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Now that the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) has ended, let’s explore how Health and Social Care employers can adapt and source funding support for staff development.
A new strategy for funded training solutions
The Workforce Development Fund (WDF) previously provided financial support to Health and Social Care (H&SC) employers in England for staff training and qualifications.
Since its conclusion in May 2024, employers must find alternative ways to fund workforce development while maintaining compliance and upskilling staff.
Below are key strategies to mitigate the impact.
Explore alternative Government funding & initiatives.
Although WDF has ended, other funding streams remain available:
Apprenticeship Levy – Employers with a payroll over £3 million can use levy funds to cover apprenticeship training costs. Smaller employers can access 95% government co-funding for apprenticeships.
Learn more about the Apprenticeship Levy
Learning and Development Support Service (LDSS) Funding – Eligible adult social care employers in England can claim staff training costs from the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS).
Adult Skills Fund- The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) is government money issued to selected training providers in England to help adults (19+) learn new skills, get qualifications, and find better jobs.
How care employers can use it:
- Train new staff (e.g., Level 2 Health & Social Care courses).
- Upskill existing staff (e.g., leadership, dementia care).
- Get free maths/English training for employees who need it.
Learn more about the Adult Skills Fund
Local Authority & ICS Funding – Some Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and councils offer training grants for care providers.
What to do once you’ve identified the best funding option
So you’ve identified the best route forward to develop and upskill your adult care staff – that’s great! Here are some handy next steps…
Research the QACLS list of approved training providers – you’ll find Realise on there!Contact your local Skills for Care office to discuss further training needs
How to maximise apprenticeship programmes
Apprenticeships remain a cost-effective way to train staff, with funding covering most training costs:
- Health & Social Care Apprenticeships (Levels 2–5)
- Leadership & Management Apprenticeships (e.g., Level 5 Operations Manager)
Partner with Realise to design apprenticeship programmes tailored to your workforce needs.
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If you’ve been inspired by the story and you’re ready to gain new skills, start your journey today with Realise.
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"The cessation of the WDF is not the end of funded skills training for care organisations. Realise can help employers access alternative funding streams that stand to benefit care staff greatly."
Lesley O'Connor, Head of Strategic Development