From Mainland to Island: Relocating to Guernsey

Are you an experienced social worker looking for a change of scenery, and perhaps a fresh start? Guernsey – our charming island in the English Channel might just be the perfect location for you to further your social work career.

Here, we have stunning natural beauty and a vibrant and inclusive community. We offer an enticing opportunity if you’re looking to relocate and embark on a new professional challenge. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and considerations of relocating to Guernsey as a social worker.

The advantages of relocating to Guernsey

Guernsey boasts a rich cultural heritage, as well as a reputation for its high standard of living. As one of our social workers, you’ll join a supportive team who value the wellbeing of all in the community. We foster a sense of belonging, which will enable you to build meaningful connections with your colleagues, those in need of your support and the wider community.

We’re proud to have a wide range of exciting social work roles here in Guernsey. We can provide job security and diverse roles across various teams, including community, mental health, safeguarding and short breaks, to name a few.

We are committed to continuous professional development. As one of our social workers on the island, you’ll have access to a range of training opportunities, workshops, and conferences. This ensures that as a social worker here, you’ll stay updated on the latest research, best practices, and interventions, enabling you to provide the highest possible quality of care to the children, adults, and families you’re supporting.

You can find out more on why you should join us, here.

Quality of life in Guernsey

The quality of life that Guernsey offers is another compelling reason to consider moving here. It has picturesque landscapes and sandy beaches – the perfect, tranquil island lifestyle. Guernsey also offers shorter travel commutes, meaning you can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing the things you love. It also has excellent health and education systems on offer.

What is relocating to Guernsey like?

The process of moving to Guernsey is pretty straightforward, with a few essential steps. If you’re moving from outside the Islands of Guernsey to work for 12 months or more, and are not a returning resident, you will receive £5,000 towards your relocation costs (£6,600 if you’re relocating to Alderney).

If you need to store furniture here, you can claim up to £50 per week for a maximum of six months.

To relocate, you’ll need to be registered with Social Work England and meet their requirements, including demonstrating your qualifications, experience, and compliance with professional standards. You'll also need to secure suitable accommodation (see our blog post on rent allowance in Guernsey). We offer a House Purchase Grant if you’ve had to sell your primary residential property as a result of moving here for a role with us (this is payable at the time of purchase of a home in Guernsey). For more information, please email us.

“I moved to Guernsey in January 2023; I knew I needed a change and wanted to achieve more of a work-life balance. I have completely fallen in love with the island! Locals are generally really laid back and the island offers a more relaxed way of life. I am finding that getting out and about after work and enjoying the sights of Guernsey helps me to unwind after work.

"The team I work with is much smaller than back in the UK and we have generally formed really positive relationships with one another. Colleagues are also very supportive. The work is challenging and learning to work within new legislation and practices is great for my development. I am learning new skills and adapting to the cultural differences on the island.

"I have no regrets about my decision to move here! I have just returned to the island after a week in the UK and that has cemented that my decision was the right one.”

Sally Deakin, Senior Social Worker

Relocating to Guernsey as a social worker offers a change of pace – it’s an exciting opportunity where you can combine professional growth with a high quality of life. If you’re ready for a new adventure and are passionate about contributing to a thriving social care team, take a look through, and apply for a role with us today.