The Workforce Development Fund (WDF) 2023-24 is now open to adult social care employers in England to support the development of their staff at all levels, offering funding for a wide range of qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules. 

The fund, which Skills for Care distributes on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), helped over 12,000 people in 2021/22. 

Skills for Care chief executive, Oonagh Smyth, said: “We’re pleased to launch the Workforce Development Fund for 2023/24.

“From our data insights and our conversations with adult social care employers, we know that learning and development is vital in supporting a positive workplace culture and boosting staff retention rates.

“Our data show that turnover is 10% lower when people receive 30 incidents of training or more.

“We’re delighted that the funding helps thousands of people working in social care with their professional development, and this year’s funding will continue to support people in developing their skills and career in adult social care.

“This year we’ll be continuing to provide enhanced funding for registered and frontline managers, which is key to developing leaders now and in the future to meet the growing and changing needs of those who draw on care and support.”

You can view the full list of funded qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules on the Skills for Care website.

WDF 2021-22 key statistics show who claimed the money from the WDF in 2021-22 and what they claimed for. 

For more information about the WDF and how to apply visit: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/WDF