Engineering talent
Hiring engineers in the UK
Engineering skills are in short supply, and the checks around a hire carry legal weight. Here's how to verify professional registration and right to work, and what defence roles add.
Not legal advice. Right to work rules change, and the Home Office guidance in force on the day of the check is what counts. Apply the same checks to every candidate.
Professional registration
The Engineering Council holds the UK register of professional engineers and technicians. Registration is granted through licensed professional engineering institutions.
| Title | Typical meaning |
|---|---|
| Chartered Engineer (CEng) | Engineers who develop solutions to complex problems and lead technical work |
| Incorporated Engineer (IEng) | Engineers who maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology |
| Engineering Technician (EngTech) | Technicians applying proven techniques and procedures |
| ICT Technician (ICTTech) | Technicians in information and communications technology |
Verify it: search the Engineering Council's online register, and confirm membership with the candidate's institution if needed. The titles are protected, so a claimed title that isn't on the register is a serious concern.
Right to work checks
Employers must check that every new employee has the right to work in the UK before employment starts. A correct check gives a statutory excuse against a civil penalty. Since February 2024, the maximum penalty has been £60,000 per illegal worker for a first breach.
- Manual document check: see the original acceptable documents in the presence of the holder, check them, and keep copies.
- Home Office online check: for people with digital immigration status, using a share code the candidate provides.
- Identity service provider check: a certified provider can check British and Irish citizens holding a valid passport.
- Follow-up checks for people with time-limited permission, before it expires.
Checks must be applied consistently to avoid discrimination. Don't check only candidates you assume are not British.
Defence and security roles
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks are the foundation for many government and defence roles.
- National security vetting, such as Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV), is sponsored for roles that need it and carries residency and other requirements.
- Export-controlled technology may limit which staff can access certain data. See export controls.
Remote hiring risks
Identity fraud in remote recruitment is a growing concern. Verify identity through your right to work process, hold live interviews, and confirm that the person who starts is the person you hired. For more on hiring engineering leaders, including interview practice when candidates use AI, see Engineering Lead's hiring guide.
Last reviewed 2026-09-17