Workforce Development Fund 2019-20 Open For Applications

The Workforce Development Fund 2019-20 is now open for grant applications. Both large national organisations and lead organisations of employer-led partnerships are eligible for the funding.

The Workforce Development Fund is funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It is disseminated by Skills for Care with a view to supporting adult social care employers in England with paying the cost of developing their workforce. The investment is designed to ensure workers have the right skills and knowledge to be competent and confident in their roles.

According to Skills for Care, as many as 10,000 registered managers are due to retire in the next 15 years. The fund will therefore provide enhanced funding for courses aimed at developing leaders and managers. DHSC is committed to investing in the continuing professional development (CPD) of new managers, existing managers, deputies and aspiring managers. This is an important step in making sure the sector is able to meet the needs of those who require care and support.

In 2019-20, the Workforce Development Fund will continue to support the learning and development of frontline workers with enhanced funding available to learners completing an apprenticeship standard. See the full list of funded qualifications and learning programmes available.

Large national organisations can apply for a grant via Skills for Care to support the CPD of their workforce. They must have more than 1,000 care-providing employees and provide adult social care services in two or more Skills for Care defined areas in England.

If you’re the lead organisation for a local or national employer-led partnership within England, you can apply for a grant to support the CPD of workers across adult social care. Through active promotion of the fund, you’ll disburse money to existing members of your partnership or those who join throughout the funding year.

For further details visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk