Workforce Development Fund 2020-21 Now Open For Grant Applications
Large national organisations and lead organisations of employer-led partnerships can now apply to the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) 2020-21.
Skills for Care disseminates WDF on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care to help adult social care employers with the cost of developing their workforce. The fund is designed to make sure the sector’s 1.49 million workers are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to be competent and confident in their roles.
A recent independent evaluation of the 2017-19 WDF funding found that 92% of employers that have accessed the fund have reported an increase in quality of care provided and the WDF has helped them to address skills gaps and improve staff morale.
“There is no doubt that WDF has made a huge difference by making sure workers can access high quality learning and development opportunities that means the people they work with can live the lives they want to,” says Skills for Care Interim CEO Andy Tilden.
“The feedback from those who have accessed the fund has always been incredibly positive so I would urge large organisations and partnerships to make an application because it works.”
This year the fund is also focusing on providing enhanced funding for qualifications and learning programmes aimed at developing leaders and managers in different settings. Evidence shows that the presence of an effective, well supported manager has the biggest impact on the overall quality of care provided.
The 2020-21 fund will also continue to support the learning and development of frontline workers with enhanced funding available to support learners completing Adult Care Worker (level 2) and Lead Adult Care Worker (level 3) apprenticeship standards.
Tendering is being undertaken subject to confirmation of funding from the Department of Health and Social Care. The deadline for grant applications is 13:00 on Friday 21 February 2020.
To learn more and apply visit : www.skillsforcare.org.uk/wdf2021
