Applying for Standard Learning Credits (SLC) to Attend a Conference
Main Takeaway:
Military personnel can use Standard Learning Credits to fund attendance at conferences (and similar educational events) if certain criteria are met. SLC policy recently changed—formal qualifications are not required, and a wide range of learning activities (including conferences, workshops, and seminars) are now supported, so long as they are in the interests of the Services and follow the established approval process.
What are Standard Learning Credits (SLC)?
Annual Funding: Up to £175 per financial year (1 April–31 March), covering 80% of eligible course/conference fees.
Personal Contribution: Minimum 20% of the event/course cost, paid upfront (no roll-over if unused for the year).
Eligibility: Open to all Regular and Reserve Armed Forces personnel from their first year of service, and during resettlement.
Application Process for Conferences
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Arrange Interview with Education Staff
Contact your local Education/Learning Centre to discuss your conference and its relevance.
Get advice on eligibility. Registration with Education Staff is required before proceeding.
2. Complete MOD Form 1950
Carefully fill out the details of your intended conference (course title, provider, dates, cost, and justification explaining how attending benefits your professional development or the Service).
3. Approval by Line Manager and Education Staff
Get your Line Manager to review and sign the form.
Submit the form to your Education Centre for authorisation by Education Staff.
4. Submit the Form & Await Approval
Do not pay or book the conference until you have full authorisation.
SLC claims must be pre-approved—retrospective claims will be refused.
5. Commit to the Conference
Once approval is received, pay fees upfront (keep all receipts and evidence of payment).
6. Claim Your Refund
After attending, present your certificate, conference participation evidence, and proof of payment to your Education Centre.
If the event is under 12 months, the refund is processed after completion; for longer events, it's processed at the end of each study year.
The refund (up to 80% of the fee, capped at £175 per year) will be paid to your wages.
Criteria for Conferences to Qualify for SLC Funding
Interests of the Service: The conference must have substantial developmental value related to your role or professional development. For resettlement, the scope is broader.
Benefit to the Service: For most applicants, attendance should directly benefit your effectiveness in your military duties, unless it is part of planned resettlement.
Developmental Value: The activity should contribute materially to your personal or career development—even if not resulting in a formal qualification.
Prior Authorisation is Required: Claims cannot be made after the fact.
No Double-Funding: SLC cannot be used for elements of a course/event funded by Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) at the same time.
Examples of Eligible Activities (as clarified in recent policy):
Conferences, seminars, or workshops related to professional skills, leadership, technical development, or personal growth relevant to the Service.
Training events or courses that enhance knowledge, e.g., medical, engineering, health and safety, or management, even if these do not produce a qualification.
Events needed for supporting individuals with Specific Learning Differences.
Exclusions:
Purely sport/adventure training, battlefield tours, civilian-accredited Service training, or awards such as the City & Guilds Professional Recognition Awards.
Membership of professional bodies and institutes.
Events that are standard Service training or funded by ELC for the same course.
Special Notes on Policy Changes
2020DIN07-118 Change: Conferences and courses no longer require nationally recognised qualifications to be eligible for SLC, so professional conferences are generally allowed as long as they further your Service-related personal development.
Training Materials & Online Events: SLC can now cover required course materials and attendance at online events (including one-off payments for access).
References and Governance
JSP 822 Volume 9, MOD Form 1950, and local Single Service Education Centre procedures govern SLC usage.
Always consult current policy documents or your local Education Centre for the latest guidance and requirements.
Summary:
Military personnel should arrange a pre-course interview, secure approval on MOD Form 1950, and provide a clear case for the conference’s value to the Service. Thanks to recent policy changes, conferences are explicitly supported as eligible SLC activities, provided they are relevant and appropriately authorised. Always check with Education Staff and follow official forms and processes for the smoothest funding experience.