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One year on: empowering Ukrainian professionals through the STEP programme

The STEP programme, which was initially funded for one year by World Jewish Relief (and who continue to be a partner), supports Ukrainian refugees in rebuilding their careers in the UK by recognising international qualifications, developing employability skills, and bridging sector-specific knowledge gaps. So far, 82 participants have taken part, with 44% successfully recruited through STEP’s network.

One of the core challenges for overseas professionals is ensuring their education and experience are recognised in the UK. The Verification of Diplomas or a Statement of Comparability addresses this need. This certificate demonstrates how a person’s international qualifications align with the UK’s education systems (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). It provides crucial context when applying for jobs, further education, or professional registration. For refugees, this recognition opens pathways to higher-skilled roles and helps restore their professional identities.

This year, 28 participants on our STEP programme received support with diploma verification, helping unlock employment opportunities in their fields.

Our STEP Advisor, Lina – a Ukrainian national herself, which has proved invaluable for relationship-building – arranged a LinkedIn workshop for 11 participants. While LinkedIn is used in Ukraine, it is much less common than in the UK, and people’s profiles are often inactive or incomplete. The workshop offered a comprehensive introduction to the platform, including how its algorithm works, how to optimise a profile, and how to apply for jobs effectively. Participants also learned the value of networking and using LinkedIn strategically to build professional visibility in the UK job market.

We found that a significant proportion of participants were professionals from the finance and accounting sectors. Many had already begun connecting through local Ukrainian hubs, sharing information and experiences, although often based on word of mouth. Recognising the need for reliable, structured guidance, a specialist workshop was held for 9 finance professionals to compare systems and explore UK employment options.

In the workshop, key differences were discussed. For example, in Ukraine, financial reporting is heavily regulated by the government and closely tied to taxation, using standardised templates. In contrast, the UK offers greater flexibility, with companies – especially small ones – self-regulating under the guidance of professional bodies. Understanding these differences is essential for a successful career transition in the UK, and participants reported finding this workshop especially helpful.

Similarly, 13 medical professionals joined focused sessions on returning to clinical practice in the UK. While many had heard conflicting accounts of the process, especially from earlier arrivals, recent changes have made the pathway simpler for Ukrainians. However, this information hadn’t reached many refugees in a clear, consolidated format. After connecting with RefuAid and other reliable sources, we began sharing accurate, up-to-date guidance with participants. Additionally, STEP secured access to a specialised platform offering Medical English (OET) training, and participants now benefit from expert-led preparation sessions. An online session in partnership with the NHS further supported these professionals with real-time information and networking opportunities.

With 19 people on the waiting list, demand for these services remains strong. The STEP programme continues to grow, delivering structured, practical support that helps Ukrainian professionals reclaim their careers in the UK and contribute their skills to local communities.

Thanks to Surrey County Council for their ongoing support for this work.