Following a £2.54 million investment from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Oxfordshire County Council’s award winning innovation service has developed the initiative, which includes the creation of a portal for care providers. The portal offers support around complex areas such as immigration and compliance.

The service has worked with care providers to better understand the challenges faced in overseas recruitment. The county council has now announced it will partner with Borderless, a technology company founded in 2022, to deliver and further develop the migration platform.

Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Oxfordshire County Council’s innovation service has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions for the local care sector, working with providers to understand the real challenges they face.

“Overseas care workers are increasingly providing a vital service for many thousands of vulnerable people in the south-east. Our residents who they serve, the providers they work for and the adult social care departments that often fund their work have immense respect and gratitude for the incredible work they do.      

“But the amount of red tape involved in overseas recruitment is challenging. By offering greater support to help providers understand complex immigration rules, this new platform aims to make everything fast, low risk and low cost, enabling businesses to take back control and focus time on their core activities.

"We are determined to make this a great tool but also urge the government to think carefully about the impact on this fragile system of changing rules on International Certificates of Sponsorship; and the new requirements to demonstrate the volume of work and genuineness of vacancies, which is tying the hands of our providers to recruit responsibly.

"We would also welcome better checks and oversight of companies that might be using the system to exploit vulnerable overseas workers. Only by working with a unified sense of purpose will we be able to ensure the whole system is fit for purpose and delivers the best care for those that need it most.”

With the adult social care sector facing growing challenges around the complexity of international recruitment, the DHSC made £15m (£2.54m for the south-east) available over 2023 to 2024 to help support international recruitment within the adult social care sector in England.

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services in the south-east region secured funding from this pot and partnered with Oxfordshire County Council’s innovation service to design and create a portal, accessible to all care providers aimed at addressing the key priorities identified by them across the region. These included barriers around Home Office compliance, high upfront costs and long recruitment timelines. The council is now working with Borderless to further develop the platform.

Matthew Bond, CEO & Co-Founder at Borderless, said: “Borderless is delighted to be partnering with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver this ground breaking initiative. At Borderless – we believe in a world where borders are no longer barriers – anyone, anywhere should be able to move and work, seamlessly and safely, and that’s exactly the foresight we saw in the council’s tender.

“Hiring migrant workers doesn’t have to involve expensive intermediaries. It doesn’t have to mean bewildering Home Office bureaucracy. And it doesn’t have to take months on end.

“We look forward to jointly creating a platform that connects ambitious care workers across the globe with UK care providers, using technology to manage and streamline the entire sponsorship process.”

The recruitment platform is already backed by leading care organisations and associations and is fully compliant with regulatory bodies. Borderless is now working with more than 130 care providers across the UK – offering support with sponsor licence applications, as well as advice on immigration and compliance processes. 

The benefits for care professionals are also significant. Migrant workers can often face significant risks, from being charged extortionate fees to exploitative labour practices, which have resulted in a growing modern slavery crisis.

By providing safe and ethical pathways to the UK’s care industry, Borderless ensures workers are only employed by genuine businesses and are treated fairly throughout the process.

Oxfordshire County Council and Borderless will be offering a series of free introductory webinars for providers in the south-east that are interested in learning more about the benefits of the platform.

Registration for the webinars on 27 March, 23 April and 7 May can be found on Borderless’ website.

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The latest statistics show there are more than two thousand unfilled posts in the region’s adult social care sector. Raj Sahota works for Oxfordshire County Council and aims to reduce these vacancies by offering free, one to one, independent support for people considering a career in care.

Raj said: “Working in adult social care is so flexible and varied. There’s a job and career out there for everyone but it can sometimes seem difficult to pinpoint exactly what that is.”

“That’s where I come in. People can contact me, ask me any questions, and I can support them to find their ideal role.”

Oxfordshire County Council is working in partnership with Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers to showcase the variety of roles on offer through the joint Proud to Care Oxfordshire website.

As well as a job search tool, the resource includes an email support service for potential applicants, which Raj manages, helping to match people to available positions and support them through the application process.

