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International Recruits Support

  • Regional Partnership Employment Support
    Support is available to international care workers or senior care workers in England on the Health and Care Worker visa who want to find alternative employment in the care sector. To access support in finding a new employer who can sponsor your visa, please email the regional partnership in the area where you live. To access regional partnership contact details and find out further information on the support available, see: Support offer to international ASC workers whose employer's sponsor licence has been revoked - GOV.UK

  • Register of Licensed Sponsors
    This register provides a list of organisations licensed to sponsor workers on the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration routes, who may be able to offer sponsorship. It includes information about the category of workers organisations are licensed to sponsor and their sponsorship rating.
    Within the Route box, you will need to filter by “Skilled Worker” and in the Type & Rating box, you should filter by “Worker (A rating)”. You can then view employers by the town or city you would like to work in. You will need to check which employers listed are care organisations.
    Register of licensed sponsors: workers - GOV.UK

  • Ethical Recruiters List
    To find alternative employment through a recruitment agency or organisation, you can refer to the Ethical recruiters list | NHS Employers to ensure that they are operating in line with the Code of Practice for international recruitment.

  • Department of Health and Social Care Jobs Board
    You can find social care vacancies in your local area via the Department of Health and Social Care jobs board: Work in Adult Social Care: Explore roles and find a job in your local area
    You will need to check that the care employer offers visa sponsorship – you can do so via the register of licensed sponsors listed above, or contact the care employer directly. 
    You can also access downloadable guides to CV writing, cover letters and interviews here: Application toolkit - Adultsocialcare.co.uk

  • Local care roles
    You can search jobs boards for local care roles here: Local Care Roles | Proud to Care Gloucestershire
    You will need to check that the care employer offers visa sponsorship – you can do so via the register of licensed sponsors listed above, or contact the care employer directly. 

  • National Careers Service
    Resources to support with writing CVs, preparing cover letters, completing applications and preparing for interviews.
    Website: Careers advice | National Careers Service
    Phone: 0800 100 900
    Contact information: Contact us | National Careers Service

  • Interview Support for Unemployed Individuals
    Smart Works work across England to support unemployed women prepare for interviews with clothing and coaching support: HomePage - Smart Works
    Timpson’s offer a free dry-cleaning service for people attending interviews who are unemployed: Free dry cleaning for the unemployed

  • eVisas and National Insurance Numbers (NINOs)
    Both eVisas and NINOs can be accessed for free through the gov.uk website.
    eVisas: Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK
    NINOs: Find your National Insurance number - GOV.UK
    Please contact Citizens Advice if you require further guidance: Contact us - Citizens Advice
  • Regional Partnership Employment Support
    Support is available to international care workers or senior care workers in England on the Health and Care Worker visa who want to find alternative employment in the care sector. To access support in finding a new employer who can sponsor your visa, please email the regional partnership in the area where you live. To access regional partnership contact details and find out further information on the support available, see: Support offer to international ASC workers whose employer's sponsor licence has been revoked - GOV.UK

  • Register of Licensed Sponsors
    This register provides a list of organisations licensed to sponsor workers on the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration routes, who may be able to offer sponsorship. It includes information about the category of workers organisations are licensed to sponsor and their sponsorship rating.
    Within the Route box, you will need to filter by “Skilled Worker” and in the Type & Rating box, you should filter by “Worker (A rating)”. You can then view employers by the town or city you would like to work in. You will need to check which employers listed are care organisations.
    Register of licensed sponsors: workers - GOV.UK

  • Ethical Recruiters List
    To find alternative employment through a recruitment agency or organisation, you can refer to the Ethical recruiters list | NHS Employers to ensure that they are operating in line with the Code of Practice for international recruitment.

  • Department of Health and Social Care Jobs Board
    You can find social care vacancies in your local area via the Department of Health and Social Care jobs board: Work in Adult Social Care: Explore roles and find a job in your local area
    You will need to check that the care employer offers visa sponsorship – you can do so via the register of licensed sponsors listed above, or contact the care employer directly. 
    You can also access downloadable guides to CV writing, cover letters and interviews here: Application toolkit - Adultsocialcare.co.uk

  • Local care roles
    You can search jobs boards for local care roles here: Local Care Roles | Proud to Care Gloucestershire
    You will need to check that the care employer offers visa sponsorship – you can do so via the register of licensed sponsors listed above, or contact the care employer directly. 

