What is a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) and Why is Appointing One Mandatory?

For any business paying the 1% Skills Development Levy (SDL), the Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) is the most critical link between your company and your SETA.

Many businesses are unaware that appointing and registering an SDF is a mandatory requirement to claim any SETA grants. If you have not formally appointed an SDF, you cannot submit your WSP/ATR, and you will forfeit your 20% Mandatory Grant rebate.

What is the Role of an SDF?

The SDF is your company's official coordinator for all skills development activities. Their key responsibilities include:

1. Developing the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP): This is the strategic plan you submit to your SETA outlining all the training you plan to conduct for the upcoming year.

   
   

2. Compiling the Annual Training Report (ATR): This is the backward-looking report that details all the training you actually implemented in the previous year.

   
   

3. Submitting the WSP/ATR: The SDF is responsible for submitting these crucial documents to the SETA by the 30 April deadline.

   
   

4. Liaising with the SETA: The SDF acts as your primary point of contact, communicating all grant opportunities, deadlines, and requirements to you.

   
   

5. Advising on Strategy: A good SDF advises you on how to align your training plan with your B-BBEE objectives and the SETA's specific Sector Skills Plan to unlock Discretionary Grants.

   
   

Internal vs. External SDF

An SDF can be an internal employee, like an HR manager, or an external consultant. For most SMEs, appointing an external SDF is far more efficient. It ensures a dedicated expert, who deeply understands the complex SETA and B-BBEE landscape, is managing your compliance.

White Paper Systems acts as your registered, external SDF. We take this entire administrative burden off your shoulders, guaranteeing your compliance so you can focus on your business.

Don't risk your grants. Contact us to be your dedicated Skills Development Facilitator. www.whitepaperconcepts.co.za