Large national organisations and lead organisations of employer led partnerships can now apply for the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) 2018-19.

The money allows organisations to claim back money towards the costs of workers completing eligible qualifications and learning programmes.

A number of changes have been made to the Workforce Development Fund for 2018-19 due to the move to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and apprenticeship standards. For more information about these changes please click here.

RQF focuses on the achievement of full qualifications, so in 2018/19 both Qualification Credit Framework (QCF) and RQF qualifications will be funded at qualification level only.

Applications are now open and the deadline is 13.00 on Friday 23 February 2018. Tendering is being undertaken subject to confirmation of funding from the Department of Health and Social Care. Organisations are strongly advised to read the ‘What can be funded’ section and the relevant guidance carefully before starting their application.

Skills for Care CEO Sharon Allen said: “I’d urge any large organisations and employer led partnerships to apply as almost without exception employers that took part in the evaluation said that the quality of care they provide has improved as a direct consequence of the support they got from the WDF.

“Employers also reported that they can more effectively meet the specialist/personalised needs of the people who receive their care and support, and that the WDF has helped them to address skills gaps and in turn has improved staff morale.“

The fund is open to large national organisations defined as an individual organisation that has more than 1000 care providing employees and operates in two or more Skills for Care areas within England. Organisations can apply for a grant to support the continuing professional development of their own workforce.

If you’re the lead organisation for a local or national employer led partnership within England, you can apply for a grant to disburse funding to members of your partnership and for new members who join during the funding year. The money is used to support the continuing professional development of staff across adult social care.

To find out more and apply please visit our website.