§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he plans to issue an international code of conduct for the recruitment of overseas social worker staff. [100144]
§ Jacqui SmithIt is the responsibility of individual employers to ensure that their recruitment policies and procedures comply with current legislation whether recruiting within England or abroad.
Employers of qualified social workers from abroad can verify the qualifications of applicants within the General Social Care Council (GSCC). This is an advisory service to employers on the standing of international qualifications. They will also issue a letter of verifications for foreign qualifications to those social workers from abroad who choose to apply for it. This confirms the professional status of the qualification held in the country of origin.
The GSCC has also issued codes of practice for social care workers and employers which apply to all social care staff across the United Kingdom, irrespective of from where they are recruited. Appliance with these codes is taken into account when enforcing care standards.