The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) for the adult social care workforce in England for the 2024-2025 financial year. This new funding scheme supports learning and development for non-regulated care staff, including deputy and CQC-registered managers and agency staff.
Key points:
- Eligible employers can claim funding for specific training courses and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff.
- Courses must be both paid for and started between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
- Funding covers course costs only, not backfill pay or travel expenses.
- Eligible employers must provide adult social care services, directly employ care staff in England, and complete the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS).
- Claims will be processed through a new online digital claims service administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
- The deadline for submitting claims is 21 March 2025, with a limited funding pot available.
Interested employers can express their interest in using the new online claims service by completing a form provided by NHSBSA. For full details on eligibility and how to claim, employers should refer to the complete guidance document. More information can be found here.
