Care Certificate: September update

A photo of a caregiver and a woman in a greenhouse

We’re back with our monthly update on the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, and this time around, it’s a big one! Last week, we were delighted to announce that FuturU’s qualification had launched, following on from the confirmation that funding is available for eligible employers and employees under the new Learning Development Support Scheme. 

In this month’s update, we’ve shared more information on the funding available, and the process for enrolling your learners with us. 

Funding confirmed

On 6 September 2024, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that funding is now provided under the Learning Development Support Scheme to support learning and development for ‘non-regulated care staff’, including deputy and Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered managers and agency staff, in England for financial year 2024 to 2025.

Eligible adult social care employers can now claim funding for a wide range of training courses and qualifications, including the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, on behalf of eligible care staff. 

Adult Social Care employers in England, in both Care Quality (CQC) regulated and non-regulated care settings, can apply for funding towards the cost of the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate for new and existing employees aged 19+ and working in direct adult social care roles.

To be eligible, employers must also be registered on the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (AS-WDS). 

The qualification must be both paid for and started between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 (inclusive).

DHSC has advised that the overall funding pot is limited and that, once exhausted, claims submitted will not be reimbursed. There is also a cap on the total value of claims that can be reimbursed per claimant organisation. 

We understand that you might have some questions about how you can take advantage of the funding available, and we’re here to help. 

Qualification launched

Following on from the confirmation of funding from DHSC, our team got straight to work launching our Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate and updating the many employers and employees who had previously registered interest with us. 

Employers can now apply to enrol their learners with FuturU. Simply email our Head of Marketing, Shona, at shona.wright@futuru.ai, to get started. 

Here’s a quick reminder of just some of the reasons you should partner with us:

  • Immersive, story-led learning: Our approach blends all learning outcomes into immersive scenarios, equipping learners with the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in real-world caregiving

  • Comprehensive support: Our user-friendly platform is backed by an expert support team

     

  • Assessors with deep sector experience: We only employ assessors with hands-on knowledge and experience of the care sector – many work on the frontline of care delivery in addition to their roles as assessors

     

  • Rigorous quality assurance: Our expert team of quality assurance professionals ensure all our learning content and assessment practices are of the highest standard

     

  • Flexible learning: Our digital-first approach enables learners to access training anytime, anywhere, from their phone, tablet or computer.

Next steps

While funding is available, it’s important to remember that the total pot is limited. So we’d recommend taking advantage of the scheme as soon as you’re able, to give your team the best chance of benefiting. 

Here’s what to do next:

1. Check your eligibility

If you’d like to enrol your employee in the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate the very first thing to do is to check you’re both eligible. Visit the Government’s website to check your eligibility. 

2. Complete the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set

You must complete, or have completed, the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS). This is a free online data collection service covering the adult social care workforce in England. Learn more about the ACS-WDS here.

3. Complete the NHS Business Services Authority onboarding form

The Learning Development Support Scheme is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on behalf of DHSC. To claim reimbursement, you’ll need to express your interest by completing this onboarding form. 

4. Get in touch with FuturU

To learn more about FuturU’s qualification, and to start the enrollment process, email Shona. We’ll be happy to check your eligibility and support you through the previous steps if you get stuck too!

You also have three opportunities to join us at one of our upcoming webinars all about the qualification, its benefits, the learning journey and funding. Secure your spot at one of the links below:

Thursday 26 September at 1pm – register now →

Friday 18 October at 1pm – register now →

Thursday 31 October at 1pm – register now → 

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