To improve the career prospects of the care workforce, a new, accredited qualification will be introduced from June 2024.
The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate will support care workers in gaining the knowledge, skills and expertise expected of specific job roles in the health and social care sectors.
54% of direct care workers do not have a level 2 or above qualification. The introduction of the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification will provide a baseline standard and help recognise it for the professional career that it is.
The Department of Health and Social Care identified that one of the biggest obstacles to better recruitment, retention and development of Adult Social Care staff is the lack of opportunity to develop and progress in the sector.
Accredited achievements will clearly differentiate between roles based on the level of expertise people should have and expect to develop.
To help reform the workforce, the Government will provide up to £53.91m of funding to support 37,000 individuals in direct adult social care roles to complete the new qualification between June 2024 and March 2025.
Gateway Qualifications is developing this new qualification to support this initiative. We will keep you updated on the approval process that all participating Awarding Organisations must pass.
Which learners are eligible for this qualification?
Adult Social Care employers in England, registered on the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set, can apply for funding for the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate for their workforce aged 19+ in direct care roles. While staff with existing qualifications can also pursue the new certificate, priority for funded places should be given to those without relevant qualifications. There’s no limit on the number of places per provider, but uptake patterns will be monitored for potential future restrictions.
More information from Skills for Care
Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification FAQs