Moving to the UK as a Social Worker

1. Social work is quite specific in the UK

In the UK, social work usually means child protection and adult social care. Here is some more information about child protection and adult social care roles.

According to Social work in England: State of the nation, 52.1% of social workers work in children and families’ social care and 31.2% in adults social care. 7% work in other areas of social work (this could include specific mental health, youth justice, disability, and hospital roles) and they had no data for 9.7% of registered social workers.

You cannot carry out many of these roles in the UK just by having a similar degree or experience. You must have a social work qualification and be formally recognised as a social worker.

Having experience in a “statutory role” (where you complete tasks required by law involving high-risk decision making and applying legislation) will help you get a job in the UK.

Note: If you did not study social work, you may still be able to get a job in the field.  You could work in case management roles in youth justice.  You could also work in a support role such as a family support worker or social work assistant.  These jobs are great options and are often more hands on, but they are also likely to pay less.

2. You must be registered to work as a social worker in the UK

Social work is a protected title and you must be registered with the relevant regulatory body to call yourself a social worker. It is actually against the law to call yourself a social worker if you are not registered!

If you plan to live in England, you must be registered with Social Work England. See my post Registering with Social Work England as an overseas qualified social worker for more info.

For Scotland it is the Scottish Social Services Council. For Wales it is Social Care Wales. For Northern Ireland it is the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

The registration process is a pain! But it is essential to work as a social worker in the UK. They will check your qualification is equivalent to a UK social work qualification and that you meet the English language requirement.

3. Social workers are in demand in the UK

A lot of councils are struggling to fill social work jobs and are looking at international recruitment to help fill the gaps.  Some councils offer sponsorship and/or relocation packages for social workers moving to the UK.

4. Finding a job might be a bit different in the UK

Jobs fall under three categories: Permanent, Agency/Locum, and Fixed-Term Contract.

Permanent Social Work Jobs provide you with more job security, you get holiday and sick pay, and they sometimes come with a relocation package. It might also be possible to get sponsorship for a visa if required.

You can apply directly to an employer for a specific role or you can work with a recruitment agency who will put you forward for suitable roles and arrange your interview.

There might be a bit of a delay in starting for references and police checks to be completed.

In the UK, police checks are called DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and to work with vulnerable people (such as children or elderly) you will need enhanced checks which are more thorough. Your employer or agency will sort this out.

Agency/Locum Social Work Jobs are (usually) short-term contracts where you get paid an hourly rate. Although these jobs usually start as a 3-month contract, they very often go on for much longer (sometimes even years). Agency jobs are generally to fill gaps where there is a staff shortage or recruitment is taking place for permanent staff. Staff turnover means contracts often get extended.  Agency jobs pay more but there is less security, and you do not get holiday or sick pay.

To get an agency/locum job, you need to be registered with a recruitment agency and you will have all your checks (references and DBS) done before you are put forward for a job so you can get started very quickly.

Fixed-term Social Worker Contract Jobs are a bit of a mix of the other two categories. They are not permanent but are usually longer, such as 12 months.

The easiest way to get a job is to find a trusted and reputable international social work recruitment agency.  They will help you find the right job for you.  This might be a temporary contract or something permanent with a relocation package.  Get in touch with me for individual advice about a recruitment agency suited to your specific situation. 

5. Living and working in the UK as a social worker is great experience

I moved from Australia to the UK in 2012 and have worked as a social worker in the UK since that time. I have learnt so much living and working as a social worker in the UK. I have become a much more confident, experienced, and knowledgeable social worker. 

Was I terrified and overwhelmed about moving from Australia to the UK? Yes!

But am I glad I did it? ABSOLUTELY!!!

If you want to know more about living and working in the UK, have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions.

But don’t worry if you have more questions! Unsurprisingly, moving your life across the world to work in an unfamiliar system is confusing! How do you know what the UK equivalent for your job is? Which area would be best for you to work in? Which jobs are most in demand right now?

If you would like to have a chat about your unique situation, feel free to get in touch.

You can send me a message, connect with me on LinkedIn or email me.

Kristin

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