Trust Sponsorship Lead(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs, Health and Care
Uk
December 9, 2025
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

Role Overview

The Trust is seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Sponsorship Lead to oversee all aspects of skilled worker visa sponsorship and right-to-work compliance. In this role, you will be the organisation’s primary specialist for immigration processes relating to employment, supporting both current staff who require visa renewals and new colleagues joining under sponsorship.

You will ensure that every step—from issuing Certificates of Sponsorship to reporting changes to the Home Office—is managed accurately, efficiently and in line with UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) legislation. This includes reviewing processes, updating documentation, planning renewal cycles and supporting workforce teams with expert advice.

Your work will help the Trust maintain its licensed sponsor status, reduce the risk of illegal working, and ensure a safe, compliant and smooth onboarding experience for international staff.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sponsorship & Immigration Specialist

  • Act as the Trust’s subject matter expert on all employment-related immigration matters, including skilled worker visas and right-to-work rules.
  • Advise managers, HR colleagues and recruitment teams on lawful sponsorship practice.
  • Provide guidance on whether sponsorship is required, appropriate or financially viable.

2. Managing Sponsored Workers

  • Maintain oversight of all sponsored employees across the Trust.
  • Track and record changes to job roles, working patterns or personal details that must be reported to UKVI.
  • Ensure timely compliance reporting via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

3. Visa Renewals & Certificate Processing

  • Plan and manage the full sponsorship renewal cycle, including CoS allocation, submission and payment processes in accordance with Trust finance rules.
  • Process applications for new starters requiring sponsorship, ensuring documentation is accurate and aligned with UKVI criteria.
  • Manage internal records to ensure that immigration status information is shared consistently with HR, payroll and recruitment teams.

4. Policy, Process & Quality Assurance

  • Review and develop Trust policies, forms and SOPs relating to sponsorship and right-to-work checks.
  • Keep up to date with national policy and legislative changes, briefing the Recruitment Manager and wider workforce teams as needed.
  • Produce compliance reports for senior stakeholders and identify risks or areas for improvement.

5. Workforce Support & Training

  • Support the training and upskilling of recruitment staff around sponsorship and right-to-work requirements.
  • Contribute to wider recruitment initiatives, including international hiring campaigns.
  • Attend events and represent the Trust when required.

About the Trust

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust provides mental health services for communities across the county, supporting adults with a wide range of needs. With care delivered across inpatient units and community teams, we serve over 56,000 people each year and are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Our vision is clear: help communities not only live with mental illness, but live well. We value compassion, inclusion, curiosity and confidence—and welcome applicants who share this commitment to improving mental health care.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

Postgraduate HR qualification, or equivalent specialist expertise gained through experience and continuous professional development.

Significant experience managing Certificates of Sponsorship within an NHS context.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Additional Requirements

Disclosure & Barring Service

  • This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Location

  • Eastern and Coastal Area Offices
    Littlebourne Road, Canterbury

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