Hiring and Sponsoring Social and humanities scientists (SOC Code 2115)

Social and Humanities Scientists, classified under SOC Code 2115, are essential professionals dedicated to understanding societal dynamics and human behavior, while exploring the nuances of culture and creativity. Their work encompasses a broad spectrum of research aimed at deepening our comprehension of humanity. The following points outline their key responsibilities and activities:

• Research Focus: Studies society and human behavior, investigating their impact on the world.
• Humanities Exploration: Conducts research that advances understanding of human culture, creativity, and language evolution.
• Linguistic Analysis: Compares grammatical structures and traces the development of words and language forms, linking ancient languages to modern counterparts.
• Data Compilation: Identifies, compiles, and analyzes various data (economic, demographic, legal, political, social) to meet research objectives.
• Fieldwork Implementation: Administers questionnaires, conducts interviews, organizes focus groups, and employs other social research methodologies.
• Data Analysis: Undertakes thorough analyses of collected data and presents research findings to sponsors, media, and relevant organizations.
• Conference Engagement: Addresses conferences and publishes articles that detail both the methodologies employed and the results of the undertaken research.

As the importance of social inquiry and cultural analysis continues to be recognized in various sectors, demand for skilled social and humanities scientists is expected to rise. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the process of hiring and sponsoring these vital researchers within the UK's immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Social and humanities scientists?

SOC Code 2115 refers to social and humanities scientists who study society and human behavior, as well as conduct research that enhances our understanding of culture and creativity. Their responsibilities can include:

• Researching human behavior: Investigating the ways individuals and groups interact and impact their environments.
• Exploring cultural evolution: Tracing the development of languages and cultural expressions over time, comparing grammatical structures, and analyzing linguistic relationships.
• Data collection and analysis: Identifying, compiling, and analyzing diverse types of data—economic, demographic, legal, political, and social—to meet research goals.
• Conducting surveys and interviews: Administering questionnaires, carrying out interviews, and organizing focus groups to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
• Presenting research findings: Analyzing data and effectively communicating results to sponsors, the media, and other stakeholders.
• Engaging in academic discourse: Addressing conferences and publishing articles to share methodologies and insights from their research.

Social and humanities scientists play a vital role in expanding knowledge about human cultures and behaviors, influencing policy decisions, and contributing to societal progress.

Eligibility to Hire Social and humanities scientists (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Social and humanities scientists must demonstrate a strong understanding of social science principles and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Educational Background: A degree in sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, or a related field is typically required. Advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) may be preferred for research-focused roles.
• Research Experience: Proven experience in conducting research, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This may include familiarity with statistical analysis software and data collection techniques.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze and interpret data, with experience using various analytical tools and programs to derive meaningful insights.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings. Experience in writing academic papers, articles, or reports is essential.
• Fieldwork Proficiency: Ability to administer questionnaires, conduct interviews, facilitate focus groups, and implement various social research tools effectively.
• Publication and Presentation Record: Prior experience in publishing research findings and presenting at conferences to share knowledge and insights with academic and professional communities.

All candidates should ensure their experience and work align with SOC Code 2115, meeting the expectations for the role in social and humanities research.

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

Sponsoring Social and humanities scientists: 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 Social and humanities scientists under SOC Code 2115.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Social and humanities scientists, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Social and humanities scientists 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 Social and humanities scientists. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Social and humanities scientists 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 Social and humanities scientists’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 Social and humanities scientists 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 Social and humanities scientists

Before the Social and humanities scientists 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 Social and humanities scientists’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Social and humanities scientists 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 Social and humanities scientists’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Social and humanities scientists’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 Social and humanities scientistss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Social and humanities scientists

Sponsoring Social and humanities scientists under SOC Code 2115 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 Social and humanities scientists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Social and humanities scientists under SOC Code 2115 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.