Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funded programme that enables eligible adult social care employers in England to claim reimbursement for approved workforce training and qualifications.
Pathway Group is proud to be a Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS) provider, recognised through the Department of Health and Social Care’s quality assurance framework for adult social care learning and development.
This recognition demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible training that supports workforce development, retention and career progression across the care sector.
Access Government Funding for Adult Social Care Training
Quality Assured by the Department of Health and Social Care
Pathway Group has achieved recognition through the Quality Assured Care Learning Service, providing employers with confidence that our training has been independently assessed against nationally recognised quality standards.
Approved & Compliant Training
Our programmes align with Department of Health and Social Care priorities, Skills for Care guidance and workforce development requirements.
Access LDSS Funding
Many of our courses and qualifications are eligible for reimbursement through the Learning and Development Support Scheme, helping employers reduce training costs while investing in their workforce.
End-to-End Support
We guide employers through the funding process, providing the documentation, evidence and support needed to maximise successful claims.
Flexible Delivery
Training can be delivered:
- Online
- Face-to-face
- In-house at your organisation
- Through blended learning approaches
Support Workforce Retention & Career Progression
Investing in high-quality learning helps improve staff confidence, retention, professional development and the quality of care delivered.
How does LDSS work?
Employers pay for training upfront and then submit a reimbursement claim through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
To be eligible for reimbursement, training must be:
- Delivered
- Completed
- Paid for
There are currently two separate funding streams:
- Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
- All other LDSS-eligible courses and qualifications
Pathway Group provides certificates, completion evidence and supporting documentation required to support reimbursement claims.
What Can Be Claimed?
Training Courses
Claims must be submitted within three months of course completion.
Qualifications
Employers can claim:
- 60% reimbursement once the qualification has started and payment has been made
- 40% reimbursement upon successful completion
Both claims must be submitted within three months of the relevant milestone.
Oliver McGowan Training
For the 2025–2026 funding year, claims can be submitted until 20 March 2026.
Who Can Access LDSS Funding?
Eligible employers must:
- Deliver adult social care services in England
- Employ care staff directly
- Maintain an up-to-date Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) account
For Oliver McGowan Training, employers must also be:
- Registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Eligible learners may include:
- Care workers
- Senior care workers
- Deputy managers
- Registered managers
- Agency staff
- Other non-regulated adult social care staff
Future-Proof Your Workforce Development
The Department of Health and Social Care’s long-term ambition is for quality-assured learning to become the preferred route for workforce development funding across adult social care.
By choosing Pathway Group, employers benefit from training delivered by a provider recognised through the Quality Assured Care Learning Service, supporting both current funding opportunities and future workforce development priorities.
Start Accessing LDSS Funding
Whether you are looking to upskill your workforce, improve retention, support career progression or access available government funding, Pathway Group can help. Speak to our team today to explore eligible training, qualifications and funding opportunities for your organisation.