The Links Training & Consultancy
The Links Training & Consultancy
Health and social care worker accessing LDSS funded training
LDSS Funding Scheme

£400,000 available for Health & Social Care employers

The Learning & Development Support Scheme gives Health & Social Care employers access to funded training — short courses, specialist qualifications, and blended programmes.

Overseas workers are eligible. No long-term commitment required. Our consultancy is completely free.

Check your eligibility 07884 082609
LDSS Funding Scheme

£400,000 for Health & Social Care employers

Funded training for care staff — short courses, qualifications and blended programmes. Overseas workers eligible. No long-term commitment.

Check your eligibility 07884 082609
£400k
per employer allowance
Apr–Mar
2026–27 scheme year
20+
specialist HSC courses
100%
funded for eligible staff
What is LDSS?

Funded training designed for Health & Social Care

The Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is a government funding stream available specifically to Health & Social Care employers. It enables access to short courses, qualifications and targeted training programmes — helping care providers upskill their workforce, improve quality of care and meet regulatory standards.

Unlike apprenticeships, LDSS does not require a long-term commitment. Training is flexible, designed to fit around shift patterns, and available to overseas workers employed in care settings.

Ideal for:

Upskilling care staff quickly and effectively
Supporting mandatory and specialist training requirements
Improving quality of care and CQC compliance
Developing career progression within care settings
Training overseas workers without long-term commitment
LDSS Allowance 2026–27
£400,000
available per eligible employer
20+
specialist courses
100%
funded training
Overseas
workers eligible
No
long commitment
Check my eligibility
Our service

What we offer

From identifying eligible training through to completion — we manage everything.

Access to Funded HSC Training

We help care providers identify and secure LDSS-funded training, reducing or eliminating the cost of workforce development for eligible employers.

Tailored Training Solutions

We align training to your service needs — whether residential care, domiciliary care, or specialist support services — ensuring every programme delivers real impact.

Flexible Learning Delivery

Programmes are designed to fit around shift patterns and operational demands, minimising disruption to your service while maximising development opportunities.

Expert Guidance & Support

Our team manages the entire process from start to finish — identifying eligibility, securing funding, coordinating providers, and ensuring a smooth, compliant journey.

HSC Training only

Training courses & qualifications

LDSS funding supports a wide range of Health & Social Care training, including specialist short courses and accredited qualifications.

Specialist & Short Courses

Short Courses

PBS Foundation Level
PBS Intermediate Level
PBS Advanced Level
Mental Health & Mental Capacity
Autism
Dementia
Learning Disabilities
End of Life Care
Diabetes Awareness
Epilepsy Awareness
Medication Handling
Falls Prevention
Food Safety & Nutrition
Oral Health
Stroke Awareness
Accredited Qualifications

Qualifications

L2 Level 2
Adult Social Care Certificate
L3 Level 3
Diploma in Adult Care
L4 Level 4
Diploma in Adult Care
L5 Level 5
Diploma in Leadership & Management for Adult Care

Eligible training courses and qualifications are aligned with current government guidance and funding availability.

Why LDSS?

Benefits for care providers

Access funded or low-cost training
No long-term apprenticeship commitment
Flexible, short-course delivery
Supports CQC compliance and quality standards
Improves staff confidence, retention & progression
Overseas workers are eligible
Get started today
Eligibility

Who is eligible?

LDSS is available to Health & Social Care employers across a range of settings. Eligibility may vary based on workforce needs and funding availability — our team will confirm your eligibility and guide you through the process.

Residential Care Providers
Registered residential and nursing care homes
Domiciliary Care Services
Home care and community support providers
Supported Living Organisations
Supported living and specialist care services
Health & Social Care Employers
Any CQC-registered Health & Social Care employer
Check my eligibility — free
Our approach

LDSS + Apprenticeships

We take a holistic view of your workforce development. Where LDSS is in place, we can also support you in combining it with apprenticeships and commercial training to create a fully integrated development plan for your team.

This means your care staff can progress from short LDSS courses all the way through to Level 5 qualifications — with funding maximised at every stage.

LDSS Funded

Oliver McGowan training can be funded through LDSS

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is a legal requirement for all health and social care staff in England — and it can be funded through the LDSS scheme. Emma can help you use your LDSS allowance to get your entire workforce compliant without it costing your organisation a penny.

The training comes in two tiers, both of which are eligible for LDSS funding for qualifying Health & Social Care employers.

Tier 1 — Online Awareness
For all staff who may encounter people with a learning disability or autism. Completed online, self-paced.
Tier 2 — Face-to-Face
For staff providing hands-on care. Delivered in person with an Expert by Experience co-trainer.

CQC requirement: All registered Health & Social Care providers must ensure staff complete the appropriate tier. LDSS funding removes the cost barrier entirely.

Enquire about Oliver McGowan funding
FAQs

Common questions about LDSS

The Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is a government-funded training scheme available to Health & Social Care employers. It provides up to £400,000 per employer per year to fund short courses, specialist qualifications and blended programmes for care staff.

LDSS is available to Health & Social Care employers including residential care providers, domiciliary care services, and supported living organisations. Overseas workers are eligible. Eligibility may vary based on workforce needs and funding availability.

No. Unlike apprenticeships, LDSS funding supports short courses and qualifications without requiring a long-term commitment. Training is designed to fit around shift patterns and operational demands.

Yes. Overseas workers employed in Health & Social Care settings are eligible for LDSS funded training — making it particularly valuable for care providers with international workforces.

Absolutely. We actively support care providers in combining LDSS short courses with apprenticeship programmes to create a fully integrated workforce development plan — maximising funding at every stage.

Ready to access your LDSS funding?

Contact The Links Training & Consultancy today to explore LDSS opportunities and access expert support tailored to your service. Completely free, no obligation.

Call 07884 082609 Send a message