Employer Guidance on Claiming Funding through the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) 2024-2025

Introduction

The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS), offered by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), provides funding to support the learning and development of the adult social care (ASC) workforce in England. This scheme covers non-regulated care staff, including deputy managers, Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered managers, and agency staff, for the financial year 2024 to 2025. The LDSS aims to help cover the costs of eligible courses and qualifications, allowing staff to gain recognition for their expertise and develop new skills.

This guidance explains the eligibility criteria, how to apply for the fund, and the required documentation.

Note: Employers are solely responsible for applying for and managing the funding. As a qualification provider, UK Professional Development Academy can offer guidance throughout the process but cannot apply for or manage the funding on behalf of your organisation.

Eligibility CriteriaWho is Eligible?

To claim funding through the LDSS, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

Employers must:

• Provide an adult social care (ASC) service.
• Directly employ care staff in England.
• Complete or have already completed the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS). For details and registration, visit the ASC-WDS webpage.

Employees (non-regulated care staff) must:

• Be legally employed in England with a UK national insurance number.
• Work in a non-regulated care role, such as deputy managers, CQC-registered managers, and agency staff.
• Be part of the ASC workforce, including personal assistants employed by an ASC organisation.

Ineligible Staff: Regulated staff, such as registered nurses, nursing associates, allied health professionals, and occupational therapists, are not eligible for this funding.

Eligible Courses and Qualifications

Employers can claim funding for courses and qualifications that:

• Have been both paid for and started between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 (inclusive).
• Appear on the list of Eligible Training Courses and Qualifications (subject to updates). Employers are advised to confirm course eligibility before booking staff training.

Claim Process: How to Apply for LDSS Funding

Step 1: Register and Express Interest

Employers must register for the LDSS online claims service operated by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). A registration form is available on the NHSBSA website.

Step 2: Complete the ASC-WDS

To submit claims, employers must complete or have already completed the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS). Employers can access the system and submit data through the Skills for Care website.

Step 3: Onboarding Process

After registration and completing the ASC-WDS, the NHSBSA will initiate onboarding. Employers will be invited to create an account and access the claims service once approved.

Note: Only employers can submit claims. Care staff and training providers are not permitted to do so independently.

Step 4: Submitting Claims

For Training Courses:

• Submit claims after course completion.
• Claims must be submitted by 21 March 2025. Late claims (submitted between 22 March and 31 March 2025) may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

For Qualifications:

• Use the combined claims model:
  • Claim 60% reimbursement when the qualification starts.
  • Claim the remaining 40% after qualification completion.
  • The initial 60% must be claimed by 21 March 2025 or within 3 months of the qualification start date, whichever is sooner.
  • The remaining 40% must be claimed within 3 months of completion, with all claims finalized by 31 December 2026 for qualifications extending beyond March 2025.

Funding Limits and Caps

Capped Reimbursements

The total LDSS funding is limited. Once funds are exhausted, no further claims will be reimbursed. Employers are encouraged to submit claims early.

There is a cap on the total claim value per organisation and a maximum reimbursement amount per course or qualification, detailed in the ‘Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme grant determination: 2024 to 2025’ and the Eligible Training Courses and Qualifications list.

Reimbursement amounts are based on actual evidenced expenses and cannot exceed the maximum allowed.

Evidence Requirements for Claims

Employers must submit the following when claiming:

1. Employee Verification: Proof that the employee is in an eligible non-regulated care role with a UK national insurance number.
2. Course/Qualification Details:
   • Awarding organisation name.
   • Training provider or learning centre name.
   • Course or qualification name.
3. Proof of Payment:
   • Name of the paying organisation and payment recipient.
   • Course/qualification name, payment amount, and date of payment.
   • VAT number (if not exempt).
4. Completion Evidence:
   • Dated certificate of course completion.
   • For qualifications, claim 60% at the start and 40% after completion with proof.

Employers should retain all documentation related to course enrolment and progress for NHSBSA’s post-claim assurance checks.

Important Considerations

• No funding for repeat courses: Employers cannot claim reimbursement for the same course if it is repeated by an employee.
• Exclusions: Internal courses delivered by the employer’s staff and apprenticeship training are not eligible for LDSS funding.

Next Steps

1. Register your interest on the NHSBSA website.
2. Complete the ASC-WDS via the Skills for Care website.
3. Review the list of eligible courses and qualifications.
4. Gather the necessary documentation to support your claims.
5. Submit claims via the NHSBSA online service after course completion or at key milestones for qualifications.

The above guidance is for informational purposes only. For more comprehensive details, employers can refer to the full LDSS guidance document published by the Department of Health and Social Care.