Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
The Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS) enables adult social care providers in England to claim funding towards the cost of eligible training and qualifications for non-regulated staff.
Providers can claim up to £2,035 per learner (and up to £400,000 per organisation) per financial year, helping to reduce the financial impact of workforce development.
The scheme is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, and is designed to support the development of a skilled and competent workforce.
By making use of this funding, you can improve staff retention, support career progression, and ensure your service remains well equipped to meet the changing needs of those you care for.
Hidden
How can I access?
Step 1:
Ensure your ASC-WDS account is up to date
Care providers must have an up-to-date ASC-WDS account
ASC-WDS is a free workforce data service from Skills for Care. Maintaining this account enables access to workforce funding, including training support, and contributes to national workforce planning. ⇨ Watch the video
Step 2: Complete LDSS onboarding
To access funding, complete the LDSS onboarding form:
Click here to start your onboardingOnce submitted:
NHSBSA will contact you to arrange an onboarding appointment
You will receive support to set up your account
Guidance will be provided on the claims process
After this, you will be able to submit claims and receive payment.
Submitting Claims & Evidence
Claim Requirements
For each claim, employers must:
- Confirm the employee is working in an eligible non-regulated care role.
- Provide the employee’s UK National Insurance number for identity verification.
- Confirm the employee has started the course or qualification.
- Ensure the training is eligible (see Eligible Training Courses and Qualifications guidance).
- Provide Evidence of Eligible Training (Name of training provider, course/qualification title, awarding organisation (for qualifications)).
- Provide Proof of Payment
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Submit Completion Evidence (a dated certificate of completion (except for qualifications, where 60% of the reimbursement can be claimed once the employee starts the course).
Additional Notes
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Retain proof that the employee has started the course, as this may be required later for audit purposes by NHSBSA.
What HCPA courses can be claimed via LDSS?
Leadership
- Lead to Succeed
- Well Led
- Coaching for Effective Leadership – Understanding Self Management and Resilience
- Understanding Performance Management Skills
- Cultural Transformation Programme– Understanding Workplace Culture
Essential training
Qualifications
The full list of eligible courses and qualifications can be found here
Enquiries
For support using the digital online claims service, email asclearninganddevelopmentsupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 0522
For queries about the LDSS fund, email ascreimbursement@dhsc.gov.uk
For queries relating to qualifications started before 31 March 2024 under the previous Workforce Development Fund, email Skills for Care at wdf@skillsforcare.org.uk
“We are excited about what the LDSS grant means for our company and our staff.
We’re keen to make the most of this new funding opportunity and aim to get as many team members as possible qualified.
I personally completed a management course with HCPA in July, and the funding reimbursement was processed quickly.
So far, we’ve enrolled staff members onto the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate offered by HCPA, and our goal is to have at least one interested person enrolled in every cohort.
The application process was straightforward and fast. The most time-consuming part was updating our ASC-WDS, but once that’s done, everything else is easy to manage.
I highly recommend that everyone working in social care take full advantage of this funding.”
Jessie | Dependability Ltd
Get in touch
HCPA are unable to claim on your behalf but if you have any questions or would like more information about the Learning & Development Support Scheme call us on 01707 536 020 or e-mail us via the button below.