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The International Recruitment drop-in sessions have been running throughout the summer and go on into the autumn. Make sure you take advantage of the free advice on offer if relevant.
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.
Engagement on ASC Care Home Contract (all ages) and Proposed Older Persons Fee Model
Devon County Council (DCC) continues to invite all care home providers to engage in feedback on:
- The Adult Social Care (ASC) Care Home Contract (all ages)
- The proposed fee model for placements for Older Persons (65+)
- Engagement period Opened: 4 August 2025 and closes: Midnight, Sunday 21 September 2025
Please visit ASC Care Home Contract & Older Persons’ Fee Model - August Engagement 2025 - Provider Engagement Network for all the information and please provide your feedback via the feedback form or please email socialcarebusinessrelationsmailbox@devon.gov.uk with the subject line:
In-Person Meeting on 11 September in Tedburn St Mary
Join us from 9am to 12noon.at Fingle Glen Golf Club, Tedburn St Mary, Exeter, EX6 6AF. Booking is essential, please use this Link
Click here to book on this event
Please send us your questions in advance to the social care business relations mailbox to help us shape and plan the session accordingly: add mailbox
Q & A from last Care Home Forum now available
Thank you to all providers who attended the Care Home Forum on 5 August. We have now published the Q&As covering the discussions around the ASC Care Home Contract (all ages) and the proposed Older Persons Fee Model.
Join the Provider Information Resource Group
We are seeking members for the new Provider Information Resources Group which has been established to co-produce guidance for the proposed fee model and placement process, bringing together the local authority, providers and NHS Devon ICB. We are then aiming to hold bi-weekly meetings.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 4 September, from 1-2pm on Teams, and will include a discussion of the ‘process for sourcing client placements’.
If you are Interested in joining please email: socialcarebusinessrelationsmailbox@devon.gov.uk
Boost your training budget with apprenticeship levy funds!
Devon County Council uses the government ‘Pledge’ function to allocate levy transfer allowances to organisations.
This funding covers apprenticeships are all levels and for various job roles within social care.
Ready to get started? Sign up today and enhance your workforce.
Click here to learn more
Summary of Latest Drop-In Session on International Recruitment with Lisa Mulholland
A wide range of important questions were raised, reflecting the growing concerns around workforce sustainability and immigration policy. Key topics included:
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Domestic Workforce Planning for 2028: Providers expressed concern about the anticipated shift towards a predominantly domestic workforce. Questions were raised about how vacancies will be backfilled once international recruits are required to leave.
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Future of Charity Workers on Skilled Worker Visas: There is uncertainty around whether charity sector employees will continue to be eligible to switch to Skilled Worker visas under future immigration rules.
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Visa Changes Without Notification: Some attendees reported instances where visa conditions were altered without prior notice. This raises serious concerns about transparency and communication from the Home Office.
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Hospitals and International Workforce Management: With a significant proportion of staff recruited internationally, providers are seeking clarity on how NHS trusts and other healthcare organisations are planning for long-term workforce stability.
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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Eligibility Post-2028: Questions were raised about whether staff recruited internationally will be eligible to apply for ILR after 2028, and what criteria will apply.
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New Care Worker Rule – Effective 22 July: Providers are reminded that care workers no longer need to go through the displaced worker pool. Please refer to the latest Home Office guidance for full details. Note: All guidance is subject to change and ongoing review.
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Pay and Breaks Compliance: Employers must ensure that care workers are paid the minimum hourly rate of £12.82 for a 37.5-hour week, including paid breaks. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action.
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Right to Work Checks: It is essential that providers conduct thorough right to work checks and maintain robust evidence. Failure to do so could result in penalties and reputational damage.
A recurring theme throughout the session was the risk of the UK becoming less attractive to highly skilled international workers due to increasing regulatory complexity and uncertainty.
Next Drop-In Session
- If you or your agency have unique circumstances or specific questions, please join Lisa at our next drop-in session 10am-11am Friday 19 September
Your input is vital to shaping the future of international recruitment in the UK care sector.
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