Since its launch in 2011, the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) has supported more than 140,000 learners to complete adult social care qualifications and learning programmes.
In 2017/18, more than 3,400 organisations claimed money from the WDF towards developing their employees. The WDF makes your training budget go further, helping to ensure your workforce has the right knowledge and skills to offer high quality care and support to the people they work for.
Research into the WDF carried out in 2017 revealed that employers can more effectively meet the specialist or personalised needs of people requiring care and support. The fund has certainly helped employers to address skills gaps. Not only have they seen an improvement in the quality of care they provide, but the investment in their workforce has had a positive impact on staff morale.
Employers can claim up to £1,200 per learner, per funding year, towards the cost of listed qualifications and learning programmes. The amount of funding an organisation can apply for depends on the qualification or learning programme.
Here are some examples of what could be claimed:
- Level 2 Diploma in Care: £690
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care: £870
- Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care: £1,050
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services, adult pathways: £1,200
- ‘Lead to Succeed’ learning programme: £350
To discover more about the WDF and find out how your organisation can benefit visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk/wdf.
