International Recruitment

Join the South East International Recruitment Scheme

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.

Need Help?

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

For a full list of regional partnerships across England, click here.

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