Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service is a nationally regulated qualification designed to support the development of managers and future registered managers of adult social care services.

The qualification develops the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to lead and manage adult care services effectively. It focuses on managing and improving care and support for individuals, supporting and developing the workforce, and establishing and driving the vision of a care service or organisation.

The qualification provides learners with opportunities to develop leadership and management skills, understand governance and regulatory requirements, promote person-centred care, manage resources, support staff development and drive continuous improvement.

Qualification details:

• Awarding organisation: NCFE.

• Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service.

• Ofqual qualification number: 610/7215/1.

• Qualification level: Level 5.

• Total credit value: 95 credits.

• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 805 hours.

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 950 hours.

• Minimum age: 19 years.

• Grading: Achieved/Not Yet Achieved.

Who is this Qualification For?

This qualification is designed primarily for individuals working in managerial roles within adult social care services who want to develop their professional knowledge, leadership abilities and management competence.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Registered Managers of residential and domiciliary adult care services.

• Deputy Managers and Assistant Managers seeking career progression.

• Adult Social Care Managers responsible for managing care services.

• Senior professionals with responsibility for leading and managing care teams.

• Managers responsible for improving care quality, governance and service delivery.

• Individuals seeking to develop the knowledge and skills required to manage adult social care services.

• Existing managers who have not yet achieved a vocational qualification at Level 5.

The qualification is intended for people who have responsibility for leading and managing an adult care service, rather than individuals undertaking only general care duties.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 19 years old.

Work Environment: Learners must be employed in a managerial role within an appropriate adult care setting so that they can demonstrate the required knowledge and practical competence.

Previous Qualifications: There are no specific mandatory prior qualifications or knowledge requirements. However, NCFE indicates that learners may find it helpful to have achieved a Level 3 qualification.

Literacy and Numeracy: Learners must be capable of meeting the literacy, numeracy and health and safety requirements associated with the qualification.

Registration: Registration is at the discretion of the approved training centre, which must ensure that learners are suitable and capable of completing the qualification.

Qualification Structure

To achieve the NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service, learners must complete a minimum of 95 credits.

The qualification consists of:

• 21 mandatory units worth 80 credits.

• A minimum of 15 credits from optional units.

All mandatory units must be completed, together with sufficient optional units to achieve the overall 95-credit requirement.

Mandatory Units (All Must Be Completed)

1. Leadership and Management in Adult Care

2. Governance and Regulatory Processes in Adult Care

3. Decision Making in Adult Care

4. Business and Resource Management in Adult Care

5. Team Leadership in Adult Care

6. Team Learning and Development in Adult Care

7. Supervising Others in Adult Care

8. Safeguarding in Adult Care

9. Mental Capacity in Adult Care

10. Partnerships in Adult Care

11. Comments and Complaints in Adult Care

12. Leading the Vision in Adult Care

13. Continuous Improvement in Adult Care

14. Effective Communication in Adult Care

15. Handling Information in Adult Care

16. Lead Person-Centred Practice in Adult Care

17. Health and Wellbeing in Adult Care

18. Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights in Adult Care

19. Health and Safety

20. Continuous Development in Adult Care

21. Personal Wellbeing in Adult Care

Optional Units

Learners must select optional units to meet the qualification’s minimum optional credit requirement. The selection should reflect their responsibilities, interests and the needs of their adult care service.

1. Advocacy in Adult Care

2. Assistive Technology in Adult Care

3. Digital Skills in Adult Care

4. Group Living in Adult Care

5. Healthcare and Clinical Skills in Adult Care

6. Understanding Mental Capacity in Adult Care

7. Specialist Areas of Care

8. Sexuality and Sexual Health in Adult Care

9. Transitions in Adult Care

10. Leading Trauma-Informed Practice

11. Supporting Neurodiversity in Adult Care

12. Business Development for Adult Care

13. Coaching and Mentoring in Adult Care

14. Induction in Adult Care

15. Manage Finance and Budgets in Adult Care

16. Recruitment, Selection and Retention in Adult Care

17. Research in Adult Care

Optional units allow learners to develop specialist knowledge in areas such as digital care, advocacy, trauma-informed practice, recruitment, workforce development, financial management and business development.

Assessment Methods

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service is assessed through an internally assessed portfolio of evidence, which is externally quality assured by NCFE.

Learners must demonstrate that they have achieved all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for their selected units.

The portfolio should contain suitable evidence demonstrating the learner’s knowledge, understanding and practical competence in managing an adult care service.

Examples of evidence that may be included are:

• Written assignments: Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of leadership, management, legislation and adult care practices.

• Reflective accounts: Explaining professional experiences, decisions, leadership approaches and improvements made within the workplace.

• Workplace observations: Demonstrating practical competence in managing staff, leading teams and overseeing care services.

• Professional discussions: Discussing leadership responsibilities, decision-making, safeguarding, governance and quality improvement.

• Workplace documentation: Including policies, procedures, management reports, care audits, action plans and supervision records.

• Witness testimonies: Supporting evidence of practical competence from appropriate workplace colleagues or professionals.

• Case studies: Demonstrating the application of knowledge to realistic adult social care situations.

The evidence must be relevant, authentic and sufficient to demonstrate achievement of the required learning outcomes.

The qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured. The assessment must follow the Skills for Care and Development Assessment Principles.

Progression and Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the qualification can support career development within the adult social care sector and progression into further or higher education.

Learners may progress into senior management positions or undertake further qualifications in health and social care leadership and management.

Possible progression opportunities include:

• Further or higher education in a related discipline.

• Higher-level leadership and management qualifications.

• Professional development in adult social care management.

• Further specialist training in adult care services.

Career Pathways

Upon successful completion, learners may progress into a range of adult social care management positions, depending on their experience, employer requirements and professional responsibilities.

Examples include:

1. Registered Care Manager: Responsible for the overall management, quality and delivery of a regulated adult care service.

2. Deputy Care Manager: Supports the registered manager in overseeing daily operations, staff performance and care standards.

3. