Unlocking Potential: A Guide to Individual Employer Funding for Skills Development
Navigating the complex world of care can be daunting, especially when you’re an individual employer responsible for your own personal assistants (PA). Fortunately, help is on the way! The Individual Employer Funding for the 2024/25 cycle has started, offering a vital financial resource to bolster the training and expertise of personal assistants and employers alike in England.
What is Individual Employer Funding?
Individual Employer Funding provides a unique opportunity for individual employers to apply for financial assistance. With this funding, employers can cover the costs of training and developing their personal assistants and themselves, ensuring high-quality care and effective management. It is an investment in the skills and confidence of those who provide support and those who depend on it every day.
Who is Eligible?
Are you an individual employer aged 18 or over living in England? Do you hire personal assistants using your own money, adult social care direct payments, or NHS Personal Health Budgets? If you meet these conditions, this funding could be for you! Both employed and self-employed PAs—with genuine self-employed status confirmed by HMRC—can potentially benefit from this impactful scheme.
How Can the Funding be Used?
Recognizing the diverse needs of individual employers and personal assistants, the funding caters to a broad range of resources, including:
- Costs related to attending and completing training or qualifications
- Direct employment costs, such as hiring replacement support whilst PAs undergo training
- Travel expenses related to the training courses
Each person may apply for up to five training courses, and upon completion of those, they are eligible to apply for more. This ongoing support system facilitates continuous professional development, which aligns with the evolving needs of the care sector.
Don’t Miss The Deadlines!
Mark your calendar! The deadline for applications is midday Friday, 14 March 2025. All funded training courses need to be started by Monday, 31 March 2025. Plan accordingly to ensure you make the most of this fantastic opportunity.
How to Apply?
Applying is straightforward: complete the application form and submit it to funding@skillsforcare.org.uk. For more information, several Q&A sessions are set to run through the application process, explore the training benefits, and clear any doubts:
- Thursday, 8 August 2024 | 07:15 – 08:45
- Sunday, 1 September 2024 | 10:00 – 11:30
- Wednesday, 16 October 2024 | 11:00 – 12:30
Remember, successful applicants will be contacted within four weeks, with payment made directly into your bank account.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The impact of this funding is evident through success stories such as that of Perveen Ahmad, who secured a tailored training package for her PAs, and Ella McCance, whose team became more confident in care thanks to funded training. These accounts highlight the tangible difference made through financial support, echoing the sentiments expressed by Pauline Drury and Sharon Taylor-Brown, who also benefited from the initiative.
Continuing Support and Resources
If you’re eager to explore further funded training opportunities through User Led Organisations (ULOs) or need more information, Skills for Care has a wealth of resources. You’ll find invaluable guidance on employing your own support, keeping up to date with new sector resources, events, and news by signing up for the quarterly newsletter.
In Conclusion
Individual Employer Funding is not just about financial assistance; it’s about building capability, fostering independence, and enhancing the quality of care. As an individual employer, this is your chance to empower yourself and your PAs, sec to a thriving care environment based on skill, understanding, and dedication.
Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers—apply today and set the foundation for a better tomorrow in personal care.
