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International recruitment played a vital role in supporting Scotland’s Adult Social Care sector. By welcoming skilled workers from around the world, we were able to address key challenges in staffing and retention. Recruiting from overseas is no longer an option, but there are thousands of international workers across the UK who are looking for new opportunities and are willing to become New Scots.
Join us as we delve into the many dimensions of employing international workers, and help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for Adult Social Care in Scotland.
© Public Service Delivery Scotland 2026. You can copy or reproduce the information in these podcasts for use within NHS Scotland and for non-commercial educational purposes under creative commons CC BY-NC 4.0 Deed | Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International | Creative commons. Use of this resource for commercial purposes is permitted only with the written permission of Public Service Delivery Scotland.
Welcome to the New Scots - New Care podcast!
Our podcast offers thoughtful, in-depth insights into the ethical and sustainable recruitment of New Scots into Scotland’s Social Care sector. Through expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical guidance, we explore what it means to be a New Scot and how their contributions are enriching communities across the country.
Whether you're an employer looking to support and hire New Scots, or a New Scot yourself considering a career in Social Care, our episodes are designed to guide you every step of the way. Organised into themed seasons, you can easily find the content most relevant to your needs and interests.
Scotland thrives thanks to the dedication and diversity of our international workforce. Start your journey here and be part of something meaningful.
Episodes

Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
27 min
In this episode, we address labour exploitation and modern slavery—issues that are often hidden but exist within our communities and care services.
We meet Justine Carter, Deputy CEO of Unseen, a UK charity dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and supporting survivors. Drawing from frontline experience and the UK’s Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline, we’ll discuss the realities in care settings, why vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees are at risk, and what changes are needed among employers, regulators, and communities.
The following episode discusses a highly destressing topic which viewers may find upsetting. If you are affected by any of the matters discussed in this episode, you can find resources and support at the following contacts:
CWSS Turas - Human Trafficking and Exploitation section
Worker Support Centre on 0800-058-1633
Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline, 0800-0121-700.
Salvation Army on 0800-808-3733.
Police Scotland on 101, or in an emergency, contact them on 999.
Crimestoppers On 0800-555-111.
You can access the transcript of episode 4-Human Trafficking and Exploitation in a Sway document.
We also welcome feedback on our episodes and podcast series to help shape and improve future seasons. Please let us know your thoughts by completing our short Episode 4 feedback form.

Jun 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
39 min
In this episode we discuss the hidden realities of labour exploitation and modern slavery within our communities and care settings. We discuss why care workers are especially vulnerable, explore the challenges in speaking out, and consider what changes are needed to ensure dignity and respect for all. Join us for a conversation about safety, fairness, and shared responsibility.
We meet with Valeria and Francis from Workers Support Centre, share insights from their extensive work supporting social care staff facing exploitation and unsafe conditions. Their experience highlights the challenges encountered by vulnerable groups, such as sponsored workers, refugees, and newcomers to Scotland, whose rights and wellbeing can be compromised.
The following episode discusses a highly destressing topic which viewers may find upsetting. If you are affected by any of the matters discussed in this episode, you can find resources and support at the following contacts:
CWSS Turas - Human Trafficking and Exploitation section
Worker Support Centre on 0800-058-1633
Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline, 0800-0121-700.
Salvation Army on 0800-808-3733.
Police Scotland on 101, or in an emergency, contact them on 999.
Crimestoppers On 0800-555-111.
You can access the transcript of episode 3-Human Trafficking and Exploitation in a Sway document.
We also welcome feedback on our episodes and podcast series to help shape and improve future seasons. Please let us know your thoughts by completing our short Episode 3 feedback form.

May 24, 2026
May 24, 2026
34 min
In this episode, we examine the role of trade unions in addressing labour exploitation and modern slavery. The discussion covers various manifestations of workplace exploitation, the factors that lead workers into unsafe environments, and the support unions provide to individuals encountering such conditions.
Our guest for this episode is Peter Hunter, a representative from UNISON. Together, we explore how exploitation arises within the workplace, the methods by which vulnerable employees are enticed into exploitative roles, and the obstacles faced by workers when voicing their concerns.
The following episode discusses a highly destressing topic which viewers may find upsetting. If you are affected by any of the matters discussed in this episode, you can find resources and support at the following contacts:
CWSS Turas - Human Trafficking and Exploitation section
Worker Support Centre on 0800-058-1633
Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline, 0800-0121-700.
Salvation Army on 0800-808-3733.
Police Scotland on 101, or in an emergency, contact them on 999.
Crimestoppers On 0800-555-111.
You can access the transcript of episode 2-Human Trafficking and Exploitation in a Sway document.
We also welcome feedback on our episodes and podcast series to help shape and improve future seasons. Please let us know your thoughts by completing our short Episode 2 feedback form.

May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
23 min
In this episode, we delve into the stark realities of modern slavery, revealing how exploitation is not a distant issue but one unfolding in our own communities. Detective Superintendent Stevie Bertram of the Police Scotland Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking team joins us to share invaluable frontline insights. He discusses the strategies law enforcement is employing to combat forced labour and coercive control, how victims are being supported, and the collaborative efforts underway to boost awareness and drive meaningful reform.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on justice, dignity, and the fight against modern slavery, as we shine a light on the challenges and solutions shaping the battle for human rights.
The following episode discusses a highly destressing topic which viewers may find upsetting. If you are affected by any of the matters discussed in this episode, you can find resources and support at the following contacts:
CWSS Turas - Human Trafficking and Exploitation section
Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline, 0800-0121-700.
Salvation Army on 0800-808-3733.
Police Scotland on 101, or in an emergency, contact them on 999.
Crimestoppers On 0800-555-111.
You can access the transcript of episode 1-Human Trafficking and Exploitation in a Sway document.
We also welcome feedback on our episodes and podcast series to help shape and improve future seasons. Please let us know your thoughts by completing our short Episode 1 feedback form.

May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026
2 min
Our second trailer highlighting this new podcast publication.
Look out for the first full episode being released 11th May 2026 from 8am, on New Scots, New Care . The New Scots, New Care podcast is part of Public Services Delivery Scotland's Podbean site.
Access the New Scot, New Care Soundbite transcript available on Sway.
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Lets work together in improving care for everyone.

Apr 9, 2026
Apr 9, 2026
5 min
Our first trailer highlighting this new podcast publication.
Find out about our planned first season, what to expect, our aims , what we will discuss and how we can work together to improve life and work in Scotland for New Scots, employers and those we care for.
Look out for the first full episode being released week commencing 11th May 2026, on New Scots, New Care . The New Scots, New Care podcast is part of Public Services Delivery Scotland's Podbean site.
Access the New Scot, New Care Soundbite transcript available on Sway.
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Lets work together in improving care for everyone.
