25/06/2025 Borderless - Sponsor Licence Duties and Guidance for Authorising Officers Guide
Who this guide is for?
- You've been named the Authorising Officer on your organisation's sponsor licence. That's a big deal - and it comes with important responsibilities.
- This guide is your starting point: clear, practical steps to understand your role, reduce risk, and stay in control of your licence.
Why it matters
- As the Authorising Officer (AO), you're the named person legally responsible for your organisation's sponsor licence. That means:
- You're accountable to the Home Office.
- You're responsible for ensuring your organisation meets all sponsorship duties.
- If things go wrong, your licence - and your sponsored workers - are at risk. Staying compliant is really important - penalties run to £10K per offense, and your licence could even be suspended or revoked.
- That's why your role is about more than just admin - it's about governance, oversight, and compliance.