Hiring and Sponsoring Events managers and organisers (SOC Code 3557)

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Hiring events managers and organisers in the UK involves understanding the relevant Standard Occupational Classification code, salary thresholds, and sponsorship requirements. This guide covers everything UK employers need to know about recruiting and sponsoring workers under SOC Code 3557.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Events managers and organisers fall under SOC Code 3557 and are eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before recruiting overseas candidates for this role.
• Salary thresholds and going rates must be met to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• The role covers planning and coordinating conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and corporate events.

What Is SOC Code 3557?

Definition and Scope

SOC Code 3557 covers Events Managers and Organisers. Workers in this category are responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing events such as conferences, exhibitions, product launches, festivals, and corporate hospitality functions. They liaise with clients, suppliers, venues, and contractors to ensure events run safely and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Typical Job Titles

• Events Manager
• Events Organiser
• Conference Manager
• Exhibition Coordinator
• Corporate Events Planner
• Festival Manager
• Wedding Planner

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and Coordination

Events managers under SOC 3557 typically handle the full lifecycle of an event, from initial brief to post-event evaluation. Core responsibilities include:

• Liaising with clients to establish event requirements, budgets, and objectives.
• Sourcing and booking venues, caterers, audio-visual suppliers, and other contractors.
• Managing event logistics including transport, accommodation, and on-site operations.
• Preparing risk assessments and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Overseeing marketing and communications related to the event.
• Managing event budgets and reconciling post-event finances.
• Leading on-site teams during event delivery.

Client and Stakeholder Management

A significant part of the role involves managing relationships with clients, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees. Events managers are expected to handle last-minute changes, resolve problems quickly, and ensure client satisfaction throughout the process.

Sponsoring Overseas Events Managers: Skilled Worker Visa

Is SOC 3557 Eligible for Sponsorship?

Yes. SOC Code 3557 is on the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker visa. UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can recruit overseas nationals for events manager roles, provided all visa requirements are satisfied.

Sponsor Licence Requirement

Before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to an overseas candidate, your organisation must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. If you do not yet hold a licence, you will need to apply before making any job offer to a non-settled worker.

Salary Thresholds for SOC 3557

To sponsor a worker under SOC 3557, you must pay whichever is higher of the following:

• The general Skilled Worker salary threshold set by the Home Office.
• The going rate for SOC 3557 as published in the Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Employers should always check the latest going rate on the gov.uk guidance page before assigning a CoS, as thresholds are updated periodically.

New Entrant Rates

A reduced new entrant rate may apply in certain circumstances, including where the worker is under 26, is a recent graduate, or is switching from a student or graduate visa. The new entrant rate is generally set at 70% of the standard going rate for the occupation.

The Hiring Process for Overseas Events Managers

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Confirm your organisation holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
2. Advertise the role and conduct a Resident Labour Market Test where required.
3. Select the overseas candidate and confirm the role meets SOC 3557 duties and salary requirements.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship via the Sponsor Management System.
5. Notify the candidate so they can apply for their Skilled Worker visa.
6. Carry out right to work checks before the candidate starts employment.
7. Report any changes to the worker's circumstances through SMS as required by your sponsor duties.

Right to Work Checks

All employers must conduct right to work checks before a new employee starts work, regardless of whether they are a UK national or a sponsored worker. For sponsored workers, you should retain a copy of their visa vignette or eVisa confirmation as part of your compliance records.

Compliance Obligations for Sponsors

Ongoing Sponsor Duties

Once you have sponsored an events manager, you must meet your ongoing sponsor compliance obligations. These include:

• Reporting changes such as absence, role changes, or early termination of employment.
• Maintaining up-to-date contact details and employment records for each sponsored worker.
• Cooperating with any Home Office audit or inspection of your sponsorship records.
• Ensuring the worker continues to meet the conditions of their visa and is working in the role specified on their CoS.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet sponsor duties can result in a civil penalty, downgrading of your sponsor licence rating, suspension, or revocation of your licence. This would prevent you from hiring any further sponsored workers until the licence is reinstated.

Skills and Qualifications Typically Required

Qualifications

There is no single mandatory qualification for events managers, but employers typically look for candidates with relevant higher education or professional experience. Common qualifications include:

• A degree in events management, hospitality, marketing, or business.
• Professional qualifications such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Marketing or the Events Industry Forum.
• Demonstrated portfolio of successfully managed events.

Core Competencies

• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Budget management and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation relevant to public events.
• Problem-solving ability under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SOC Code 3557 eligible for the Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Events Managers and Organisers under SOC Code 3557 are listed as an eligible occupation for the Skilled Worker visa, meaning UK employers with a sponsor licence can recruit and sponsor overseas nationals for these roles.

What salary must I pay a sponsored events manager?

You must pay the higher of the general Skilled Worker threshold or the published going rate for SOC 3557. Always check the latest figures on gov.uk before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship as rates are updated regularly.

Do I need a sponsor licence before hiring an overseas events manager?

Yes. You must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office before you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship and recruit from outside the UK settled workforce.

Can a new entrant rate apply to SOC 3557 roles?

Yes, in certain circumstances. If the worker qualifies as a new entrant - for example, they are under 26, a recent graduate, or switching from a student visa - you may be able to pay a reduced rate of 70% of the standard going rate for the occupation.

What are my ongoing duties after sponsoring an events manager?

You must track and report changes to the worker's employment, maintain accurate records, cooperate with Home Office inspections, and ensure the worker continues to perform the role described on their Certificate of Sponsorship.

What happens if I fail to comply with my sponsor duties?

Non-compliance can result in a civil penalty, a downgrade of your sponsor licence rating, suspension of your licence, or full revocation. This would prevent you from sponsoring any further overseas workers until the matter is resolved.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring events managers and organisers under SOC Code 3557 is straightforward when you understand the visa requirements, salary thresholds, and compliance obligations involved. Annaizu helps UK employers manage every stage of the sponsorship process - from checking licence status and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship to tracking ongoing compliance - all in one platform.