The new digital online claims service allows adult social care employers to claim funding for certain training courses and qualifications (including the NOCN Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate launched in May 2024) on behalf of eligible care staff.

Eligible employers who have paid for and started the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 (inclusive) can claim funding on behalf of eligible care staff for up to £1,500 per qualification. A combined claims model will apply, wherein employers must claim 60% of the reimbursement value upon their employee starting the qualification, with the remaining 40% reimbursement provided upon proof of course completion.

This comes after the new Government announced in August 2024 that it would not continue £53.91 million Adult Social Care Training and Development Fund put in place by the previous Government. The Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC) have not set a cap or stated a figure for the new funding but have said that it is ‘limited’ which suggests that it will be available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. NOCN Group is therefore urging employers, Colleges and training providers to act quickly to secure it.

Until 31 October 2024, NOCN is offering an exclusive 50% discount on learner registrations for the Level 2 Care Certificate, as well as waiving all set up and approval fees associated with becoming an approved Centre.

NOCN’s Skills for Care-approved and Ofqual-accredited portable Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate was developed in response to the fact that 54% of direct care workers in the UK do not currently have a Level 2 qualification or above and many face barriers in doing apprenticeships due to the requirements for English and maths. It aims to enable workers to not only remain in adult social care but build fulfilling careers by becoming qualified and recognised for their dedication and professionalism.

Those undertaking the NOCN Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate will complete 15 units in total with access to e-learning resources, learner workbooks and teaching materials. Recognition of prior learning will be taken into account by NOCN and learners will be encouraged to continuously develop not only their care skills but also sustainability, digital and functional skills.

Find out more about the NOCN Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate or get in touch with our Sector Manager on cheryle.hardy@nocn.org.uk.