead

As CEO of East Sussex Partners in Care and Brighton & Hove, Elizabeth oversees governance, operational processes, and grant administration for the Sussex Hub. Care providers typically meet Elizabeth during the grant application stage.

Jazmin Hackworth – Hub Coordinator

Jazmin manages all international recruitment administration in Sussex, including expressions of interest, provider applications, and day-to-day communications. She also maintains the Hub’s website content and updates.

Phil Hale – Assurance Advisor

A retired CQC Manager, Phil plays a key role in supporting providers to meet SESCA’s assurance criteria. He offers one-to-one support and helps guide applicants through the quality standards process.

Denise Smith – Assurance & Development Support

As Development Manager at West Sussex Partners in Care and a former “Outstanding”-rated home care provider, Denise brings valuable frontline insight to the Hub’s assurance framework and provider support.

Looking for Another Hub or Region?

For details about the other regional hubs and the full range of support available to care providers across the South East, please visit the SESCA website.

Our Progress So Far

(Updated March 2026)

0
Job Offers Secured for Displaced Workers
0
Care Providers Passed Quality Assurance Checks

Apply to the Scheme

If you’re a Sussex-based provider interested in supporting displaced workers and accessing funding, please click here to apply.

APPLY HERE