Workforce Development Fund for adult social care employers in England is now open

Skills for Care has announced the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) 2021-22 is now open to adult social care employers in England to support the development of their staff at all levels.

The fund, which supports for a wide range of qualifications and learning programmes, is distributed by Skills for Care on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care and helped over 14,000 people in 2020/21.

This year the WDF will continue to provide enhanced funding for completion of leadership and management qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules.

The funding will support registered managers and other frontline managers with their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certification, ensuring that they’re able to access learning opportunities to continue to develop their knowledge and skills to effectively lead and support the workforce.

Skills for Care say additional priorities may also emerge during the year in response to COVID-19 recovery.

Skills for Care CEO, Oonagh Smyth (pictured), said: “We are thrilled to launch the Workforce Development Fund for 2021/22.

“After a challenging year in which social care workers have faced new and unprecedented challenges yet continued to prove their dedication, courage, and skill, the importance of continuing professional development is more apparent than ever.

“We are delighted to hear of the positive impact which the funding has for social care employers, their teams and the people who draw on care and support. As we move forward with our new strategy for 2021-2024 continuing to develop the workforce to ensure we have the right people with the right skills and behaviours to deliver the highest quality care and support, now and in the future – and for that workforce to be valued for the core service they provide our communities – is vital.

“The support of the Workforce Development Fund is key in supporting the ongoing development of the social care workforce.”

For more information about the WDF and how to apply visit: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/WDF

Picture (c) Skills For Care.