Learning and development remains a key priority in adult social care, as it helps staff build skills, achieve recognised qualifications, and progress in their careers. This not only improves the quality of care provided but also makes the sector a more attractive and rewarding place for people to join and remain in.
For the financial year 2026/27, continued funding of up to £13.3 million has been confirmed to support adult social care learning and development. The package includes up to £10 million for the Learning and Development Support Scheme, up to £2.3 million for the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, and up to £1 million for the User-Led Organisations fund.
The Learning and Development Support Scheme will continue to support eligible adult social care employers in investing in staff training courses and qualifications. Since its launch in September 2024, the scheme has already processed thousands of employer claims, helping staff strengthen their skills, gain recognition for existing expertise, and improve the quality of care. Updated guidance has also been issued to help employers understand eligibility criteria and access the scheme more easily.
Support for newly qualified social workers will also continue in 2026/27, with up to £2.3 million available for eligible adult social work employers across statutory, private, voluntary, and independent sectors. This funding is intended to help newly qualified social workers develop practical skills and receive support during the early stages of their careers. From 2026/27, this funding will be administered by the NHS Business Services Authority.
In addition, support will continue for individual employers and personal assistants through the User-Led Organisations fund. Up to £1 million will be made available in 2026/27 to enable User-Led Organisations to deliver training tailored to individual care needs. This funding helps ensure that learning and development opportunities reach a wider range of workers, including those involved in more personalised care arrangements.
From 1 April 2026, the User-Led Organisations fund will also be administered by the NHS Business Services Authority, creating a more consistent national approach to managing adult social care learning and development funding streams.
Further information, including guidance and application routes, has been published on the GOV.UK adult social care learning and development programme pages. Employers, sector partners, and organisations are encouraged to share the guidance widely so that all eligible organisations can benefit from the available support.
