Leaders in a workplace have a demonstrable impact on output, productivity and morale, so it is no surprise that the British government considers leadership skills to be a quality that must be nurtured and encouraged on a global scale. For this reason, they have introduced the Global Talent Visa, which aims to bring overseas leadership talent into the country.
Why global awareness matters in leadership
Research consistently demonstrates that employees who are supervised by highly engaged leaders are 59% [1] more likely to be engaged than those whose supervisors are disengaged from their workforce. Engagement is key to developing a productive culture, and through productivity and collaboration comes profit. Therefore, it is essential that strong and engaged leaders are embedded into every UK organisation in order to improve the country’s economic prospects.
The global element is important. Not only are UK organisations striving to achieve their diversity targets, but bringing in leaders from overseas has a tranche of other business benefits that include:
Bilingual abilities.
As more organisations seek to compete in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace, the ability to speak more than one language becomes ever more important. So too does the experience gained from working in other countries, understanding how different cultures operate and interact, promoting critical thinking skills and collaborating in a culturally appropriate manner.
Global community.
When a business leader has overseas experience, they are able to participate meaningfully in community outreach projects, benefiting their workplace and wider society. They can impart useful knowledge to their teams and encourage employees to recognise, take pride in and appreciate the cultural differences and similarities that bind our society.
Networking.
Specialists who come into the UK via the Global Talent Visa have demonstrated that they are exceptionally skilled leaders in their field and have been endorsed by industry-specific global bodies. These individuals, therefore, have an established professional network which can aid UK industry to form trade links and global connections as well as learn from their experiences and implement policies and practices to increase growth and profitability.
Why the Global Talent Visa exists
Following Brexit, the Global Talent Visa is the appropriate immigration pathway for highly skilled leaders in the areas of academia, arts and culture, STEM and digital technology to enter the country, contribute to the local economy and foster innovation and growth within their sector.
The Global Talent Visa offers an expedited process that allows exceptionally talented individuals, or those who demonstrate outstanding promise in their chosen field, to enter the UK to take up work, launch a business venture or work in a self employed capacity in roles that will have a demonstrable benefit to the country’s economy, culture, or research landscape.
Eligibility criteria
The acceptance criteria for individuals applying to enter the UK under the Global Talent Visa scheme are necessarily rigorous as the scheme aims only to accept those individuals whose professional contributions will enhance the culture and economy of the country.
Therefore, the eligibility criteria are strict and require that all candidates provide evidence of their outstanding achievements in their field, a track record of the benefits that they have delivered in leadership roles in their country of origin and evidence of publications, patents, or recognition that they have received from industry bodies or experts in their field.
Applicants also need to be in possession of an eligible award [2] or endorsed by a professional body or industry expert. In some instances, this endorsement can be sought from a government body that is capable of assessing the individual’s capacity for contributing to the country in which they wish to live and work.
Benefits of the Global Talent Visa scheme
Applicants who enter the UK under the Global Talent Visa scheme are entitled to seek employment within their field of expertise, launch a business or consult in a self-employed capacity. This flexibility in employment options is not usually available to overseas entrants, so this is a significant benefit, particularly to international leadership talent who may wish to employ flexibility in sharing their skills and experience.
Successful applicants can apply to live and work in the UK for a period of up to 5 years, after which point they may apply for permanent residency, which allows them access to benefits such as NHS funded healthcare and state funded schooling for dependent children.
When the UK brings in overseas talent through the Global Talent Visa scheme, it is part of a wider strategy aimed at stimulating economic growth, fostering innovation in cutting-edge industries, creating job opportunities and enhancing the country’s advantage in the global market.
Support is available
Although the application process is necessarily rigorous, help is available. Stellar Immigration Services can provide you with tailored, accurate and up-to-date information regarding your eligibility for the Global Talent Visa and support you through the entire process, from application to relocation. To find out more, please contact us today.
Resources:
[1] http://healthydealer.com/employee-engagement/#:~:text=Employees%20who%20are%20supervised%20by,supervised%20by%20actively%20disengaged%20managers.
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list