The Scottish government and NHS Education for Scotland have launched a new programme that involves hiring social care workers from overseas to address staff shortages in adult social care.
The health and social care partnership (HSCP) and council have been involved in the project, which is grant-funded and has seen the arrival of four people who have travelled from South Africa. They have started undertaking induction and onboarding for employment in the Care at Home service.
Workers began arriving into Scotland in May, but the latest employee arrived this month.
Christine Laverty, chief officer of the HSCP, has provided an update on the pilot scheme in a report, which is due to be discussed on Friday at the meeting of the integration joint board, the body responsible for the oversight.
‘The aim of the project is to test approaches which can help address the recruitment challenges facing adult social care nationally,’ Laverty said. ‘Through the pilot process, an international recruitment agency was appointed to source suitably experienced and qualified candidates internationally for interview by HSCP staff and to support the completion of pre-employment checks (including overseas convictions) and travel booking.
‘This resulted in four people being offered permanent employment to our Care at Home service.
‘On 8th May, three of the four people arrived from South Africa and have been settling into their new surroundings while undertaking induction and onboarding.
‘The fourth person to be recruited arrived in early June and will progress onboarding alongside their colleagues.
‘The service has put in place a buddy scheme with additional support provided via local community support networks.
‘The pastoral support process will seek to minimise the impact of social isolation and the psychological impact of migration.’
Statistics for Scotland’s social workers retention rates shows this scheme couldn’t have come at a better time. Research from Scottish Social Services Council found there is a 1.3% decrease in the whole time equivalent (WTE) of practising social worker filled posts compared to December 2022.
Image: eberhard 🖐 grossgasteiger
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