Social Care Worker Training & Development Support - Application for Funding - February 2025

Overview

Additional funding available for Social Care Qualifications in Northern Ireland (support for qualifications between Levels 2 and 5)

This funding information and application is intended for Social Care Managers and Employers responsible for registered social care in Northern Ireland.  

The Department of Health has approved funding which will support the development of capacity and capability within the registered social care workforce.  Managed by the Social Care Council, the funding aims to enable people at different stages on their social care career pathway to undertake qualifications between Levels 2 and 5.

The funding is available to Independent (Community and Voluntary and Independent) sector providers to support a range of qualifications across the social care sector.

These qualfications include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice
• Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)
• Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Train the Trainer)
• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Health and Social Care Services (Adult Management or Adult Residential Management)

The deadline for making applications for funding is 5pm on 28 February 2025. The Social Care Council intends for all employers to be informed of application outcomes by 7 March 2025.

There will be no age restriction on applications and each social care organisation must source qualification provision from appropriate providers.

In the event that the number of applicants exceeds funding capacity, appropriate applications will be placed on a waiting list/reserve pool in the event that further funding becomes available.

Please note that only online applications will be accepted.   A link to the online application form is below. 

Notes for applicants:

• Available funding is for qualification fees only. Funding is not available to cover staffing costs/absence while qualifications are completed.
• Applications must be signed by a Chief Executive, Director or Senior Manager with the understanding that learners will complete the qualifications and the employer will provide support for their employees for the duration of the course.
• Successful applicants must ensure they have commenced or registered for their chosen course by 14 March 2025. All qualifications must be completed by 31 March 2026 at the latest.
• The Social Care Council will request regular updates on the progress of learners and the impact of funding arrangements.
• Incomplete qualifications may result in a return of funding by employers.
• Invoices for qualifications commenced/committed to must be received by Social Care Council by 14 March 2025 to enable reimbursement by 31 March, 2025

Should you require any further information about this funding for 2024/25, please contact Seamus.McAleese@niscc.hscni.net, Sharon.Foster@niscc.hscni.net or  Mervyn.Bothwell@niscc.hscni.net.

If you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

NI Social Care Council Workforce Development Team