  • National Careers Service
    Resources to support with writing CVs, preparing cover letters, completing applications and preparing for interviews.
    Website: Careers advice | National Careers Service
    Phone: 0800 100 900
    Contact information: Contact us | National Careers Service

  • Interview Support for Unemployed Individuals
    Smart Works work across England to support unemployed women prepare for interviews with clothing and coaching support: HomePage - Smart Works
    Timpson’s offer a free dry-cleaning service for people attending interviews who are unemployed: Free dry cleaning for the unemployed

  • eVisas and National Insurance Numbers (NINOs)
    Both eVisas and NINOs can be accessed for free through the gov.uk website.
    eVisas: Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK
    NINOs: Find your National Insurance number - GOV.UK
    Please contact Citizens Advice if you require further guidance: Contact us - Citizens Advice
  • GLAA and Justice and Care – Educational Video
    The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Justice and Care (‪@justiceandcare9728‬) have produced an educational video aimed at informing and protecting international care workers in the UK. It provides guidance on what carers should should expect when working in the UK care sector. The video includes topics such as researching visas, sponsor responsibilities, life in the UK and how to spot signs of labour exploitation. The video is available in English, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.

    English: https://youtu.be/vbCnZuzo-2w
    Tamil: https://youtu.be/KyYOb6PO3Ic
    Malayalam: https://youtu.be/RnO9I0k0m8o
    Hindi: https://youtu.be/Tz5g8UE_4NA

  • 'Just Good Work' app
    Just Good Work is a free interactive mobile app, giving international workers critical information and advice for everything needed on the journey to work; from recruitment to employment and life in a new destination, to moving on or returning home. Find further information, including how to download the app, here: Just Good Work

  • UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

    Any general queries related to immigration status or visas should be referred to UKVI's contact centre:
    Telephone: 0300 790 6268 – select option 2.
    The phone line is open Monday to Thursday 09:00–16:45 and Friday 09:00 –16:30, excluding bank holidays.

  • Department of Health and Social Care Guidance
    Guidance on living and working in health and social care in the UK, including: awareness of exploitation and what to do about it; arranging accommodation; worker legal rights, working hour and additional work; employment changes and visas; equality and inclusion in the workplace; healthcare services; and where to go for further guidance, support or help. Please refer to this guidance throughout your stay in the UK.
    Part 2: living and working in the UK - what you need to know as a health and care worker - GOV.UK

  • Citizens Advice
    Free, independent legal advice on employment and visa issues. 
    Advice line: 0800 144 8848
    Website: Citizens Advice; Immigration - Citizens Advice
    Contact information: Contact us - Citizens Advice

  • Regulated Immigration Advisers
    Impartial legal and immigration advice.
    A list of regulated immigration advisers is available here: Adviser Finder (oisc.gov.uk). The list includes details of advisers who do not charge fees.
    Justice for Care have produced information and guidance for international workers on sponsorship in the care industry: Guidance-For-International-Workers-in-the-Care-Sector.pdf (justiceandcare.org)

  • Law Centres Network
    Free legal advice.
    Contact your local Law Centre: List of Law Centres | LCN

  • Work Rights Centre
    This is a charity that helps migrants access employment justice, including free, confidential employment and immigration law advice.
    Website: Care workers | Work Rights Centre

  • Trade Union and Professional Associations
    Employment advice, access to legal services and advocacy.
    Care workers can join a Trade Union which will be able to provide advice on employment rights and support with grievances or concerns with their employer.  
    A list of organisations can be found at Part 2: living and working in the UK - what you need to know as a health and care worker - GOV.UK, under the heading ‘Organisations to support you during your employment’. 

  • UNISON
    UNISON is a trade union that represent full-time and part-time staff who provide public services, although they may be employed in both the public and private sectors. As part of their membership, UNISON members can access support with employment-related questions through the UNISON casework team. UNISON have also commissioned a specific immigration helpline via the JCWI (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants) for immigration-related questions.
    Website: UNISON - the public service union
  • Voluntary Returns Service
    You can get help to return to your home country if you do not have permission to remain in the UK; this is known as ‘voluntary return’. If you are eligible, the voluntary returns service can explain your options for returning home, help you get travel documents (such as a passport), and pay for travel tickets if you are unable to. You may also be eligible to apply for financial support. For further information, including how to apply, see: Get help to return home if you’re a migrant in the UK: Overview - GOV.UK
    Helpdesk: 0300 004 0202 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).


If you need to report an employer for unethical or illegal business practices, you can do so through the following organisations: 

  • Home Office
    Report any abuse of the immigration system here: Report an immigration or border crime - GOV.UK
    This can be done anonymously. Please ensure you provide as much detail as possible; the form allows attachments to be uploaded if needed. 

  • UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Immigration Enforcement Hotline
    For concerns about the conduct of an employer holding a sponsorship licence, call 0300 123 7000.

  • Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Employment Agency Standards (EAS)

    For any concerns about the conduct of a recruitment agency, organisation or collaboration based in Great Britain.
    Seek advice on what the law and regulations require of those conducting working finding services.
    Call DBT on 020 7215 4477 to speak to an EAS inspector.
    Email: EAS@businessandtrade.gov.uk

  • Care Quality Commission (CQC)
    Report concerns about the standards of quality and safety of care where you work. Staff concerns do not have to be restricted to people using the service; whistleblowing can cover any risk, malpractice or wrongdoing that affects patients, the public, other staff or the provider itself. 
    Phone: 03000 616 161
    Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk
    Online reporting forms:
    Give feedback on care - Care Quality Commission
    Report a concern if you are a member of staff - Care Quality Commission

  • Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
    The GLAA investigates reports of worker exploitation and illegal activity such as human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour and illegal labour provision, as well as offences under the National Minimum Wage Act (by working with HMRC) and Employment Agencies Acts (by working with the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS)). If you believe you may be a victim of modern slavery or have any concerns or accusations regarding potentially unethical and illegal employment practices, you should report it to the GLAA via: 
    Phone: 0800 432 0804
    Email: contact@gla.gov.uk
    Website: Report Issues - GLAA
    Workers' Rights Leaflets (available in 23 languages): Workers' Rights Leaflets - GLAA

  • Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)
    Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. Acas also offer training and help to resolve disputes. Acas offers advice through:  
    Phone: 0300 123 1100 (this helpline provides confidential free advice on any work-related problem and is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
    Website: Advice | Acas

  • UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline
    If a care worker is a victim of exploitation or modern slavery.
    Website (helpline information): Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline 
    Phone: 08000 121 700
    File a report online through File a report (modernslaveryhelpline.org)
    Unseen Phone: 0303 040 2888

  • Avoiding Scams
    Advice on staying safe and avoiding scams when searching for a social care job in the UK: Advice to help you stay safe when searching for a health or social care job in the UK
    More information on how to spot and avoid scams, fraud and tricks, including early warning signs: Fraud, tricks and scams: guidance - GOV.UK.
    If you have been a victim of a visa or immigration scam, you can report it here: Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report visa and immigration scams - GOV.UK
  • GLAA and Justice and Care – Educational Video
    The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Justice and Care (‪@justiceandcare9728‬) have produced an educational video aimed at informing and protecting international care workers in the UK. It provides guidance on what carers should should expect when working in the UK care sector. The video includes topics such as researching visas, sponsor responsibilities, life in the UK and how to spot signs of labour exploitation. The video is available in English, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.

    English: https://youtu.be/vbCnZuzo-2w
    Tamil: https://youtu.be/KyYOb6PO3Ic
    Malayalam: https://youtu.be/RnO9I0k0m8o
    Hindi: https://youtu.be/Tz5g8UE_4NA

  • 'Just Good Work' app
    Just Good Work is a free interactive mobile app, giving international workers critical information and advice for everything needed on the journey to work; from recruitment to employment and life in a new destination, to moving on or returning home. Find further information, including how to download the app, here: Just Good Work

  • UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

    Any general queries related to immigration status or visas should be referred to UKVI's contact centre:
    Telephone: 0300 790 6268 – select option 2.
    The phone line is open Monday to Thursday 09:00–16:45 and Friday 09:00 –16:30, excluding bank holidays.

  • Department of Health and Social Care Guidance
    Guidance on living and working in health and social care in the UK, including: awareness of exploitation and what to do about it; arranging accommodation; worker legal rights, working hour and additional work; employment changes and visas; equality and inclusion in the workplace; healthcare services; and where to go for further guidance, support or help. Please refer to this guidance throughout your stay in the UK.
    Part 2: living and working in the UK - what you need to know as a health and care worker - GOV.UK

  • Citizens Advice
    Free, independent legal advice on employment and visa issues. 
    Advice line: 0800 144 8848
    Website: Citizens Advice; Immigration - Citizens Advice
    Contact information: Contact us - Citizens Advice

  • Regulated Immigration Advisers
    Impartial legal and immigration advice.
    A list of regulated immigration advisers is available here: Adviser Finder (oisc.gov.uk). The list includes details of advisers who do not charge fees.
    Justice for Care have produced information and guidance for international workers on sponsorship in the care industry: Guidance-For-International-Workers-in-the-Care-Sector.pdf (justiceandcare.org)

