Registered managers and deputies to benefit from £3m fund

Adult social care’s 21,200 registered manager and their deputies are to benefit from £3m through the Workforce Development Fund (WDF).

The £3m. which is administered by Skills for Care on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, is the first time WDF funding has been targeted specifically at developing managers and deputies.

“We’ve been talking to registered managers through our local registered manager networks and engaging through our membership scheme and other initiatives,” said Skills for Care Interim CEO Andy Tilden. “They’ve been telling us loud and clear that they really need this support.

“We also know the impact on managers who do too much due to not having deputies and team leads to share the workload.  We’ve made a clear case that this is a role that’s often isolated, so needed targeted backing from the Workforce Development Fund. I’m delighted we’ve been successful in now being able to offer this very significant pot of money. All the data shows when you have an outstanding registered manager then people can access high quality services in their communities.”

With at least 10,000 registered managers retiring over the next 15 years, and 11.8% of positions currently vacant, the funding is designed to help care home providers with their succession planning.

The WFD is also open to care home providers looking to support the continuing professional development of staff at all levels.

For more information about the WDF and how to apply, go to www.skillsforcare.org.uk/WDF.

To find out more about support and funding for social care managers and deputies, go to www.skillsforcare.org.uk/succession. There’s also a useful infographic showing the recommended route for managers and what funding is available at each stage.