Global Hiring Support for Universities
At Briars, we understand that universities are increasingly engaging staff overseas to advance research, strengthen international partnerships, and attract world-class talent.
But managing contracts, payroll, and compliance across borders requires specialist support. That’s why we’ve partnered with the North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC) as an approved supplier under the Global Mobility Services Framework.
Your Strategic Partner
Every successful institution delivers on its academic mission, but supporting staff across borders requires more than ambition. It demands compliance, structure, and local expertise. At Briars, we’re much more than just a service provider. We work with you to think through and plan your global hiring and engagement strategy, from initial planning to full implementation.
71%
of UK universities employ staff internationally
40%
of institutions cite compliance, tax, and HR as key blockers to international hiring
33%
of total UK higher education income now comes from non-UK sources
56
Countries is the average number of international partnerships managed by a UK university
WHAT WE OFFER
How We Support Universities
Through our Employer of Record (EOR) and international payroll services, we take the hassle and compliance burden off your team, so you can focus on what matters most: your students, staff, and research outcomes.
As an approved supplier under the Global Mobility Services Framework (PFB3160 NW, Lot 3), universities can engage us directly — with no further tendering required.
We’ve supported public sector organisations including the NHS and leading research institutions in navigating international employment and workforce challenges, helping them stay compliant, agile, and cost-effective.
WHY US?
The Key Challenges We Solve
Partnering with Briars gives universities a smarter, more compliant, and efficient way to manage international staff. Here are four common challenges we help solve:
4
Slow or Complex Procurement Processes
Urgent hires can be delayed by lengthy tenders or unclear procurement routes. As a pre-approved supplier under the Global Mobility Services Framework (PFB3160 NW), we can be engaged directly, cutting through red tape and speeding up hiring.
3
Operational Burden on Internal Teams
Global hires can place a disproportionate load on HR, payroll, and legal teams. With Briars, you get a dedicated team, streamlining operations so your internal resources stay focused where they’re needed most.
2
Global Compliance and Tax Risk
Employment law and tax requirements vary significantly by country, getting this wrong can be costly. We act as the legal employer, handling contracts, payroll, taxes, and compliance in each location to keep you protected and in control.
1
High Cost for Small Overseas Teams
Hiring just one or two staff members in another country often comes with all the costs of full entity setup, banking, payroll, and compliance. Our EOR model removes those overheads, allowing you to manage global staff in a cost-effective and compliant way.
THE RIGHT TEAM TO HELP YOU
Our Services for Universities with Overseas Staff
Tailored to meet the complex requirements of higher education institutions, our services are designed to support compliant, efficient global employment:
Employer of Record (EOR)
Engage international staff without setting up local entities. We act as the legal employer on your behalf, managing the payroll, tax, HR, and compliance requirements across borders.
Compliance & Risk Management
We help you meet local employment law, tax, and data protection requirements, reducing the risk of regulatory breaches when employing staff internationally.
International Payroll & HR Administration
From onboarding to offboarding, we manage all day-to-day employment processes including monthly payroll runs, so your internal teams can focus on core university operations.
Public Sector Alignment & Governance
As a Lot 3 supplier under the Global Mobility Services Framework (PFB3160 NW), we meet strict public sector procurement standards, ensuring you remain compliant, accountable, and audit-ready.
Tailored expertise
Supporting Global Engagement Across Higher Education
Whether you’re driving world-class research, building strategic international partnerships, or attracting exceptional global talent, we make overseas employment simple, compliant, and cost-effective, so your institution can focus on impact. We’ve supported institutions with:
NWUPC Approved Supplier
As a Lot 3 supplier under the Global Mobility Services Framework (PFB3160 NW), we meet strict public sector procurement standards, ensuring you remain compliant, accountable, and audit-ready.
Ready to Simplify Global Hiring?
Whether you’re hiring one international lecturer or building a global research team, we’re here to help. Book a call to explore how our EOR services can support your university quickly, compliantly, and without the need for a new tender.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything Universities Need to Know
We’ve answered some of the key questions public sector clients typically ask so you can get started with clarity and confidence.
