Workforce Development Fund (WDF)

For individuals and employers

Whether you are an individual looking for courses for yourself, or an employer looking for courses for your staff, you're in the right place. We have a range of options to suit you, including:

• Post-registration CPD modules (credit-bearing)
• Non-credit bearing short courses and workshops

If you are arranging training for your staff, check our information for employers to learn about the different ways you can do this.

Learning that qualifies for Workforce Development Funding

From April 2021, many of our CPD and short courses qualify for the NHS Workforce Development Funding (WDF, previously known as LBR) so as long as you work for the NHS, you shouldn't need to pay for this learning. Browse the 'WD funded' course lists to see what's on offer and always check with your NHS trust whether funding is available before you apply.

Learning that you'll need to pay for yourself

Some short courses and CPD aren't eligible for WD funding, but you may wish to complete these for your own personal development. If that's the case, you'll need to pay for these modules yourself. Browse the 'self-funded' course lists to see what's on offer.

Credit-bearing CPD

Choose from our wide range of post-registration modules, which award you university credits. Most of these are at Level 7 (masters level) but if you haven't got a bachelors degree, there are also Level 6 modules that would be suitable for you.

Non-credit bearing short courses

We also offer online and face-to-face short courses which don't award you university credits. These are useful if you don't need formal accreditation or if you just want to gain an introduction to a subject before moving on to a postgraduate or undergraduate module.

These range from MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), which are free, to study evenings, master classes, workshops, and short courses that run over a few days.

The WD application process

• Apply - complete the online WD application form on this page
• Authorisation - our WD team will check funding, request academic approval and NHS Trust support. Once all elements are confirmed, you will receive your offer of a place by email (subject to viable numbers), approximately six weeks prior to the start of the module(s)
• Enrolment - you will receive a further email inviting you to enrol online prior to your module(s) commencing. Your course leader may also contact you with further information about the course

Apply online

To apply for your WD module(s), select the module you are interested in and follow the link under the 'How to Apply' section to apply. You can also refer to our step-by-step Application Guide for additional information.

Information for employers

If you are responsible for learning and development at an NHS trust, you can work with us in a number of ways:

• Individual bookings - Your employees can apply for courses themselves (with your approval) and provide a sponsor letter which outlines where the invoice should be sent. This is our preferred way of working
• Block funding - You can give us a set amount of Workforce Development funds with conditions attached, and let us keep track of spending as your employees enrol on CPD and courses. We will always ask for approval from you before enrolling any students
• Bespoke learning packages - If you let us know what your training requirements are, we can put together a bespoke package of credit-bearing or non-credit bearing courses and CPD for your staff. Examples of short courses we've developed before include Advanced Communication, Specialist Registrar in Ultrasound, Supporting Supervisors with Compassion-Focused Therapy, Project Management, and Quality Improvement

To talk to us about any of these options, please contact our dedicated Business Enquiries team.