The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is an exciting new qualification, developed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in collaboration with Skills for Care. Launching in June 2024, this certificate is specifically designed for individuals working in adult social care settings. It aims to equip staff with the essential skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to excel in their care roles.

Unlike the existing Care Certificate, this new qualification will be accredited, ensuring its quality and recognition across different roles and organisations. This means you won't need to retake the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate if you change roles, saving both time and money for you and your business.

Over £53 million of the total fund value is dedicated to supporting individuals in direct care roles. Applicants aged 19 and above will need to enrol between June 2024 and March 2025 to qualify for funding.

Adult Social Care employers in England, in both Care Quality (CQC) regulated and non-regulated care settings, can apply for funding towards the cost of the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate. It applies to both new and existing employeesaged 19 and over, working in direct adult social care roles only. Employers must also be registered on the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (AS-WDS).

As this new fund is a reimbursement scheme, employers will be able to directly submit a claim for course costs incurred up to a maximum of £1,500 per learner. Employers may claim for 60% of the training course costs incurred once they provide proof of payment and confirm the employee has started the qualification. Then, the employer can claim the remaining 40% of costs incurred by providing evidence the learner has completed the course. Reimbursement is for training course costs incurred by an employer only. It will not cover associated costs such as travel, etc.

The new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate is designed for individuals aged 19 and over who are working in direct adult social care roles. Eligible positions include care workers, senior care workers, rehabilitation workers as well as community support and outreach roles.

The qualification covers 15 key topics and areas, subject to Skills for Care and Ofqual approval:

1. Understanding own role

2. Personal development

3. Duty of care

4. Equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights

5. Working in a person-centred way

6. Communication

7. Privacy and dignity

8. Nutrition and hydration

9. Awareness of mental health and dementia

10. Safeguarding adults and children

11. Health, safety and principles of basic life support

12. Handling information

13. Infection prevention and control

14. Awareness of learning disabilities and autism

All modules have been carefully structured to provide learners with both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that are directly applicable to roles in the adult social care setting.

The assessment methods for your knowledge and skills will vary by unit. These will include practical and skills-based evaluations, such as direct observation and professional discussions, conducted by our experienced assessors.

With our e-learning approach, the duration of the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification is fully flexible to accommodate your schedule. However, at Phoenix 4 Training we expect the average completion time to be around six months.

Just complete the 'Register Now' form here to register your interest in our qualification and be among the first to receive updates.

Alternatively more information can be found here Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification (skillsforcare.org.uk)

That’s okay - this updated certificate would serve as a terrific refresher course, and ensure your qualifications are in line with the latest learning. However, your employer's eligibility for government funding may be impacted if you already hold an equivalent Level 2 credential.