Learning and Development: WDF Deadline and Funding Changes

We would like to remind all providers that they have until 31st May to submit any WDF claims for the 23/24 funding year. Please refer to the WDF page for guidance.

We would also like to make all providers aware that the WDF will be scaled down in 2024-25. It will only be possible to claim WDF for learning which is already in progress. This means that qualifications and courses which start on or before 31st March 2024 will be eligible for the WDF as long as the learner completes and the certificate is issued by 31st March 2025. This is to ensure that employers who have already paid for learning and development are not left out of pocket. Courses and qualifications which start on or after 1st April 2024 will not be eligible for funding through the WDF.

The Government has published guidance on the new learning and development fund, which will be launched in the summer: The Adult Social Care Training and Development Fund. The fund includes over £50 million to support up to 37,000 individuals onto the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification in addition to funding for a range of other learning and development opportunities. In partnership with the NHS Business Services Authority, the fund will be administered through a new digital online claims service. Any queries relating to the new fund should be directed to ASCreimbursement@dhsc.gov.uk.