Did you know you can skill up your existing employees at no cost to your organisation through an unspent levy donation?
From degree-level programmes in areas such as Public Health to a Level 4 PR and Communications Assistant course, your organisations can access a wide range of training opportunities at no expense. Courses can be in-person or online. Read the presentation and brochure to know more about it.
Apprenticeships allow staff to develop new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications while continuing to work. This not only supports employee development and retention but also strengthens the organisation’s overall capacity to deliver greater impact within the community!
Please note that staff members will need to be on your organisation's payroll for this, they cannot be volunteers or consultants.
As part of a 2025 NHS-funded project, called the SWL VCSE Alliance, the six CVSs in South West London have teamed up with the local NHS to make sure the NHS unspent levy in South West London can be donated to local community health and care community groups. If you are interested in this opportunity:
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Check out the courses available and choose a training provider with a good track record.
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Contact the training provider to understand when the next course is starting and what their requirements are.
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Create your GOV.UK One Login or sign in - GOV.UK One Login if you don't have one and log in to create your apprenticeship service account. You will need your organisation's PAYE scheme reference number and your Accounts office reference number (this is 13 characters, like 123PX00123456 or 123PX0012345X and you can find it on HMRC letters about PAYE or when you registered as an employer).
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Contact your local CVS for support on how to claim the donation of unspent levy from your local NHS provider. Email Sara Milocco.
Case study: James’ Journey to a Public Health Apprenticeship
James joined the Family Centre Fieldway as a ABCD Community Builder; he was one of eight builders our Partnership was delivering for a council-funded project. Although he was coming from a totally different sector, he stood out for his preparation, research, and potential. Fast-forward a few years: James is now a Community Facilitator at Croydon Voluntary Action, leading our community hubs and working closely with NHS and local authority colleagues. His passion for residents, and his ability to bring services together in an integrated, holistic way, has made him an invaluable member of our team.
In January 2026, James will begin a degree-level apprenticeship in Public Health with the University of East London. Worth £20,000 and funded through an NHS unspent levy, the apprenticeship is a big step forward. James thought that his window for further studying had passed, but volunteering and working in Community and Health has given him this further opportunity, which means a lot to him personally as well as professionally.
The skills and knowledge he will gain will directly strengthen his role—helping him take a more strategic approach to community health and wellbeing. For our charity, this apprenticeship is more than just professional development.
It means retaining and motivating a committed member of staff, supporting him to grow in a way that also benefits the communities we serve.