1. Do you recruit internationally?
Yes, Devon County Council are a licenced sponsor and are able to recruit internationally, providing certain criteria are met. Children’s Social Care have an annual recruitment campaign for international social workers which offers relocation/reimbursement allowances. Adult’s Social Care are open to offering sponsorship to international applicants for all their qualified social care roles, providing the applicant is able to cover their own relocation costs.
2. How many international starters have you had in the last 12 months?
16. These were all Children’s Social Workers.
3. How many international starters are you expecting in the next 12 months?
8. These are all Children’s Social Workers.
4. What types of role do you recruit internationally for?
A manager of any role which has been unsuccessful in all other recruiting initiatives and advertising options which may be considered “hard-to-fill” can consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship. Previously this has included a role within Trading Standards, but is primarily social workers. With the exception of Children’s Social Workers, no advertised roles are specifically targeted to international applicants.
5. Do you make certificate of sponsorship (CoS) applications?
Yes.
6. If so, which department and/or team, makes the CoS applications for your organisation?
Recruitment.
7. Do you have an international recruitment lead or similar position?
No, we do not have a specific position. The Team Leader for Social Work Recruitment/Safer Recruitment has assumed responsibility for international recruitment and advising on Visa/sponsorship queries. This began when they were a Grade D Recruitment Coordinator (with oversight from Grade F Project Support Officer) and has continued into their Grade F Team Leader position.
8. What are the grades/salaries of the individuals that make CoS applications for your organisation?
Grade D and Grade F.
9. What type of training do those that make CoS applications for your organisation undergo?
Grade F responsible for sharing knowledge and training in the SMS Gateway Home Office system. Keeping up to date with GOV.UK legislation and guidance. Team Leader has completed additional training through own volition (UK Visa and Immigration Law – Open University). There is no formal training available through Home Office or internally.