April 14th 2025
The Department of Health and Social Care has reaffirmed its commitment to improving digital and data skills across the adult social care workforce.
As part of this renewed commitment, funding from the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) can now be used towards the Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership in Adult Social Care. This step recognises the critical role that care leaders play in driving the adoption of digital tools and data-led decision-making across the sector.
The qualification—developed by Skills for Care—is designed to support adult social care leaders and managers to develop the confidence and capability to lead digital transformation. It addresses growing sector-wide demand for more support in understanding how to identify and implement technology, manage digital change, and upskill teams to meet the needs of people who draw on care and support.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said the move is part of the wider ambition to modernise adult social care through the safe and effective use of technology.
“We will harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to transform social care, helping people to live independently in their own homes and improving the quality of care.
“By investing in skills training for care workers, introducing a Fair Pay Agreement, and providing more opportunities for career progression, we will help retain the incredible professionals we need.
“Our Plan for Change will make sure we have the people and the skills needed to build a national care service.”
A practical qualification for today’s care leaders
The Level 5 Award is aimed at registered managers, team leaders, senior care practitioners, and others in senior roles who are in a position to influence digital decisions and lead cultural change within their services. It is designed as a practical, knowledge-based qualification that supports learners to apply digital leadership principles in real-world settings.
The Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership in Adult Social Care focuses on three core areas:
- The use of technology and data in adult social care
- Implementing technology in adult social care
- Leading change, learning and improvement in adult social care
The course covers topics such as cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, person-centred technology use, and developing a digital-first workplace culture. It also aligns closely with the government’s What Good Looks Like framework, which sets out key areas for achieving digital maturity in adult social care.
While the qualification has been available since 2024, its inclusion in the list of eligible LDSS-funded courses signals a growing recognition of the need to invest in digital leadership at all levels of social care. It complements other tools and resources designed to improve digital confidence and competence, including the Adult Social Care Digital Skills Framework.
Digital Leadership Programme from Skills for Care and NCF
As well as the level 5 qualification, adult social care leaders can also access the Leading through Digital Change Programme. Developed and recently updated by Skills for Care and the National Care Forum, the programme is also eligible for LDSS funding. The next cohort begins on 24 April and consists of a four day programme, delivered virtually, to build confidence and ability to identify and embed digital technology in the delivery of care and support. It is suitable for all workplace leaders, including registered managers. For details, and to sign up, visit the Skills for Care website.
Supporting transformation across the sector
Michelle Corrigan, Director of the Digital Care Hub, welcomed the extension of LDSS funding to the Level 5 leadership programme:
“Digital and data skills are no longer optional—they are essential. From delivering high-quality, person-centred care to coordinating with health partners and running services efficiently, digital leadership is central to how modern care is delivered. Digital Care Hub welcomes the Government’s recommitment to digitisation in adult social care. We encourage care providers to take full advantage of the LDSS funding to help ensure care leaders are equipped to build a confident, capable workforce that can embrace digital innovation.”
How to access the funding
LDSS funding must be claimed by an eligible employer, towards the cost of eligible training courses and qualifications undertaken by eligible staff. To qualify, the employer (including local authorities) must meet all of the following criteria. They must:
- provide an Adult Social Care service
- directly employ care staff in England
- have an up-to-date account on the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS)
Related links
Learning and Development Support Scheme for the adult social care workforce: a guide for employers
LDSS – Eligible courses and qualifications
Skills for Care – Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership is Adult Social Care
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