Hiring and Sponsoring Public relations and communications directors (SOC Code 1133)

Public Relations and Communications Directors, classified under SOC Code 1133, are strategic professionals responsible for shaping and directing the public relations policies of organizations. Their role involves:

• Developing and Reviewing Policies: Crafting and assessing the public relations direction to align with organizational goals.
• Overseeing Communications Department: Leading the communications team or representing clients in a public relations firm, ensuring effective message delivery.
• Client Liaison: Engaging with clients to understand their needs and developing tailored strategies to achieve their objectives.
• Directing Public Relations Campaigns: Planning and implementing campaigns that communicate key messages through various media channels.
• Monitoring Campaign Effectiveness: Evaluating campaign strategies, adjusting as necessary based on changing media landscapes and audience engagement.
• Organizing Events: Coordinating conferences, exhibitions, and seminars to enhance the visibility and image of products, services, or organizations.

As the demand for adept public relations and communications professionals rises in the UK, organizations increasingly seek talent with diverse perspectives, including those from international backgrounds. This guide serves to assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring Public Relations and Communications Directors under the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Public relations and communications directors?

SOC Code 1133 refers to public relations and communications directors who are responsible for developing and managing the public relations strategies of an organization. Their responsibilities can include:

• Developing public relations policies: Formulating and reviewing PR policies to align with organizational goals.
• Overseeing communications departments: Directing the work of communications teams within organizations or managing efforts on behalf of clients at PR firms.
• Liaising with clients: Engaging with clients to understand their needs and crafting tailored strategies to achieve their objectives.
• Directing public relations campaigns: Planning, executing, and managing PR campaigns to effectively communicate messages through various media outlets.
• Reviewing campaign effectiveness: Analyzing the performance of campaigns and making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Staying informed: Keeping up-to-date with shifts in media trends, audience demographics, and consumption patterns to refine strategies.
• Coordinating promotional events: Organizing conferences, exhibitions, seminars, and other events to enhance the visibility and image of products, services, or the organization.

Public relations and communications directors play a vital role in shaping public perception, managing corporate reputation, and maintaining effective communication channels between organizations and their stakeholders.

Eligibility to Hire Public relations and communications directors (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Public Relations and Communications Directors must possess strong leadership abilities and relevant experience in the field. Candidates are expected to meet the following qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field is typically required. A master’s degree may be preferred for higher-level positions.
• Experience: Proven experience in public relations or communications roles, with a track record of successful campaigns and strategic initiatives.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a communications team effectively while managing multiple projects.
• Strategic Thinking: Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive public relations strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Media Acumen: Knowledge of media trends and a strong network of media contacts to enhance outreach efforts.
• Crisis Management: Ability to handle challenging situations and provide effective communication strategies during crises.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing media coverage, readership statistics, and campaign metrics to inform and revise strategies as needed.
• Event Management: Experience in overseeing the planning and execution of conferences, exhibitions, and seminars to promote the organization's brand and objectives.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 1133 and that candidates' experience and qualifications meet the expectations for this role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Public relations and communications directors: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Public relations and communications directors under SOC Code 1133.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Public relations and communications directors, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Public relations and communications directors under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Public relations and communications directors. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Public relations and communications directors applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Public relations and communications directors’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Public relations and communications directors can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Public relations and communications directors

Before the Public relations and communications directors begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Public relations and communications directors’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Public relations and communications directors holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Public relations and communications directors’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Public relations and communications directors’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Public relations and communications directorss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Public relations and communications directors

Sponsoring Public relations and communications directors under SOC Code 1133 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Public relations and communications directors, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Public relations and communications directors under SOC Code 1133 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.