Hiring and Sponsoring Health services and public health managers and directors (SOC Code 1171)

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Hiring skilled health services and public health managers and directors in the UK requires a clear understanding of SOC Code 1171, sponsor licence obligations, and visa sponsorship requirements. This guide sets out everything UK employers need to know about recruiting and sponsoring workers in this occupation, from eligibility criteria to compliance duties.

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

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• SOC Code 1171 covers health services managers and directors, including public health managers and directors of nursing.
• Roles under this code are eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided the employer holds a valid sponsor licence.
• The going rate and minimum salary thresholds must be met before a Certificate of Sponsorship can be assigned.
• Employers must carry out right to work checks before employment begins, regardless of nationality.
• Annaizu helps UK employers manage sponsor licence compliance and CoS assignments in one place.

What Is SOC Code 1171?

SOC Code 1171 - Health Services and Public Health Managers and Directors - is the Standard Occupational Classification code used by the UK Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to categorise senior managerial and directorial roles within health services and public health organisations.

Who Does SOC Code 1171 Cover?

This code covers professionals who plan, organise, direct and coordinate the provision of health and public health services. Typical job titles falling under this classification include:

• Health Services Manager
• Health Services Director
• Public Health Manager
• Public Health Director
• Director of Nursing
• Clinical Director
• Hospital Manager
• Primary Care Manager
• Community Health Manager

What Do Workers in This Role Do?

Workers classified under SOC Code 1171 are responsible for a wide range of strategic and operational functions within healthcare settings. Core duties typically include:

• Planning and managing the delivery of health and public health services
• Ensuring patient safety and overseeing risk management frameworks
• Leading, managing and developing clinical and non-clinical staff
• Monitoring service quality, performance standards and regulatory compliance
• Promoting public health initiatives and community wellbeing
• Managing budgets and financial resources for health service departments
• Liaising with government bodies, NHS trusts, local authorities and external stakeholders
• Implementing policies and procedures in line with national health guidance

Is SOC Code 1171 Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship?

Yes. Roles under SOC Code 1171 are eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa. This means UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can recruit overseas nationals to fill positions in this occupation, provided all Home Office requirements are met.

Skill Level Requirement

SOC Code 1171 sits at RQF Level 6 and above, meaning it meets the skill threshold required for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The role must genuinely require qualifications, experience or responsibilities at that level.

Salary Thresholds for SOC Code 1171

To sponsor a worker under this code, employers must pay the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for the occupation. As of 2025, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas is £41,700 per year. However, the going rate for SOC Code 1171 roles may be higher, and employers must always pay whichever figure is greater.

Reduced salary thresholds may apply in specific circumstances, including:

• New entrants to the labour market (recent graduates or those switching into the profession)
• Roles on the Immigration Salary List, where applicable
• PhD-level occupations relevant to the role

Employers should always verify current thresholds on the UKVI going rates guidance on gov.uk before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

How to Sponsor a Worker Under SOC Code 1171

Sponsoring an overseas worker in a health services or public health management role involves several steps. Employers must follow the process carefully to remain compliant with Home Office rules.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Obtain a Skilled Worker sponsor licence from the Home Office if you do not already hold one.
2. Confirm the role genuinely meets the requirements for SOC Code 1171 in terms of duties, skill level and salary.
3. Check that the prospective employee meets the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa, including English language requirements.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
5. Ensure the worker applies for their Skilled Worker visa using the CoS reference number before travelling to or remaining in the UK.
6. Carry out right to work checks before the worker's employment begins.
7. Maintain accurate records and fulfil ongoing sponsor duties throughout the worker's employment.

Resident Labour Market Test

The Resident Labour Market Test was abolished in 2021. UK employers sponsoring workers under the current Skilled Worker route are no longer required to advertise roles to settled workers before offering them to overseas nationals. However, fair recruitment practices should still be followed.

Sponsor Licence Requirements for Health Employers

To legally employ and sponsor workers under SOC Code 1171, your organisation must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. This applies to NHS trusts, private healthcare providers, local authorities, social enterprises and any other employer wishing to hire overseas health managers or directors.

Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?

Any UK employer wishing to hire a worker who requires a Skilled Worker visa must hold a sponsor licence. This includes:

• NHS trusts and foundation trusts
• Private hospitals and healthcare groups
• GP practices and primary care networks
• Local authority public health departments
• Social care and community health organisations
• Charities and third-sector health providers

Ongoing Sponsor Duties

Once a sponsor licence is granted, employers must maintain compliance at all times. Key duties include:

• Keeping records of sponsored workers, including contact details and right to work documents
• Reporting changes in a sponsored worker's circumstances via the SMS within required timeframes
• Notifying the Home Office if a sponsored worker does not show up for work or leaves the role
• Ensuring sponsored roles continue to meet the skill and salary requirements throughout employment
• Cooperating with Home Office compliance visits and audits

Right to Work Checks for SOC Code 1171 Roles

All employers in the UK must carry out right to work checks before hiring any employee, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. For sponsored workers under SOC Code 1171, this means verifying that the Skilled Worker visa has been granted and is valid for the role before employment begins.

How to Conduct Right to Work Checks

• For workers with a UK eVisa, use the Home Office online right to work checking service with the worker's share code.
• For workers with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), check the document physically or use the online service.
• Record and retain evidence of every right to work check carried out.
• Conduct follow-up checks where a worker has a time-limited right to work before their permission expires.

Recruiting Health Services Managers from Overseas

Health services and public health management is a specialised field, and many UK employers look overseas to fill gaps where suitably qualified candidates are not available domestically. Common source countries for SOC Code 1171 roles include India, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa and other Commonwealth nations with established healthcare training systems.

Qualifications and Experience

While there is no single mandatory qualification for roles under SOC Code 1171, employers typically seek candidates with:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in health management, public health, business administration or a clinical discipline
• Significant management or leadership experience within a healthcare setting
• Knowledge of UK healthcare regulation, NHS frameworks or equivalent international systems
• Strong understanding of patient safety, clinical governance and risk management

English Language Requirements

Skilled Worker visa applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or above. This can be evidenced through an approved English language test, a degree taught in English, or by being a national of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the Home Office.

Compliance Risks for Health Employers

Health sector employers sponsoring workers under SOC Code 1171 face specific compliance risks that must be managed proactively. Failure to comply with sponsor duties can result in licence suspension or revocation, civil penalties and reputational damage.

Common Compliance Failures

• Failing to report a sponsored worker leaving their role within the required timeframe
• Allowing a sponsored worker to carry out duties outside the scope of their CoS
• Not maintaining adequate records of right to work checks
• Assigning a CoS with an incorrect salary or SOC code
• Failing to update the SMS when a worker changes location, role title or working hours

Frequently Asked Questions