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Make sure you are up to date with the Immigration Reforms outlined below by attending the International Recruitment Q & A on 26 August…
We do our best to keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date in these fast-changing times and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.
Please Save the Date 5 August for the Care Home Engagement Commencement
RE: New Care Home Contract Adult Social Care (all ages) and New Fee model for Older Persons Care Homes.
Devon County Council is undertaking further engagement with Care Home providers on the proposed new Adult Social Care (ASC) Care Home Contract (for all adults aged 18 and over) and the new fee model for older persons’ care homes for 2025/26. This engagement builds on the February 2025 engagement and reflects the valuable input of providers, sector professionals, and key stakeholders.
Care home providers you are invited to the Provider Engagement Meeting on Tuesday 5 August from 14.00-15.30.
This session will offer an opportunity to discuss the launch of the engagement documents which will be available on the PEN website on Monday 4 August. A further event will also be held on the Tuesday 19 August (more details will be provided nearer the time)
Please click here to register
If you encountered any issues accessing the Care Home Forum on 15 July, this was because prior registration had not been completed, we encourage providers to register for this webinar prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Sweeping Immigration Reforms: Q & A on 26 August
In a landmark shift not seen since 1971, the UK government has officially ended the ability for employers to sponsor overseas carers and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker visa route. The ban, which took effect on July 22, 2025, is part of a broader overhaul aimed at reducing net migration and refocusing the system on high-skilled, high-wage roles
Key Changes:
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No More Overseas Sponsorship for Care Roles: Employers can no longer recruit care workers or senior care workers from abroad. Those already in the UK on valid visas may still switch into care roles under certain conditions, but this flexibility will only remain until 2028
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Skilled Worker List Shrinks: Over 100 roles, including many mid-skilled positions, have been removed from the eligibility list. Only jobs at RQF Level 6 (degree-level) or higher now qualify for sponsorship
Immigration Skills Charge Hike: Starting at the end of 2025, the Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32%, further raising the cost of hiring foreign talent.
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Settlement Route Under Review: The Home Office is launching a consultation that could extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. This change may apply retroactively to current Skilled Worker visa holders, sparking concern among migrants and employers alike
These reforms mark a decisive pivot toward a domestically focused workforce strategy. Employers in the care sector, already grappling with staffing shortages, are now being urged to invest in local recruitment and training initiatives.
If you have questions or concerns then join the next Q&A with Lisa Mulholland International Recruitment Specialist at 10am on Tuesday 26 August
Set up your apprenticeship service account today!
To get started in accessing the apprenticeship levy fund, you will need to set up your account
- Sign up: Provide your name, email address, and create a password. You'll receive an access code to confirm your identity.
- Add PAYE Scheme: Link your organisation's PAYE scheme using either your Government Gateway login or your accounts office reference number.
Devon County Council uses the government ‘Pledge’ function to allocate levy transfer allowances to organisations.
Complete the Transfer Fund Details:
- Apprenticeship Training: Include job role, number of apprentices, start date, and whether you've found a training provider. Find available apprenticeship training here.
- Your Business Details: Provide sector and location.
- Contact Details: Include name, email address, and business website.
Once you've completed the transfer funds form, it will be reviewed by the apprenticeship levy panel. You'll receive confirmation if your levy funding application is successful.
Click Here To Get Started
Unlocking the Learning and Development Support Scheme Fund: A Simple Guide to Boosting Your Workforce
It’s an exciting time for businesses looking to enhance their workforce, claiming the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) has never been easier! With an ASC-WDS account, you can now apply for funding to support your training initiatives. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Register Your Interest: Start by completing a register interest form. This is your first step towards accessing the LDSS fund.
Onboarding Appointment: Once your form is submitted, the onboarding team will contact you to schedule a meeting. You’ll receive a comprehensive pack to guide you through the process.
Onboarding Meeting: This is your opportunity to ask all your questions and get full overview of the process.
Nominate a Senior Responsible Officer (SRO): Your SRO will need to sign some documents and can authorise multiple submitters to manage claims.
Submit Your Claims: With your team in place, you can start inputting your claims. Ensure you have evidence of payment and completion for the courses.
The LDSS fund allows you to claim back 100% of the course cost or 60% upon enrolment and 40% upon completion. Once your evidence is verified, you’ll receive payment within 10 days. It’s that simple!
This streamlined process not only makes it easy to get money back into your pocket but also allows you to reinvest those funds into other areas of your business. For more details, watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cZfCf5lAK0 and start maximizing your training budget today!
Want to know more, take a look at this webpage hClick here to view their
Good News Story -
A Day in the Life - From Domestic to Care Assistant at Devon Care Home
At Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, care is more than a profession – it's a purpose. Every team member, regardless of their role, plays a vital part in creating a compassionate, dignified environment for those who live there. Daisy’s journey from Domestic Assistant to Care Assistant is a powerful reflection of the opportunities available at Edenmore.
Daisy joined Edenmore in 2023, aged just 18, after moving from Birmingham to North Devon. Her first role was as a Domestic Assistant, helping to maintain a clean and homely environment. While she wasn’t initially involved in personal care, Daisy quickly began to form relationships with the residents (known as family members at Edenmore) and felt drawn to becoming more involved.
With encouragement from Home Manager Gayle and the wider team, Daisy explored a new path. She was offered shadow shifts to experience the responsibilities of a Care Assistant firsthand. Through ongoing support and Edenmore’s shared training foundation, offered to all team members regardless of their initial role, Daisy gained the confidence and skills to officially transition into her new role.
Now, Daisy supports family members with everything from personal care and daily routines to creative activities and emotional companionship. Whether helping someone choose their outfit for the day, supporting with personal care or offering a quiet moment of reassurance, Daisy brings empathy and energy to each day. Daisy shared “The most rewarding part of this job is knowing I’ve made someone feel safe, comfortable, and valued, no two days are the same and when it’s tough, I know I’m never alone, our team really is like a family.”
Daisy’s journey is a powerful example of how careers in care can grow from within, and how purpose, progression, and belonging are part of everyday life at Edenmore. As the
home continues to invest in people at every stage of their career, stories like Daisy’s remind us that care is about connection, and that everyone, no matter their starting point, has something meaningful to contribute. Read the full story here
To see our current vacancies, please visit: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/join-our-team/
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