The government is committed to helping providers make more effective use of international recruitment to help grow the adult social care workforce, alongside wider action to improve domestic recruitment and retention. This fund is being established to provide employers with a range of support mechanisms so that they are able to take advantage of the benefits presented by international recruitment. It is also designed to help ensure an ethical approach to recruitment and employment practice and that international recruits are provided with a range of support to help them make an effective transition to working in England. The main focus of the support services will be on the recruitment and employment of care workers. However, the interventions could also support the recruitment and employment of other adult social care staff, including nurses, occupational therapists and social workers
Examples of how funding could be deployed include (but are not limited to):
- helping providers attract overseas candidates
- a shared recruitment resource that looks at the whole region needs
- providing an advice or checking service for sponsorship licence or visa applications
- helping new arrivals to access affordable housing
- helping international recruits with solutions to work travel requirements, for example, helping them gain a UK driving licence
- developing pastoral support, such as buddying schemes
