Overseas-Qualified Social Workers Could Alleviate England's Workforce Shortage, New Research Suggests

New Research Highlights Potential Solution for Social Worker Shortage

A recent evaluation report suggests that leveraging the skills of overseas-qualified social workers already living in the United Kingdom could be a key strategy to mitigate England's severe social worker shortage. The research, conducted by Dr. Sui Ting Kong from Durham University's Department of Sociology and the charity UK Welcomes Refugees (UKWR), was published on January 26, 2026.

The study specifically examined 'The Sutton Model,' a pilot program implemented by Sutton Council in London between November 2024 and February 2025. This model was designed to help social workers trained abroad, particularly those from Hong Kong migrating under the British National (Overseas) visa route, transition into professional practice within the UK.

The Growing Demand for Social Workers in England

The need for such solutions is underscored by persistent and significant workforce challenges in the social care sector. Social Work England reports a vacancy rate of 20%, meaning one in every five social work positions in England is unfilled, an increase from 17% in 2021. This shortage has led to a substantial rise in the recruitment of social workers from other countries, with applications from overseas social workers nearly tripling in the past three years, marking a 175.3% increase.

Furthermore, estimates suggest that over 10% of England's qualified social workers received their training abroad. The adult social care sector in England faced approximately 131,000 vacancies in 2023/24, representing an average vacancy rate of 8.3%, according to Skills for Care. While international recruitment has contributed to a decrease in vacancies since 2021/22, the rates remain high. Social workers themselves identify high workloads and burnout (79%), a lack of applicants (60%), and skills shortages (42%) as primary challenges within their organizations.

Facilitating International Recruitment and Integration

For overseas-qualified social workers to practice in England, they must register with Social Work England. The registration process requires evidence of their social work qualification and proficiency in English, often demonstrated through an IELTS certificate.

Recognizing the importance of ethical and effective international recruitment, the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), through its Diaspora Special Interest Group, has published 'International Recruitment and Induction Standards' to guide the process for social workers coming to the UK. Additionally, a new framework for the international recruitment of adult and children's social workers was launched on July 16, 2025. Developed by YPO in collaboration with London Councils and the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA), on behalf of the Association of London Directors of Children's Services (ALDCS), this framework aims to provide a compliant and ethical pathway for local authorities.

Recruitment agencies also play a role, with some, like Sanctuary International, offering comprehensive 'wraparound relocation support services' that assist with documentation, visa applications, Social Work England registration, English language testing, accommodation, and travel. Employers are encouraged to provide support for various aspects of relocation, including visa processing, legal fees, and housing.

Impact and Future Considerations

The influx of international social workers has demonstrably increased diversity, filled vacant positions, and contributed to a decline in overall vacancy and turnover rates within the adult social care sector. These professionals bring a 'wealth of expertise and experience' to the UK.

However, challenges persist, with some overseas social workers reporting difficulties with induction and management support, which can affect retention. The transition period can be demanding for both the new recruits and their employers, sometimes involving culture shock and adaptation to unfamiliar practice contexts. Addressing these integration challenges remains crucial to fully harness the potential of international social workers in strengthening England's social care workforce.