At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead immigration compliance and support international recruits through the visa process.
- Company: Join a compassionate healthcare group dedicated to enhancing lives across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, free parking, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a caring community focused on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by ensuring compliance and supporting diverse talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in immigration compliance and strong knowledge of UKVI requirements needed.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Healthcare Ireland Group operates a network of care homes across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, delivering person-centred, compassionate, and safe care. Our mission is to enhance residents' lives, support our people, and drive continuous improvement through strong leadership, innovation, and values-led decision-making.
The Immigration Lead is a specialist role within the HR Directorate, responsible for managing all aspects of Healthcare Ireland's immigration and sponsorship licence compliance across the Group. Reporting directly to the HR Director, the postholder is the Group's subject matter expert on UK immigration law and UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements ensuring Healthcare Ireland's sponsorship licence obligations are fully met, that international recruits are supported through the visa and right-to-work process, and that the Group is protected from the significant financial and reputational risks that immigration non-compliance can carry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Sponsorship Licence Management: Take overall responsibility for the Group's UKVI sponsorship licences, ensuring all requirements are met, the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) is accurately maintained, and licences are renewed and updated appropriately. Act as Key Contact/Authorising Officer as required and lead on UKVI audits or compliance visits.
- Visa & CoS Management: Manage the end-to-end Skilled Worker visa and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) process, ensuring roles and candidates meet UKVI requirements, applications are accurate and timely, and candidates and stakeholders receive clear guidance and support.
- Right-to-Work Compliance: Oversee right-to-work processes across the Group, ensuring checks and records are accurate and completed within required timescales. Monitor time-limited permissions, manage expiry tracking, advise Recruitment and HR teams, and escalate any compliance concerns or risks.
- Sponsored Worker Compliance: Maintain accurate sponsored worker records and ensure changes to roles, salary, hours, location, attendance or employment status are assessed and reported to UKVI where required. Monitor compliance with sponsorship and visa conditions and ensure relevant stakeholders understand their responsibilities.
- International Recruitment: Provide immigration expertise throughout international recruitment campaigns, advising on sponsorship requirements, occupation codes, salary thresholds and processing times. Support candidate communications and effective pre-arrival and onboarding arrangements.
- Policy, Training & Advice: Develop and maintain immigration policies, procedures and guidance. Provide training to HR, Recruitment, Onboarding and operational teams, stay up to date with changes to immigration legislation and UKVI guidance, and work with external immigration advisers on complex matters.
- Audit & Risk Management: Maintain accurate, audit-ready immigration records, conduct regular internal audits, identify and mitigate compliance risks, and provide the HR Director with timely updates on the Group's immigration compliance position and emerging risks.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the Group's trusted immigration specialist, building effective relationships across HR, Recruitment and operational teams and providing practical, timely advice. Uphold Healthcare Ireland's values of Quality, Innovation, Compassion, Integrity and Respect, particularly when supporting international recruits.
Required Criteria:
- Demonstrable experience in immigration compliance, sponsorship management or right-to-work, with strong knowledge of the UK Skilled Worker route and UKVI requirements.
- Experience managing a UKVI sponsorship licence, including CoS, SMS, sponsored worker monitoring and reporting.
- Sound knowledge of right-to-work legislation and Home Office guidance, across different worker types.
- Experience supporting international recruits through the visa process, with the ability to communicate complex requirements clearly and sensitively.
- Strong attention to detail, organisation and prioritisation, with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive cases and maintain accurate records.
- Up-to-date knowledge of UK immigration law and UKVI policy, with a proactive approach to compliance and risk management.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with external immigration advisers.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desired Criteria:
- Relevant immigration, HR or legal qualification (e.g. OISC, CIPD or law degree) is desirable, although equivalent practical experience will be considered.
Benefits:
- Paid annual leave
- The chance to be part of a growing Healthcare company
- Continuous professional development and training
- Values-led culture
- Opportunities for progression
- Pension plan (if applicable)
- Attractive salary
- Access NI fee paid for
- Monthly incentives and recognition awards
- Free parking
Healthcare Ireland are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Immigration Lead employer: Healthcare Ireland Group
Healthcare Ireland Group is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing environment at Ben Madigan Nursing Home in Newtownabbey where compassion and dignity are at the forefront of care. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive workplace culture, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents. The benefits, including paid annual leave, further enhance the rewarding experience of working in this vital role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Immigration Lead
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Healthcare Ireland Group!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Healthcare Ireland Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Immigration Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Healthcare Ireland Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Healthcare Ireland Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Healthcare Ireland Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Healthcare Ireland Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Healthcare Ireland Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Healthcare Ireland Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Healthcare Ireland Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Healthcare Ireland Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
