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In order of priorities, investing in staff training and development is essential for every care provider. However, many employers in the care sector aren’t aware that funding is available to support this initiative. Did you know you could claim up to £400,000 in funding and receive up to 60% of it within just 2–6 weeks?
By maintaining an up-to-date ASC-WDS account and leveraging the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS), care employers can unlock this funding to train their
care staff, plan their workforce more effectively, and improve the quality of their services.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know.
What is ASC-WDS?
The Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) is a secure, free online system run by Skills for Care , designed specifically for adult social care employers. It allows organisations to record, update, and monitor important workforce data such as staff roles, training, qualifications, and employment details.
For any care employer running a full-time operation and managing multiple staff, ASC-WDS provides a powerful tool to streamline data management and support long-term workforce development. It’s not just a tracker — it’s a vital resource that enables better planning, support, and strategic decision-making.
Why ASC-WDS Matters for Employers
1. Access to Government Funding
An active ASC-WDS account is a requirement for accessing training reimbursement schemes such as LDSS and the Workforce Development Fund (WDF). These programmes help employers reclaim costs for care staff training, including qualifications, diplomas, and short courses.
2. Better Workforce Planning
3. Benchmarking and Sector Insights
ASC-WDS provides tools to compare your organisation with others of similar size or service type. This helps you see how you measure up in key areas such as training compliance or staffing structures.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) encourages employers to maintain accurate records. Data from ASC-WDS can be shared with inspectors to demonstrate a commitment to professional development, which supports a positive inspection outcome.
Setting up and maintaining your ASC-WDS account is straightforward:
- Create an Account: Visit the Skills for Care website and register your organization.
- Add Workplace Details: Input basic information about your service, including CQC registration details if applicable.
- Enter Staff Records: Add details for each staff member, including roles, qualifications, and training records.
- Regular Updates: Keep the data current by updating staff records regularly, especially when there are changes in employment or training.
To stay eligible for funding and get the most out of your workforce data, keep your ASC- WDS account up to date. Here are a few best practices:
- Set Reminders: Schedule regular intervals (e.g., quarterly) to review and update your ASC-WDS data.
- Assign Responsibility: Designate a team member to manage the ASC-WDS account, ensuring accountability.
- Utilize Support: If you encounter issues, contact Skills for Care support at 0113 241 0969 or email ascwds- support@skillsforcare.org.uk . skillsforcare.org.uk+1skillsforcare.org.uk+1
Keeping your account accurate ensures that your care business is always ready for inspections, audits, and funding opportunities. It shows your dedication to quality support and continuous development.
The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is a government-backed programme that helps adult social care employers in England cover the cost of training for their non-regulated staff including support workers, care assistants, and team leaders.
Whether you’re managing a care home or delivering domiciliary care services, the LDSS offers an opportunity to receive financial assistance while improving the quality of care your team provides.
- Be located in England
- Employ non-regulated staff (including care assistants, support workers, and registered/deputy managers)
- Hold a fully updated ASC-WDS account
- Use a government-recommended training provider like Access Skills
- Submit claims within 3 months of course completion
- Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in AdultCare
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management
- Care Certificate training
- Relevant short courses (e.g., dementia care, end-of-life support)
- Up to £835 for a Level 3 Diploma
- Up to £1,565 for a Level 5 Diploma
- (subject to annual review and eligibility requirements.)
These reimbursements is one of the reasons employers can continue offering top-tier care jobs without being burdened by upfront training costs. It’s a cost-effective way to improve worker satisfaction
and long-term retention.
- Add staff records, job roles, qualifications, and training history.
- Update regularly to reflect changes in employment or training status.
Use the LDSS channels to claim reimbursement within 3 months of completion.
As a Skills for Care recognised provider, meaning we deliver quality-assured, eligible training that meets LDSS standards. We’ve supported thousands of care employers in navigating the funding process and developing their teams.
- Free ASC-WDS registration guidance
- Help with choosing eligible training for your team
- Advice on maximising reimbursements
- Reminders and support with claims submission
- Ongoing consultation and post-training support
Visit accessskills.co.uk/funding
Register or update your ASC-WDS account at skillsforcare.org.uk/ascwds
Speak to us directly for free guidance on 0121 510 2169
