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 Tom Arthur 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”

Guidance and the application form for the VSDF can be found here. Applications for the year’s fund will close at 5pm on Friday 5 September 2025.