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 Skills for Care distributes on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, offers funding for a wide range of qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules, 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.
Additional priorities may also emerge during the year in response to COVID-19 recovery, Skills for Care said in a statement.
“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,” added chief executive Oonagh Smyth (pictured).
“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.”
Smyth continued: “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.
More information about the WDF and how to apply – as well as the full list of funded qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules – can be found on the Skills for Care website at https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/Funding/Workforce-Development-Fund/Workforce-Development-Fund.aspx.