  • Law Centres Network
    Free legal advice.
    Contact your local Law Centre: List of Law Centres | LCN

  • Work Rights Centre
    This is a charity that helps migrants access employment justice, including free, confidential employment and immigration law advice.
    Website: Care workers | Work Rights Centre

  • Trade Union and Professional Associations
    Employment advice, access to legal services and advocacy.
    Care workers can join a Trade Union which will be able to provide advice on employment rights and support with grievances or concerns with their employer.  
    A list of organisations can be found at Part 2: living and working in the UK - what you need to know as a health and care worker - GOV.UK, under the heading ‘Organisations to support you during your employment’. 

  • UNISON
    UNISON is a trade union that represent full-time and part-time staff who provide public services, although they may be employed in both the public and private sectors. As part of their membership, UNISON members can access support with employment-related questions through the UNISON casework team. UNISON have also commissioned a specific immigration helpline via the JCWI (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants) for immigration-related questions.
    Website: UNISON - the public service union
  • Voluntary Returns Service
    You can get help to return to your home country if you do not have permission to remain in the UK; this is known as ‘voluntary return’. If you are eligible, the voluntary returns service can explain your options for returning home, help you get travel documents (such as a passport), and pay for travel tickets if you are unable to. You may also be eligible to apply for financial support. For further information, including how to apply, see: Get help to return home if you’re a migrant in the UK: Overview - GOV.UK
    Helpdesk: 0300 004 0202 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).


If you need to report an employer for unethical or illegal business practices, you can do so through the following organisations: 

  • Home Office
    Report any abuse of the immigration system here: Report an immigration or border crime - GOV.UK
    This can be done anonymously. Please ensure you provide as much detail as possible; the form allows attachments to be uploaded if needed. 

  • UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Immigration Enforcement Hotline
    For concerns about the conduct of an employer holding a sponsorship licence, call 0300 123 7000.

  • Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Employment Agency Standards (EAS)

    For any concerns about the conduct of a recruitment agency, organisation or collaboration based in Great Britain.
    Seek advice on what the law and regulations require of those conducting working finding services.
    Call DBT on 020 7215 4477 to speak to an EAS inspector.
    Email: EAS@businessandtrade.gov.uk

  • Care Quality Commission (CQC)
    Report concerns about the standards of quality and safety of care where you work. Staff concerns do not have to be restricted to people using the service; whistleblowing can cover any risk, malpractice or wrongdoing that affects patients, the public, other staff or the provider itself. 
    Phone: 03000 616 161
    Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk
    Online reporting forms:
    Give feedback on care - Care Quality Commission
    Report a concern if you are a member of staff - Care Quality Commission

  • Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
    The GLAA investigates reports of worker exploitation and illegal activity such as human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour and illegal labour provision, as well as offences under the National Minimum Wage Act (by working with HMRC) and Employment Agencies Acts (by working with the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS)). If you believe you may be a victim of modern slavery or have any concerns or accusations regarding potentially unethical and illegal employment practices, you should report it to the GLAA via: 
    Phone: 0800 432 0804
    Email: contact@gla.gov.uk
    Website: Report Issues - GLAA
    Workers' Rights Leaflets (available in 23 languages): Workers' Rights Leaflets - GLAA

  • Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)
    Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. Acas also offer training and help to resolve disputes. Acas offers advice through:  
    Phone: 0300 123 1100 (this helpline provides confidential free advice on any work-related problem and is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
    Website: Advice | Acas

  • UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline
    If a care worker is a victim of exploitation or modern slavery.
    Website (helpline information): Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline 
    Phone: 08000 121 700
    File a report online through File a report (modernslaveryhelpline.org)
    Unseen Phone: 0303 040 2888

  • Avoiding Scams
    Advice on staying safe and avoiding scams when searching for a social care job in the UK: Advice to help you stay safe when searching for a health or social care job in the UK
    More information on how to spot and avoid scams, fraud and tricks, including early warning signs: Fraud, tricks and scams: guidance - GOV.UK.
    If you have been a victim of a visa or immigration scam, you can report it here: Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report visa and immigration scams - GOV.UK
  • HealthZone UK App:
    The Gloucestershire Care Providers Association (GCPA) and system partners have teamed up with Piota Apps to launch a new application called Healthzone UK.
    This is a free app for international recruits working in the care sector in Gloucestershire which provides details of local sources of support.

    Once you have downloaded the app, search for “Adult Social Care in Gloucestershire” to get access to the Gloucestershire resources.
    You can find further information here:     Adult Social Care in Gloucestershire App – Gloucestershire Care Providers Association

  • HealthZone UK App:
    The Gloucestershire Care Providers Association (GCPA) and system partners have teamed up with Piota Apps to launch a new application called Healthzone UK.
    This is a free app for international recruits working in the care sector in Gloucestershire which provides details of local sources of support.

    Once you have downloaded the app, search for “Adult Social Care in Gloucestershire” to get access to the Gloucestershire resources.
    You can find further information here:     Adult Social Care in Gloucestershire App – Gloucestershire Care Providers Association

  • See: English, Maths & Functional Skills | Proud to Care Gloucestershire (proudtocareglos.org.uk)

  • The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) for the adult social care workforce, offered by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is available for sponsored international care workers, so long as they are legally employed in England and have a UK National Insurance number. Further information on the scheme, including eligibility criteria, can be found here.

  • See: English, Maths & Functional Skills | Proud to Care Gloucestershire (proudtocareglos.org.uk)

  • The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) for the adult social care workforce, offered by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is available for sponsored international care workers, so long as they are legally employed in England and have a UK National Insurance number. Further information on the scheme, including eligibility criteria, can be found here.

Funded childcare or early education for 38 weeks, available to eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds

Workers on a health and social care visa may be able to claim 15 hours of early years / childcare support for 2-year-old children through the “No Recourse to Public Funds” scheme by completing the application form available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/a5hpg1sf/a2yo-application-form-nrpf-oct24.pdf. Eligible families can access 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, a total of 570 hours.  However, some Early Years providers will “stretch” this entitlement, allowing you to access less hours per week but over more weeks per year, for example, 11.4 hours per week for 50 weeks (570 hours). 

Families can also claim 15 hours of early years / childcare support for 3- and 4-year-old children for term-time (38 weeks per year) or a similar “stretched” offer as detailed above for the 2-year-old funding scheme. For further information, including how to claim, see: 15 hrs funded childcare for all 3 and 4 year-olds | Early Years Service

Information on finding childcare places in your local area can be found here: Glosfamilies Directory | Childcare

Funded childcare or early education for 38 weeks, available to eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds

Workers on a health and social care visa may be able to claim 15 hours of early years / childcare support for 2-year-old children through the “No Recourse to Public Funds” scheme by completing the application form available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/a5hpg1sf/a2yo-application-form-nrpf-oct24.pdf. Eligible families can access 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, a total of 570 hours.  However, some Early Years providers will “stretch” this entitlement, allowing you to access less hours per week but over more weeks per year, for example, 11.4 hours per week for 50 weeks (570 hours). 

Families can also claim 15 hours of early years / childcare support for 3- and 4-year-old children for term-time (38 weeks per year) or a similar “stretched” offer as detailed above for the 2-year-old funding scheme. For further information, including how to claim, see: 15 hrs funded childcare for all 3 and 4 year-olds | Early Years Service

Information on finding childcare places in your local area can be found here: Glosfamilies Directory | Childcare

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. This includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members. It also includes harassment, stalking, trafficking, gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and 'honour-based' abuse.

Find information and guidance below on how to recognise the signs and where to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse:


Clare's Law, often known officially as the "Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)", enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending. It is intended to reduce intimate partner violence.

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. This includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members. It also includes harassment, stalking, trafficking, gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and 'honour-based' abuse.

Find information and guidance below on how to recognise the signs and where to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse:


Clare's Law, often known officially as the "Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)", enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending. It is intended to reduce intimate partner violence.

To access Proud to Care Gloucestershire's full Wellbeing A-Z guide, which provides signposting to sources of support that can help care workers build resilience and look after their mental health and wellbeing, click here.

To access Proud to Care Gloucestershire's full Wellbeing A-Z guide, which provides signposting to sources of support that can help care workers build resilience and look after their mental health and wellbeing, click here.

Events, entertainment and things to do in Gloucestershire:


Leisure, culture and recreational facilities by district council in Gloucestershire:


Gyms:

Places to eat and drink in Gloucestershire, including where to find international cuisine:


Multicultural festivals across the UK:

Events, entertainment and things to do in Gloucestershire:


Leisure, culture and recreational facilities by district council in Gloucestershire:


Gyms:

Places to eat and drink in Gloucestershire, including where to find international cuisine:


Multicultural festivals across the UK: