Frequenty Asked Questions

What can I earn in the UK?

Social Worker salaries in the UK are amongst the highest in the World. Junior Social Workers coming from overseas can earn £21000 per year, with more experienced staff earning up to £36000. Your salary will normally rise further as you gain experience of the UK legislation.

What do I need to do to work in the UK as a Social Worker?

In order for us to find you a job as a Social Worker you will require the following:

1. A degree (or equivalent qualification) in Social Work.
2. Your CV, detailing all of your relevant experience and qualifications. To work in the UK you must have three years post qualifying Social Work experience. Click here[I6] for guidance on how to structure your CV effectively. Please note, your CV, references and other documents will need to be translated into English.
3. Registration with the General Social Care Council is vital before you can work in the UK as a Social Worker. We will assist you with this. It is best to start the registration process as soon as possible as it takes a minimum of 16 weeks. The application for registration form is available to download.

What is the General Social Care Council?

The General Social Care Council (GSCC) is the workforce regulator and guardian of standards for the social care workforce in England. They are responsible for the codes of practice, Social Care register and social work education and training in the UK. The Social Care register ensures that all Social Workers meet standards for qualifications, health and good character and agree to abide by the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers. Further information can be found at the GSCC website.

What is the structure of the Social Care Services in the UK?

The Social Care Services look after the health and welfare of the UK population.

Some of the main groups include children or families who are under stress, people with disabilities, people with emotional or physical difficulties, people with financial or housing difficulties and older people who need help with daily living activities. Social Workers deal with many issues so can work in a variety of settings.

There are opportunities to work in schools, the military, in business factories and offices, in federal state and local government agencies. Social Workers can be found in any situation where people need the help of a professional to alleviate personal or social problems.

Social Workers tend to specialise in either adult or children’s services:

Adult Services

Roles include:

• Working with people in residential care who have mental health problems or learning difficulties.
• Assisting older people in their home with a range of tasks such as their housing, benefit and health requirements.
• Working with offenders to help them to find work and integrate into the community.
• Working with adults suffering from illnesses such as HIV/AIDs.
• Working with people who misuse drugs, alcohol and other substances.
• Providing assistance to people discharged following a stay in hospital.
• Assisting refugees, asylum seekers and other individuals subject to immigration controls.

Children / Young People Services

Roles include:

• Nationals of the EEA (European Economic Area)
• Individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
• Individuals in the UK as a spouse as an EEA National
• Individuals in the UK as a spouse of a Work Permit holder
• Commonwealth Citizens with an ancestry visa

For further information, please visit www.workingintheuk.gov.uk.

How do I obtain a Work Permit?

Sanctuary is authorised to provide immigration advice and services by the Immigration Services Commissioner, so contact us to discuss your position and we will be happy to help. Comprehensive information can be found at the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) website.

Your employer applies for your work permit for you. Once this has been approved, you will need to make a visa application at the British Embassy or Consulate where you are resident. The visa will then be endorsed in your passport.

Can I bring my family to the UK?

When you come to the UK as a work permit holder, your spouse and dependants (children aged 18 or under) are entitled to accompany you and are usually bound by the same conditions as yours. Your dependants will need visas and should apply for “entry clearance” before they come to the UK. They are entitled to the same free education as British children. Your spouse is entitled to take up any lawful employment. If your work permit is for more than 6 months, you and your family are eligible for free health care provided by the National Health Service.