1. Who can qualify for PLDS?
2. Is it compulsory for the applicant to attend both Professional & Leadership training components?
3. Does the employer need to pay for the Professional Training and Leadership Training fees?
4. What are the obligations that the successful applicants needs to fulfil?
5. What is the penalty for not completing the bond?
6. Is the application open yearly?
7. Can the unsuccessful applicant appeal?
8. Can the applicant apply for both the Professional and Leadership Development Scheme and the Sabbatical Leave Scheme?
9. How will I know if my application is successful? When will I receive a reply?

For social worker newer to the field, it is encouraged that they attend both training starting with the Professional Training component, which focuses on the macro aspects of running a professional service, followed by the Leadership Training. For the more senior and experienced social workers (i.e. more than 7 years social work experience), on the employer’s recommendation, the senior social worker can apply to attend just the intermediate Leadership Training (L2) if the applicant already has the requisite professional training. The Selection Panel will make the final decision.

No, NCSS will arrange payment on the course fees directly with the Training Institutions.

The applicant will need to serve up to 2-year bond with their organisation, compromising of 1 year for Leadership Training and 1 year for Professional Training.

Recipient may need to assume duty as mentor to junior social workers in the social service sector, should the need arise, as stipulated by NCSS.

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The applicant will need to pay liquidated damages to NCSS. The computation will include a 10% compound interest on the unserved duration.

Yes, the scheme is open for application yearly.

No, the decision of the Selection Committee is final.

Applicant can only apply for one scheme at a time.
The applicant should also ensure that there is a minimum of a one year gap between the end of bond served for one scheme before applying for the next scheme.

1. Who can qualify for Sabbatical Leave Scheme?
2. Can one apply for the Paid Leave without seeking the Professional Advancement Sponsorship?
3. Can one just seek the Professional Advancement Sponsorship without applying for the Paid Leave?
4. What type of professional advancement activities does the sponsorship allow?
5. What is being covered under the professional advancement sponsorship?
6. How would the salary support and professional advancement sponsorship be provided?
7. What does the successful applicant need to fulfil on being awarded the scheme?
8. What is the penalty for not completing the bond?
9. Can the unsuccessful applicant appeal?
10. Can social worker apply for Sabbatical Leave more than once?
11. Does one have to be a member of Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW) for eligibility to the scheme?
12. Can the applicant apply for both the Professional and Leadership Development Scheme and the Sabbatical Leave Scheme?

To qualify for this scheme, the applicant must be a Social Worker who has served at least 5 years in the Social Service Sector and possess a recognised social work qualification acceptable by the Singapore Association of Social Workers.

Yes, you can apply just for the 10 weeks of paid leave. The salary support is capped at $15,000 per applicant. Any duration exceeding the 10-week period will be a private arrangement between the applicant and their employer.

No, Paid Leave is an essential component of the Sabbatical Leave Scheme.

The type of professional advancement activities include:

a.Part-time and full-time courses

b.Local and overseas research work

c.Study trip

d.Exchange programme

e.Workshops, seminars or conferences

f. Relevant Master’s programme (for example, Social Work, Counselling, Gerontology, and Business Administration)

g.Any other relevant professional advancement activity that is of a non-religious nature

The sponsorship is for a maximum of $30,000 per successful applicant. The support covers both the cost of professional advancement activity as well as expenditure related to the activity such as airfare, accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, etc. Applicant will be required to provide a cost-breakdown in the application form. Any cost beyond the maximum amount claimable under the scheme will be borne by applicant.

NCSS will reimburse the applicant’s employer for the salary support, up to a cap of $15,000 or the actual salary for the leave period, whichever is lower. For the professional advancement sponsorship, applicant will be reimbursed for the professional advancement sponsorship, subject to a cap of $30,000 or the actual expenditure whichever is lower. The amount to be reimbursed for the professional advancement sponsorship will be based on the approved amount by the Panel.

The applicant, upon return from the sabbatical leave, is also required to conduct a sharing session with his/her organisation, prior to submitting a report to both his/her employer and the Sabbatical Leave Scheme Secretariat. In addition, he/she will need to assume duty as mentor to junior social workers in the social service sector, should the need arise, as stipulated by NCSS.   

The applicant will need to pay liquidated damages to NCSS. The computation will include a 10% compounded interest on the unserved duration.

Each social worker is eligible for the Sabbatical Leave once every 5 years. Priority is given to those who have not been awarded the Sabbatical Leave previously.