Raj said: “We’re really trying to highlight the variety of fantastic career and job opportunities that are available within adult social care. It’s not all about personal care. There are jobs available in kitchens and maintenance, as well as administrative roles.”

“I can help by answering any questions as well as offering tailored support, including reworking CVs and giving advice on interview techniques.”

Over the coming weeks, Oxfordshire County Council will be releasing several “Ask Raj” videos on social media, sharing his hints and tips about ways into the care industry, as well as answering the frequently asked questions he receives, including: Do I need any qualifications? Do I need a car? And what qualities do I need for a career in care?

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We have an aging population with increasingly complex health and care needs and we need a talented workforce to help support people, across a variety of roles.

“Raj offers a unique service, helping people who are just starting out in their careers in care and I would urge anyone considering joining the sector to get in touch with him to find out more.”

Raj can be contacted by email on p2capplicant.support@oxfordshire.gov.uk, after which, a follow up conversation can be arranged.

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Having worked his way up through a variety of roles in the care sector, the 52 year old is now chief executive at Oxfordshire based care provider Style Acre.

Chris is hoping to inspire others to follow in his footsteps during Professional Care Workers' Week (18 to 22 September), supporting Oxfordshire County Council’s strategy to strengthen and develop the local care workforce.

After completing a law degree and having a brief flirtation with accountancy, Chris began his career in social care as a trainee support worker in 1994. Since then, he has climbed the professional ladder, taking on roles including support manager, area manager and director of operations at three established, not for profit, care organisations.

In 2015, he became the CEO at Style Acre – a charity that supports around 300 adults with learning disabilities and autism in Oxfordshire. The organisation offers a range of person-centred support, from 24-hour care for those with complex learning, health or physical disabilities to a few hours support each week for those who live more independently.

Style Acre is part of Oxfordshire County Council’s network of care providers, playing a pivotal role in the adult social care Oxfordshire Way vision, supporting people to live well and as independently as possible within their own communities.

For Chris, the longevity of his career in care has all been about the people. Not only the people he’s supported, but also the teams he’s worked with.

Chris said: “I joined Style Acre as chief executive in October 2015 and can honestly say it’s the best job I have ever had. It is a real privilege to work alongside such a dedicated, enthusiastic and caring group of people. It is also unbelievably rewarding to see the impact our support has on people’s lives.”

Chris is one of around 18,000 care workers in Oxfordshire, although the latest statistics suggest there are 1,800 unfilled posts in the sector locally. As part of this year’s Professional Care Workers' Week, Chris and the council hope to raise awareness of the multitude of good career opportunities available in the caring profession.

Chris said: “There’s no single route into caring, and it is not always seen as a career. Apprenticeships offer a way to earn as you learn with on the job training and a guaranteed pay cheque. This also gives you the chance to see what positions are available and potentially progress to other roles if you wish.”

“Alternatively, there are many transferable skills that you can bring from other professions into caring - you might have experience in hospitality or food preparation for example – we’re a multi-skilled sector welcoming diversity and offering job satisfaction and career progression.” 

Alongside his role at Style Acre, Chris is on the board of directors at Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP), an organisation that supports people who work in the caring sector in the county.

OACP has worked closely with the county council to develop a new website, Proud to Care Oxfordshire, aimed at bringing more people into caring positions. The resource highlights the broad range of jobs available in the care sector as well as providing a free platform for care providers to advertise any opportunities they have available.

There’s also local information on support services, funding and initiatives to help people get into work and apprenticeships, supporting their development and training.

For Chris, his career in care has given him the chance to follow his passion, helping to bring communities together.

Chris said: “I am passionate about people having the opportunity to play an active part in their community and striving to fulfil their potential in life, irrespective of their disability. It is a truly diverse career and although it may be a cliché, every day is different and every day has a purpose and a meaning.

“We all require support through life and I believe that it is important to provide that support in a way that is right for each individual and in a way that gives the person receiving the support the choice, control and dignity that they deserve. I believe Style Acre does this really well and it’s a privilege to work here, we also have a huge amount of fun!”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “I have been lucky enough to see first hand the difference Chris and the team at Style Acre are making to the people they support.

