The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) current funding programme for the adult social care workforce in England. It replaced the former Workforce Development Fund (WDF) in 2024 and allows eligible employers to claim reimbursement for specific training courses and qualifications that help non-regulated care staff develop their skills. 

Who can apply 

To qualify, an employer must: 

• Provide an adult social care service in England. 

• Directly employ eligible non-regulated staff (including care workers, deputies and CQC-registered managers). 

• Hold an up-to-date ASC-WDS account – the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set. 

Funding cannot be claimed for regulated clinicians (e.g. nurses or AHPs), apprenticeships or personal assistants. 

What training is eligible 

Funding is only available for courses listed in the official LDSS Eligible Training and Qualifications list. These include: 

• The new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate (up to £1,540 per learner). 

• Skills for Care leadership programmes such as Lead to Succeed, Well-Led and Leading Change Improving Care (up to £525). 

• Level 2–5 regulated qualifications in dementia, autism, learning disabilities, mental health, falls prevention, medication and other key topics. 

• Assessor and Trainer qualifications, e.g. Level 3 Award in Education and Training. 

LDSS only reimburses course or qualification fees, not staff backfill, travel or additional costs. 

How to claim 

Employers must register via the NHS Business Services Authority LDSS portal, complete an onboarding call and submit evidence including: 

• Proof of payment and course details 

• Certificate of completion 

• Learner National Insurance number 

Claims must be submitted within three months of course completion (or in two parts for qualifications). The national funding pot is capped, so early submission is advised. 

How CareTutor can help 

Most short CPD eLearning isn’t directly fundable through LDSS, but CareTutor helps providers maximise what can be claimed while strengthening compliance and inspection readiness. 

• We map your training needs against LDSS-eligible qualifications. 

• Provide CPD-accredited courses and SmartRefresh™ tools to cover non-funded compliance topics efficiently. 

• Supply training-matrix reports and certificates that align with NHSBSA evidence requirements. 

Useful Links: 

Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set 

Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme | NHSBSA 

Eligible training courses and qualifications – GOV.UK 

Learning and Development Support Scheme for the adult social care workforce: a guide for employers – GOV.UK 

Adult Social Care Development Support Scheme – Private Beta Onboarding 

Build your leadership and compliance training plan: 
 

Start with the official LDSS eligibility list, then talk to CareTutor about delivering the three Skills for Care leadership programmes — Lead to Succeed, Well-Led, and Leading Change Improving Care. 
 

We’ll help you integrate these LDSS-funded leadership courses with our CPD-accredited eLearning to keep your teams compliant, confident, and ready for inspection. 
Visit caretutor.org or contact us to plan your next cohort. 

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