Saviour Ani
April 29, 2025

ASC-WDS – A MUST HAVE FOR CARE EMPLOYERS

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

Keeping your ASC-WDS account up to date isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s a key step in improving quality care delivery. The following are benefits employers stand to enjoy with an updated ASC-WDS score:

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

By monitoring qualifications and training across your staff team, you can identify skill gaps and target future development areas more accurately. This enables care providers to give the right support at the right time.

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.

4. Support with CQC Inspections

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.

How To Get Started With ASC-WDS

Setting up and maintaining your ASC-WDS account is straightforward:

Maintaining Your ASC-WDS Account: Tips for Success

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:

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.

Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

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.

Who Is Eligible for LDSS Funding?

To apply for LDSS funding, employers must meet these key criteria:

The scheme ensures that care employers, whether they offer part-time or full-time roles, are supported in building a capable and skilled workforce. This helps workers at every level grow professionally while delivering improved support to those they care for.

What Training Are Eligible For LDSS Funding?

LDSS funding can be used to cover a range of approved qualifications and training. Some of the most common include:

Reimbursement Amounts:

These reimbursements allow employers to 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.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for LDSS Funding

Applying for LDSS funding is straightforward. Follow these four steps:

Register and Update Your ASC-WDS Account

Choose Eligible Training

Find courses and qualifications here.

Deliver the Training

Enrol your care workers, ensure they complete the course, and keep completion evidence.

Submit Your Claim

Use the LDSS channels to claim reimbursement within 3 months of completion.

Access Skills provides ongoing guidance throughout this process, making sure care providers of all sizes can maximise the support available.

How Access Skills Supports Care Employers

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.

Here’s how we help:

By working with Access Skills, employers can focus on providing high-quality care, while we handle the admin, reminders, and funding paperwork behind the scenes.