Keiron Broadbent • 29 January 2024

Important announcement on the future of the Workforce Development Fund


We have been informed by Skills For Care that the Workforce Development Fund (WDF) will not be continuing beyond the current funding year


The DHSC is planning a new, learning and development fund for adult social care which will be claimed through a new digital service. The new fund will not be administered by Skills for Care but instead by NHS Business Services Authority(NHS BSA) on behalf of the DHSC. This also means that WDF funding will no longer be available through WMCA once this funding year is completed


Further details about the new scheme will be announced by DHSC in the spring.

The introduction of the new fund will have implications for the WDF which will be scaled down in 2024-25. In 2024-25 it will only be possible to claim WDF for learning which is already in progress. This is to ensure that employers who have already paid for learning and development are not left out of pocket.


What does this mean for you as care providers?


The WDF is still open until the end of May 2024 but as it will not continue after that we advise all of you who have pending claims to get them in as soon as possible as unlike previous years we will not be able to carry them over if you miss the deadline.


For those of you who have learning in progress which will not complete until after 31 May, new claim procedures will be announced but it will not be through WMCA. All residual claims for 24/25 will be handled centrally through Skills for Care.


In the meantime we are still here to answer WDF queries you have until the end of May and we will communicate details of the new DHSC Learning Fund when we have them


Details of the current Workforce Development Fund can be found on these webpages  www.wmca.care/wdf

Share

2 May 2025
Terms of Reference for the Baroness Casey Social Care Commission Today (2 May 2025), the government published the Terms of Reference for Baroness Casey of Blackstock’s independent commission into adult social care. The Terms of Reference set out that the commission will report directly to the Prime Minister and will be split over 2 phases: Phase 1, reporting in 2026, will focus on how we can make the most of existing resources to improve people’s lives over the medium term. Phase 2, reporting by 2028, will then consider the long-term transformation of adult social care, setting us on the road to fundamental reform that will build a social care system fit for the future.  An easy read version of the terms of reference will be available soon. Terms of Reference: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-commission-into-adult-social-care-terms-of-reference
1 May 2025
Care Sector Events 2025 - Care Roadshow Midlands Attention West Midlands Care Association members! Registration is now open for Care Roadshow Midlands , set to take place at Villa Park Stadium on 15th May 2025 . This is your exclusive invitation to join the vibrant care community! Get your FREE ticket here. Care Roadshows return this May set to support care professionals across the Midlands. As part of the trusted Care Roadshows series, these free events offer essential insights, expert guidance and valuable networking opportunities for those working across the care sector. Since 2011, Care Roadshows have helped care home owners, domiciliary providers, managers and healthcare teams stay informed, connected and inspired. The 2025 events continue this mission - bringing together leading speakers, innovative suppliers and practical solutions at two iconic venues. If you are looking for care sector events in 2025 that deliver real value for your service, Care Roadshow Midlands is not to be missed.
30 April 2025
Revenue and Customs Brief 2 (2025): the use of VAT grouping within the care industry
30 April 2025
Citation: Employment Law Changes - FREE Employment Rights Bill Guide
30 April 2025
Tax update spring 2025: simplification, administration and reform summary The government has announced a package of tax and customs administration and simplification measures that will collectively reduce administrative burdens to save taxpayers and traders time, and will increase certainty, allowing businesses to focus on adding value to the economy. The package covers measures to support economic growth by reducing burdens on employers and increasing certainty for businesses. It aims to modernise and reform HMRC systems and processes to simplify the experience for individuals and traders and covers measures to modernise outdated elements of the tax and customs system and tackle the backlog of reform. Read more here.
30 April 2025
Dignity in Planning Conversations that Matter Online Event - 15th May 2025 - 13.00-15.00
30 April 2025
Care Can't Wait: New Campaign to change the story on Adult Social Care The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has today launched a bold new public awareness campaign called Care Can’t Wait to help change the way the public and politicians view adult social care and support. The campaign will feature powerful short films and photography of people across England whose lives have been transformed by high-quality adult social care. These stories show how care enables people to live the lives they want in their homes and communities. Jess McGregor, incoming ADASS President and Executive Director of Adults and Health at Camden Council , launched the campaign at the Association’s annual conference Spring Seminar. She said: “Social care is about people – people living full, meaningful lives, not just surviving. Good care supports people to do the things they love, to stay connected, and to be active members of their communities. “But delays, underfunding, and misunderstanding are holding us back. Care can’t wait – and neither can the people who depend on it.” Changing the narrative With public polling showing low public awareness and understanding of adult social care, this campaign aims to set the record straight by showing it in fact supports millions of adults, including working-age disabled people, people with mental health challenges enabling them to live their lives on their own terms. By platforming people who draw on care and support and supporting them to tell their stories, the campaign challenges outdated perceptions and shows the positive impact high quality social care can have. The campaign launch features a film of Abbie-Jo Laurence, 36, from Wiltshire, who draws on care and support to live and work independently. She shares her personal experiences and hopes for a system that enables everyone to thrive. Over the coming months, more stories will be shared from across the country, showing the diversity of care and the strength of the people who draw on it. “I want people to see that social care isn’t something that happens to other people,” said Abbie-Jo. “It could be you, your partner, your child, or your neighbour. We all deserve to live well – and care makes that possible.” Engaging the public “This campaign is about changing hearts and minds,” said McGregor. “We want to show the human impact of good care – and what’s at risk when it’s not available. These are real stories from real people, and they deserve to be heard.” As part of the campaign, ADASS is calling on members of the public to visit www.adass.org.uk/care-cant-wait and to: Watch and share the films across social media and with family and friends Sign the campaign hand raiser to support the campaign and receive updates on how to get involved. Talk about social care with friends, family and colleagues Champion reform by urging our leaders to improve and invest in adult social care and support. For further information, contact Vicky Smith, Communications and Public Affairs Officer at ADASS - vicky.smith@adass.org.uk or call 020 7072 7430.
29 April 2025
Last Chance to Book! Fire Prevention in Your Service Users Home Training Event 29 April 2025
Show More