Osborne Clarke’s immigration team, together with its in-house client technology team, Osborne Clarke Solutions (OC Solutions), has launched a new employee immigration case management platform which has already been adopted by Bristol-based OVO Energy.

The platform allows businesses to manage the employee immigration process from start to finish, on a global scale. It has been created using cloud-based technology and removes the need to invest in costly software. 

The platform is completely customisable and can be adapted to suit any business. It has the following features:

• One central location: businesses can manage everything in one place from start to finish, saving time and money.

• Interactive dashboard: to show the latest documents and upcoming deadlines specific to active immigration cases.

• New case creation: Osborne Clarke can be easily instructed in new matters (both visas and licence reporting) and tailored questions mean all relevant information can be provided in one step, saving time by avoiding back and forth emails.

• Live case tracking tool: An online instruction and case milestone reporting dashboard to save having to check case status. Automated emails are sent at each stage to confirm and keep parties updated.

• Sponsor licence management and tracking facility: This ensures compliance with the essential UK Visas and Immigration requirements, which if breached can lead to a loss of the licence (and all migrant workers, fines, possible criminal sanctions and reputational damage).

• Case deadline management and reminders: Automated reminders to help prevent visas expiring or key dates being missed. The consequences of missing a deadline can lead to individuals not being able to remain and being barred for up to ten years.

• Case calendar: To show key dates for each case and licence actions.

• Integrated knowledge platform: Allows Osborne Clarke to share knowledge and useful reference guides. This allows changes in policies and concessions to be quickly communicated during these times of significant change and upheaval.

• Secure document sharing: The ability to securely share documents on each matter or relating to the sponsor licence, and ensure documents are retained for future reference and compliance requirements.

• Designed to grow with the client: The platform is not just UK focused – it can work for any number of jurisdictions and manage all global mobility matters.

Natasha McArthur, talent acquisition director at OVO Energy said: “The process we had in place to manage our immigration matters wasn’t optimal. We needed a solution which would speed things up and ensure key steps weren’t missed. 

"Enter Osborne Clarke – the Solutions team’s knowledge of HighQ, combined with the Immigration team’s legal expertise allowed them to create a bespoke tool which is easy-to-use and integrates seamlessly into our business."

Alex Davy, senior solutions manager and Joseph McWilliams, senior UX designer from OC Solutions created the tool. Adam Sinfield (senior immigration manager), Helga Butler (immigration manager), Gavin Jones (head of immigration) and Tina Sayyah (associate), provided legal advice to OVO Energy. The team is continuing to work with OVO Energy to develop the platform further.

Osborne Clarke Solutions is Osborne Clarke’s dedicated technology team. The team offers a range of products to help make your business more efficient and cost effective. The team can digitally transform the way its clients work by creating solutions tailored to their unmet needs. 

Osborne Clarke’s immigration practice is led by Gavin Jones. The team handles all elements of corporate immigration (such as work visas), as well as the ancillary matters relating to family members and even pets.

Image:L-R Alex Davy and Adam Sinfield