Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

The Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS) offers adult care providers in England a valuable opportunity to strengthen their workforce by reclaiming the cost of eligible training and qualifications for non-regulated staff.

With funding of up to £2,035 per learner each financial year, the scheme enables care providers to invest in staff development without placing extra pressure on your budget.

Managed by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, the LDSS is designed to help care managers build confident, skilled teams who can deliver the highest quality of care.

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.

“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

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What HCPA courses can be claimed via LDSS?

Leadership

Essential training

Qualifications

Coming soon…

  • Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism
  • Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health

The full list of eligible courses and qualifications can be found here

How can I access?

Care providers must have an up-to-date ASC-WDS.

Click here to start your onboarding

This onboarding form should be completed by adult social care employers who wish to create an account on the online claims service and begin accessing LDSS funding.

Once you have submitted the form, the NHSBSA will contact you to arrange an onboarding appointment.

During this appointment, you will receive support to set up your account and guidance on how to use the claims process.

Afterwards, you will be ready to submit claims and receive payment.

See here for a step-by-step guide to accessing LDSS funding

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

  • 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

  • Retain proof that the employee has started the course, as this may be required later for audit purposes by NHSBSA.

Click here for a demo on making a claim

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

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.

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