Hiring and Sponsoring Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors (SOC Code 3416)

Arts officers, producers, and directors, classified under SOC Code 3416, play a crucial role in the creative and cultural industries. These professionals are responsible for managing arts projects, producing live performances, films, or media content, and directing artistic endeavors. As the UK’s arts scene continues to flourish, many organisations are looking to recruit talented arts officers, producers, and directors from overseas. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring these professionals under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3416 for Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors?

SOC Code 3416 refers to professionals who manage, produce, and direct artistic productions in various mediums. Their responsibilities include:

• Producing performances and projects: Overseeing the planning, budgeting, and execution of artistic productions, such as theatre, film, and concerts.
• Managing arts events: Organising festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events to bring together artists and audiences.
• Directing performances: Providing creative direction and vision for live performances, media productions, or exhibitions.
• Collaborating with artists: Working with actors, musicians, dancers, and other artists to bring creative projects to life.
• Securing funding: Applying for grants and securing financial support for arts initiatives.

These professionals are essential to the success of the UK's cultural sector, driving innovation and bringing artistic projects to life.

Eligibility to Hire Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors (SOC Code 3416)

If you’re looking to hire arts officers, producers, or directors from outside the UK, you must ensure that both the role and the candidate meet the eligibility criteria under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Arts officers, producers, and directors must meet certain qualifications and experience criteria to qualify for sponsorship. These may include:

• Portfolio of work: A documented history of managing or producing successful arts projects or performances.
• Skills and experience: Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and creative direction.
• Education: While formal education may not be required, a degree in arts management, theatre production, or film production can enhance a candidate’s profile.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 3416 and that the candidate’s experience meets the expectations of the role.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor an arts officer, producer, or director under the Skilled Worker Visa, the job must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. The general minimum salary threshold is £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher.

However, since these roles are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum, bringing the required salary to £20,960 per year.

To ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements, use the Minimum Salary Calculator.

3. Immigration Salary List

Being on the Immigration Salary List simplifies the sponsorship process for arts officers, producers, and directors. This offers benefits such as:

• Lower salary thresholds: Reduced to 80% of the standard requirement.
• Reduced visa fees: Candidates on the Immigration Salary List benefit from reduced visa application fees.

For further information, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring arts officers, producers, and directors under SOC Code 3416.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK arts officers, producers, or directors, your organisation must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence allows you to legally sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. For more details, refer to the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small companies typically pay £536, while larger organisations pay £1,476. For more details, visit the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: It usually takes up to 8 weeks to process a sponsor licence application, though the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, allowing you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After securing your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the arts officer, producer, or director. This document contains key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for workers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. For more information, refer to the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: Provide key documents such as the candidate’s portfolio, passport, and job offer. For a full list, see Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is assigned, the arts officer, producer, or director can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees depend on the role and the length of the visa. Use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which is separate from the visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors

Before the arts officer, producer, or director begins work, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the worker’s passport and visa.
• Online Right to Work Check: For eVisa holders, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right to work status.

For more details, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Once you’ve hired a sponsored arts officer, producer, or director, you must comply with ongoing immigration regulations to maintain your sponsor licence.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Maintain up-to-date records of the worker’s employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the worker’s employment, such as promotions, salary increases, or changes in job title, via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, which would impact your ability to sponsor future employees.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Arts Officers, Producers, and Directors

Sponsoring arts officers, producers, and directors under SOC Code 3416 can be a complex process, but Borderless is here to help. We offer comprehensive support to manage the sponsorship process from start to finish.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all necessary documents are submitted correctly.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process for efficient hiring.
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with UK immigration laws and avoid penalties.

If you need help hiring or sponsoring arts officers, producers, or directors, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring arts officers, producers, and directors under SOC Code 3416 is an essential step for arts organisations and cultural institutions looking to enhance their creative teams. By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For expert advice on managing your hiring and sponsorship needs, Borderless is ready to assist. Contact us for guidance on managing your sponsorship duties.