Does an individual enroling for the LMCS have to be in paid employment?

[maind]

Wondering if anyone out there knows if a person enroling for the LMCS must be in paid employment?  I have a very good colleague who has been offered a part time voluntary job in a management position within a care home - the trade off is that she will update and refresh her existing management skills and the employer has accessed funding for her to do her LMCS which she is really keen to do.  The funding was agreed but at the last minute, her line manager (who has a reputation for bullying) has told my colleague that she isn't in paid employment and therefore cannot do the qualification.  None of the funding paperwork stated that voluntary workers couldn't do the qualification so I'm pretty sure funding criteria is not an issue and the awarding body websites do not make it clear - under LMCS, they just state the candidate must be working/employed in a management role although under levels 2 and 3 (and for HSC4), they make it clear the candidate can be a voluntary worker.
Any help would be most appreciated!

[Aunty Sue]

Hi maind,

See here:

http://www.arcuk.org.uk/silo/files/1083.pdf

She doesn't need to be in paid employment she just needs to be in a position where she can consistently demonstrate competence and the application of knowledge. 

Hope that helps

Aunty Sue

[maind]

You're a gem - many thanks for that Aunty Sue - I will let my colleague know!!