This year we have seen an unprecedented increase in the number of Workforce Development Fund (WDF) claims we have received at the Liverpool Social Care Partnership, during each contract when we reach the half way point, we are offered an opportunity to increase or decrease the amount of funding which has been allocated to us as a partnership so we can accurately fulfill our contract, this year we requested that our funding should be increased. Thankfully, we were allocated a small increase of funding, however it was not the full amount which we had requested and we suspect that this year, we will have expended all of our WDF funding before the contract end date. As of 15/11/13 we have just over £80,000.00 of funding remaining. What does this mean? This means that if you want to claim WDF, you will need to do so as soon as possible, we will be making some revisions to how we distribute the remaining funds (detailed below) but as a partnership we must ensure that we continue to hit the allocated milestones set out by Skills for Care. We recommend that claims should be submitted before 1st January 2014 to enable the best possible chance of being granted funding. What can I do if the funding runs out? Unfortunately WDF is not a guaranteed fund and if we run out of funding any claims submitted after that point will not be granted. What if I need WDF to pay my training provider? We are aware that across the Northwest, a number of training providers are asking employers to offset the costs of training with WDF, this is not something we would advise. If WDF funding is not granted, as a care provider it will be your responsibility to fund the costs of training as outlined in your training agreement, regardless of whether WDF is granted or not. Please note that LSCP & Skills for Care do not endorse this method of using WDF. My evidence wont be ready until 2014! We understand that because some training providers work on an academic calendar, the internal verification of units sometimes does not take place until after the Christmas Holidays. We will be setting aside a small amount of funding which will enable select organisations to claim towards the end of the contract. If your organisation has previously claimed earlier in the contractual year (1st Jan 2013 - 31st March 2014) you will not be eligible for this provision. My NMDS-SC isn't up to date yet! Don't worry, moving forward we will be prioritising funding to ensure that as many organisations as possible are able to access the fund, the following limitations will be implemented as of 01/11/13:
We understand that these limitations will be frustrating for providers who were hoping to claim large amounts of funding, but our contractual obligation with Skills for Care is to ensure that funds are distributed evenly and fairly. What can I do to increase my chances of being granted funding?
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