“Hearing how Chris has been able to develop his career in care while dedicating his life to supporting others, is an inspirational example of what’s possible in the caring profession.

“I hope more people consider following in his footsteps.”

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Proud to Care Oxfordshire has been developed by Oxfordshire County Council in partnership with Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP). The website highlights the broad range of jobs available in the care sector as well as providing a free platform for care providers to advertise any opportunities they have available.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Care workers are the lifeblood of our social care system and it’s no secret that we need more people to take up these important roles both nationally and here in Oxfordshire.

“As a council, it’s our job to help develop and maintain a local sustainable care market and this resource will play an important part by allowing providers to advertise their opportunities and for job hunters to find their ideal position all in the same place.”

As well as a job search tool, the resource includes an email service for potential applicants, helping to match people to available positions and support them through the process.

The website also highlights the breadth of caring positions on offer in Oxfordshire, including interviews with people like Mariana Bernardo, who are already doing the job and explaining why they enjoy it.

Mariana is a community support worker for Witney community support service and says: “Being a carer definitely changes lives, not just for us but for the people we support. The team is amazing, everyone supports each other. I wouldn’t change anything!”

The site also provides local information on support services, funding and initiatives to help people get into work and apprenticeships, supporting their development and training.

Eddy McDowall, Chief Executive of OACP, said: “It’s really important that we attract new people into the care sector.

“Caring is one of the most varied and rewarding professions you can be a part of and welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. There is a position out there for everyone!”

The website is now live and can be found at proudtocareoxfordshire.org.uk

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As a shared lives carer for Oxfordshire County Council, Sarah offers a place to stay for adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own. 

Sarah’s been part of the council’s adult social care scheme since 2020 and has just been celebrated at the Oxfordshire Care Awards, winning the Josie Award for her work making “an exceptional difference to dignity in care.”

Shared lives matches someone who needs care with an approved carer like Sarah. The carer shares their family and community life and gives care and support to the person staying with them. Some people move in with their shared lives carer for a period of time, while others stay for regular short breaks.

Sarah said: “Winning at the care awards was a real honour, especially hearing the kind words of the people I support. Being part of shared lives has given me the chance to meet some incredible people. It’s so rewarding for me and my sons – I find it really rewarding on a day to day basis!”

She is currently supporting a young woman called Sammy. Sammy says: “Since living at Sarah’s house, it’s always been like a home to me. Sarah is the most incredible shared lives carer, she always does a perfect job looking after people for respite.

“I am really happy she’s my carer, as she keeps me smiling every day. I am really proud of her winning the award as she deserves to follow her dreams.”

A recurring theme in Sarah’s testimonials is her dog Hugo, who Sarah sees as a valuable member of her shared lives experience. Sarah says: “It’s important that when people stay with us they feel like they’re part of the family. This can be as easy as taking Hugo for a walk in the park.

“While it’s important people have a positive experience with us, that sense of normality can be just what people need to really put them at ease.”

Anyone can become a shared lives carer. There are varying levels of commitment from one-off respite stays to more permanent support. Some combine daytime and overnight visits.

Karen Fuller, Oxfordshire County Council’s Interim Director for Adult Social Care, said: “Shared lives is an important part of our Oxfordshire Way vision to support people to live well and independently within their own communities for as long as possible.

“People like Sarah not only offer support to the people with additional needs, but also provide that important respite time for their family and friends who might support them on a more regular basis.

“I’m thrilled Sarah has been acknowledged at the care awards for her work and I hope her story inspires others to take part in the service.”

If you have a spare room, are kind and understanding, and have some time to support someone, you could become a shared lives carer too. Find out more at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

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Organised by Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) and hosted in partnership with Action for Carers Oxfordshire and Age UK Oxfordshire, the Oxfordshire Care Awards were held on Monday (24 April) at the Voco Oxford Thames Hotel in Sandford-on-Thames under the tagline ‘inspiration for all’. Oxfordshire County Council co-sponsored the event.

