We are thrilled to announce that Borderless has been awarded a significant government contract to deliver a comprehensive international recruitment platform across the South East of the UK. This initiative, spearheaded by the South East Social Care Alliance (SESCA) and Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), aims to address critical staffing challenges within the adult social care sector by simplifying and streamlining the recruitment of international care workers.
A Solution for Pressing Challenges
The UK’s social care sector is currently facing substantial hurdles in recruiting and retaining staff, particularly in the South East. To tackle these issues, the UK Government allocated a £15M fund in February 2023 to support care providers, managed by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). SESCA and OCC secured a portion of this funding to develop a portal tailored to the needs of regional care providers.
In July 2023, a survey conducted by SESCA and OCC identified key barriers to international recruitment, including compliance, upfront costs, accommodation, pastoral care, and recruitment timelines. These insights informed the development of the tender, which was published on October 9, 2023.
Borderless: The Chosen Partner
Following a thorough procurement process, Oxfordshire County Council awarded the contract to Borderless, a rapidly growing technology company founded in 2022. Borderless is dedicated to connecting ambitious care workers worldwide with UK care providers through an innovative migration platform that manages and streamlines the entire sponsorship process.
Stephanie Windle, the Digital Health & Care Lead at Oxfordshire County Council’s Innovation Service, expressed her enthusiasm:
“Their expertise and commitment, combined with their proven track record, robust technology, and accessible and affordable pricing model, will undoubtedly contribute to success. We’re looking forward to working with them on this project, which has the potential to deliver huge benefits to care providers across the entire South East.”
Matthew Bond, CEO & Co-Founder at Borderless, shared his excitement:
“Borderless is delighted to be partnering with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver this groundbreaking initiative. At Borderless, we believe in a world where borders are no longer barriers. Anyone should be able to move and work anywhere, seamlessly and safely – this is exactly the foresight we saw in OCC’s tender.”
Applying for a New Sponsor Licence After Revocation
Once a sponsor licence is revoked, businesses may consider reapplying for a new licence. This process involves:
- Addressing Previous Compliance Issues: Ensure that all previous issues leading to the revocation are fully resolved.
- Implementing Robust Compliance Systems: Establish stronger HR and compliance systems to meet sponsorship requirements.
- Reapplying for a Licence: Submit a new application, demonstrating that the business is now fully compliant with Home Office requirements.
Reapplication is not guaranteed to succeed, especially if the previous revocation was due to severe non-compliance. However, with proper preparation and corrective measures, businesses can restore their ability to sponsor foreign workers.
Next Steps if Your Licence is Being Revoked
If you receive a notice that your sponsor licence is being revoked, immediate action is necessary:
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an immigration law expert to understand your options and next steps.
- Review and Respond to the Notice: Carefully review the revocation notice and prepare a detailed response.
- Notify Affected Employees: Inform your sponsored employees about the situation and provide guidance on their next steps.
- Prepare for an Appeal: If applicable, gather evidence and prepare your case for an appeal.
Acting quickly and efficiently can help mitigate the impact on your business and employees.
Sponsor Licence Revocation: Employer Considerations
Employers facing licence revocation must consider several key factors:
- Employee Impact: Assess how the revocation will affect your current sponsored employees and plan for their next steps.
- Business Continuity: Develop strategies to maintain business operations without the ability to sponsor new foreign workers.
- Compliance Review: Conduct a thorough review of your compliance practices to identify and rectify any shortcomings.
Proactively addressing these considerations can help minimize disruption and prepare the business for future sponsorship opportunities.
How to Avoid Sponsor Licence Revocation
Preventing sponsor licence revocation requires diligent adherence to compliance obligations. Here are some best practices:
- Maintain Accurate Records: Keep comprehensive records of all sponsored employees, including their visa status, job roles, and contact information.
- Regularly Review Compliance: Conduct regular internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with Home Office requirements.
- Train HR Staff: Ensure that your HR team is well-versed in sponsorship duties and compliance obligations.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with changes in immigration laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.
By following these practices, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of licence revocation.
Need Assistance with a Sponsor Licence Revocation? We Can Help
Navigating sponsor licence revocation can be challenging, but expert assistance is available. Our team of experienced immigration experts can help you:
- Understand the Revocation Notice: We'll break down the reasons for revocation and advise on the best course of action.
- Prepare Your Appeal: We'll help you gather the necessary evidence and present a strong case to the Home Office.
- Implement Compliance Improvements: Borderless platform can help you streamline compliance and reduce risk
Contact us today for a mock audit and let us help you protect your business and your employees.
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