As part of the government’s £500 million assistance package, social care workers will have access to countless training opportunities to further their careers over the next three years.
The Workforce Development Fund has been approved for a second year (2022–2023), providing stability before new and better training possibilities
More than 14,000 care workers from more than 2,300 establishments received assistance from the Workforce Development Fund in 2020–21, which was funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and distributed by Skills for Care.
This assistance allowed them to advance in their careers despite the pandemic’s pressures.
In order to establish clear pathways for advancement, the government is collaborating with the social care industry on plans for staff assistance and training, including the development of a new knowledge and skill framework.
As part of this, the government will discuss prospective contracts with training vendors and the social care industry in order to provide the greatest learning and development opportunities starting in April 2023.
This will be done using some of the £500 million indicated in the Spending Review.
These chances for learning and growth will consist of:
New funding is available to assist adult social care providers with the cost of registered nurses’ and other allied health professionals’ CPD.
There will no longer be a need for care professionals to retake this training when they change positions thanks to the brand-new Care Certificate certification.
More than 100,000 training slots for new caregivers to get this new credential will be funded by the government.
Creating a skills passport and digital portal for the workforce.
This will make it easier to transfer between providers by giving access to a volunteer staff registration and validated records of skills and qualifications.
Potential caregivers are more likely to apply if careers and employee wellness are better supported, and existing caregivers are more likely to want to stay in the field.
Gillian Keegan, minister of care and mental health, said:
Giving your entire life to helping others is a calling that must also be a career. It is not just a job.
We are aware of the dedication of the social care professionals, and they merit our support as they grow professionally via training.
In the end, improved training translates into better resident care and a brighter future for the employees.
The new framework will outline the knowledge, abilities, moral principles, and conduct required of those who work in adult social care.
Additionally, it will lay out professional structures, provide clear paths for job growth, and open up additional doors for advancement.
Additional money will be provided for level 5 managers to help with further education.
All registered managers will have access to a sponsored Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult Care if they do not already possess a level 5 or equivalent certificate.
In order to provide those working in social care the choice to pursue certifications, the government will also invest in level 2, 3 and 4 credentials.
Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse for adult social care, said:
Enhancing training and development prospects for our dedicated personnel was one of my top priorities when I started on this position.
Giving care is a talent that has to be developed, therefore if we want to keep the finest in the field, we must also take care of them.
All of our staff members deserve the advancement and better possibilities that the skills framework will provide.
There will be professional development options for people who want to stay in their current positions while learning new skills.
As part of the additional training, participants will learn how to assist with diabetes, stroke awareness, mental health, and care for those with cognitive disabilities and autism.
To create a culture of ongoing professional development among care providers of all sizes, leadership development will be made accessible.
In order to support the professional growth of their staff at all levels, adult social care employers in England will continue to receive funded training from the Workforce Development Fund this year.
This funding is available for a wide range of certifications, learning programmes, and digital learning modules.