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A significant new funding opportunity for adult social care employers in England has officially launched, replacing the Workforce Development Fund. The Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) was introduced on 6th September 2024, providing essential financial assistance to help develop and train the adult social care workforce.
What does the LDSS cover?
The LDSS is designed to support non-regulated care staff, including deputy managers, Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered managers, and agency staff within the adult social care sector. Eligible employers can now claim funding to cover the cost of staff training courses and qualifications that were paid for and started between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Key funding highlights:
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care: Employers can receive up to £815 for eligible staff completing this qualification.
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care: Employers are eligible for £1,525 to support their staff’s leadership development.
- Level 2 Care Certificate: Up to £1,500 of funding is available for the completion of the newly introduced Level 2 Care Certificate.
Who can apply?
Eligible adult social care (ASC) employers in England can apply for funding on behalf of their staff. The funding is intended to cover courses or qualifications that align with staff development goals, helping to improve the quality of care within the organisation. This includes deputy and registered managers as well as agency staff who play key roles in adult social care settings.
How does the application process work?
The funding application process is straightforward:
1. Express interest
ASC employers need to express their interest in accessing the LDSS by completing a form made available by NHSBSA.
2. Onboarding
After submitting the form, employers will be contacted by NHSBSA to start the onboarding process. This allows employers to begin claiming for staff training costs.
Why this funding matters
Investing in staff development is crucial for providing high-quality, compliant care. With access to the LDSS, adult social care employers now have a more accessible and affordable way to upskill their workforce, enhancing both service delivery and staff retention. Whether it’s supporting staff through leadership development or ensuring they meet key regulatory requirements with the new Level 2 Care Certificate, the LDSS offers the financial backing needed to make these goals a reality.
Get support for your team’s development
At Access Skills, we are committed to helping adult social care employers take full advantage of this new funding scheme. We offer a wide range of qualifications and training that are eligible for LDSS funding, and we’re here to support you in developing tailored development plans for your staff.
If you’d like more information about how the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme can help with your training costs, please contact us today.