One of the big winners of the day was L A Care Ltd, who was named Care Employer of the Year after a client described the company in one testimonial as “the most caring, professional, organised, informative and helpful team.”

The Newcomer to Care Award was won by Chris Rees, a chef from the Julie Richardson Nursing Home. Chris was acknowledged as delivering “nutrition and hydration responsively, by adjusting menus to deal with common issues like weight loss, dysphagia, and dementia by developing and providing fitting alternatives.”

The Inspiration Award recognises an organisation or business that is not a health or care agency, that inspired others during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s winner was Westinghouse Laundry from Abingdon. The team collected 356 bags of laundry from carers doorsteps, washed, ironed and returned it to the carer within 48 hours.

Eleven award winners were announced, with a further eleven named as ‘highly commended’. All winners received an engraved glass trophy, a framed certificate and a cash prize ranging from £5000 to £250. Those being highly commended received a framed certificate and prize money of between £500 and £100.

Karen Fuller, Oxfordshire County Council’s Interim Director for Adult Social Care, said: “The Oxfordshire Care Awards give us the chance to acknowledge excellence in care, celebrating the people making a difference to some of our most vulnerable residents.

“From unpaid carers and volunteers to established care companies, each plays a valuable part in how we deliver adult social care here in Oxfordshire. It’s been an honour to attend the event and celebrate their achievements.”

Eddy McDowall, CEO of Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, said: “It’s always a privilege to be involved in the Oxfordshire Care Awards. Our awards give the whole community a chance to pause, reflect and thank the hard working people in our industry, celebrating those moments where people go above and beyond what’s expected.”

Penny Thewlis, CEO of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “The care awards are always a complete delight from beginning to end! I can’t think of anything more important than providing care and support to enable people to live life with dignity and some joy. The awards celebrate the amazing people who are doing this every day and whose praises are very rarely sung publicly. They should be.”

Kay Francis, Head of Carer Services at Action for Carers Oxfordshire, said: “We had such a wonderful afternoon celebrating the fantastic care provided by wonderful people in Oxfordshire. Valuing the contribution care workers, volunteers and unpaid carers make in our communities is often humbling and always an honour.”

The full list of winners and those highly commended are:

Newcomer to Care Award 2023

Winner: Chris Rees – Julie Richardson Nursing Home

Highly Commended: Monica Ferrara – Blue Angel Care

The Care Home Worker of the Year Award 2023 

Winner: Daniel Smeu-Mare – Julie Richardson Nursing Home

Highly Commended: Jade Betts – Highmarket House Care Home

The Community/Home Care Worker of the Year Award 2023 

Winner: Craig Cox – Style Acre

Highly Commended: Tracey Johnston – Oxford Aunts Care

The Care Team of the Year Award 2023 

Winner: Flexicare (Oxford and Abingdon) Care Team - Flexicare

Highly Commended: Holder House Care Team – Richmond Fellowship

The Care Employer of the Year Award 2023 

Winner: L A Care Ltd

Highly Commended: Care Compassion & Conversation Ltd

Long-Term Service of the Year Award 2023 

Winners: Susan Vivier and Sandra Stowe – Beech Haven Care Home

Highly Commended: Katrina Kelbie – Dimensions

The Unpaid Carer of the Year Award 2023 

Winner: Phil Foster

Highly Commended: Lily Croft

The Volunteer Worker of the Year Award 2023

Winner: Meryl Smith – All Together in Charlbury (AITC)

Highly Commended: Pat Armstrong – Response Organisation – ‘Response Giving’

The Inspiration Award 2023

Winner: Mike Mitchell – Westinghouse Laundry Services

Highly Commended: SOFEA

Josie’s Award 2023

Winner: Sarah Rees – Oxfordshire Shared Lives Scheme

Highly Commended: Peter Anthony – Style Acre

The Leadership of the Year Award 2023

Winner: Nancy Walters – Mumby’s Live-In Care Ltd

Highly Commended: Karen Stay – Aston Cote Day Centre (for the over 65’s)

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