Richmond & LSBU: A Groundbreaking Partnership for Adult Social Care Apprentices

At Richmond Training, we are committed to tackling the biggest challenges in health and social care - staff recruitment, retention, and career development. Research indicates that more than a third of new starters in the adult social care sector leave their roles within a year, creating big challenges for employers and service users. And the best way to combat this challenge is to provide staff with opportunities, support and a way to better their lives through their careers. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU), launching an innovative apprenticeship programme designed to provide clear pathways into senior management and nursing qualifications.

Over the next three years, we expect around 250 apprentices to benefit from this training, with their studies fully funded by the Government’s Growth and Skills Levy. Looking ahead, as many as 1,500 learners could benefit in the long term, creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals in adult social care.

Why This Matters: Addressing the Workforce Crisis in Social Care

Staff shortages in the adult social care sector remain a critical issue, with 165,000 vacancies and a turnover rate of 10.6%. Research shows that more than a third of new starters leave within their first year creating significant challenges for both employers and service users.

As our Managing Director, Gill Waddicor, explains:

“This is an important step for us in addressing urgent front-line challenges in adult social care. The programme delivers huge benefits to learners and their employers. Any apprentice who progresses with us will be paid while learning and gain a fully funded degree—enabling them to start their career without a big debt burden.”

For employers, the programme provides a cost-effective solution to recruiting and retaining staff. Apprentices under 25 will also qualify for employer National Insurance exemptions, saving organisations approximately ￡3,000 per employee per year.

A Fully Funded Route to Leadership & Nursing Careers

With training options spanning from Level 2 apprenticeships to senior nursing and leadership roles, this partnership offers apprentices a structured and financially accessible career path. Instead of seeing adult social care as a ‘job,’ learners can now see it as a career with long-term growth, financial stability and development opportunities.

Sammy Shummo, Group Director of Apprenticeships at LSBU, highlights the programme’s significance:

“This initiative comes at an important time for employers working in health and social care. We know the sector faces challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled employees. Our programme aims to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges head-on.”

Employers are already welcoming this game-changing pathway. Andrew Moore, Workforce Development Manager at Local Solutions, shares his thoughts:

“Creating clear pathways of progression and promoting careers in social care are fundamental steps to attracting and retaining an engaged workforce. We welcome the work that Richmond and LSBU have undertaken to address these areas.”

Delivering Excellence in Training & Employer Support

This partnership builds on our strong track record in delivering quality apprenticeships, recognised in our recent Ofsted ‘Good’ rating. Inspectors praised our leadership, learner support, and commitment to meeting the needs of local and regional economies.

LSBU, also rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, received an ‘Outstanding’ grade for personal development, underscoring its dedication to student success and career readiness.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Adult Social Care

We are incredibly excited to launch this fully funded pathway to careers in leadership and nursing, giving learners and employers the support they need to thrive.

?? Interested in learning more? Contact us today to see how this programme can benefit your team!