Resources to support learning and development in 2024

We round up resources available to support you to #KeepLearning this year.

Workforce Development Fund

Applications are still open for the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) 2023/24. Applications must be submitted by 29 February 2024. WDF is funding provided by the Government and distributed by Skills for Care which can be used by social care providers towards a wide range of qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules.   You can claim up to £2,000 per learner per funding year through WDF. Employers who’ve used WDF say it’s improved quality of care as well as staff job satisfaction.

Find out more about WDF.

eLearning modules

We know that eLearning can be an effective way for many people to learn, and for some people it can be easier to access than face-to-face training. We’ve developed a range of eLearning modules hosted on our virtual learning environment, which cover a range of key topics for care workers, including equality, diversity and inclusion, CQC inspection, and management skills.

The eLearning modules currently available are: 

• Creating an inclusive organisation 
• eLearning to support CQC inspection 
• Introductory modules for managers 
• Learning from events 

Find out more about our eLearning modules.

Essential training

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic three packages of funded training were developed. This includes the ‘Rapid induction programme’ for new starters, refresher training for existing staff, and a volunteer’s programme. The rapid induction and refresher training programmes cover essential skills such as assisting and moving people; basic life support; fire safety; food safety; health and safety awareness; infection prevention and control, and medication management and safeguarding (specifically around isolation). Funding remains available this year and we encourage you to sign learners up and complete the training.

Find out more about the training.

Leadership programmes

There’s a number of leadership and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes which are delivered exclusively by Skills for Care’s endorsed learning providers.

These include:

• Leading change, improving care: Practical guidance for managers on how to influence and implement the necessary changes to meet current and future challenges and service needs in health and social care.
• Lead to succeed: To develop leadership and management potential and put this into practice.
• Well led: Models of leadership that can be practically applied to deliver change and promote best practice.

Find out more about the leadership modules.

Digital Skills Framework

This free resource helps to support the development of digital skills across the adult social care workforce.​ It can be used by employers to help with planning staff training or by individuals for their personal development. ​

Find out more about the framework.

LGBTQ+ Framework

This learning framework supports with the knowledge, skills and values for working affirmatively with LGBTQ+ people in later life.

It aims to provide a base for identifying the insights, knowledge, understanding and skills that the social care workforce need to help them work affirmatively, inclusively and effectively with individuals from gender and sexually diverse communities. This project was funded by Skills for Care and was developed by Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield (University of Strathclyde) in collaboration with the LGBT Foundation.

Find out more about the framework.

Find a learning provider  

A key part of selecting the right learning package for your organisation is finding the right learning provider. Skills for Care Endorsement recognises learning providers who deliver high-quality learning and development to the social care sector.  

Search for a learning provider.

Learning socially

We host local and national events and networks on a variety of topics to help improve knowledge and understanding. We often record our webinars so you can access them at a time that suits you.

See our upcoming activity.

Find more support and information with our #KeepLearning spotlight.

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