Applications are now open for the 2025–26 Voluntary Sector
Development Fund (VSDF), which helps employers cover the cost of
essential qualifications for social care staff.
The funding supports workers in gaining the qualifications
required for registration with the Scottish Social Services
Council (SSSC)—the national regulator for the social care
workforce.
The VSDF is particularly valuable for small and medium-sized
organisations, but is open to all voluntary sector employers,
regardless of size.
Welcoming the continued support of professional development for
staff Minister for Social Care , said:
“The Scottish Government recognises that the social care sector
is facing a number of challenges, and this scheme is just one of
the ways we are working to support social care employers and
their staff.
“That is why we're continuing to invest in this important fund,
helping hundreds of workers gain the skills they need to deliver
high-quality care to some of the most vulnerable people in our
society.
“I would urge all voluntary sector social care organisations to
consider applying for this funding to help with the costs of
staff training”
Background
Guidance and the application form for the VSDF can be found at
https://news.sssc.uk.com/news/2025-26-vsdf-open-for-applications
Applications for the years fund will close at 5pm on Friday 5
September 2025.
The fund supports voluntary sector organisations providing social
services that are registered charity and are registered with the
Care Inspectorate. Funding can be used directly to support
training and development needs associated with meeting the
requirements for registration with the SSSC.
Around £780,000 is available for the Fund in 2025-26, and each
organisation can apply for a maximum of £24,000.
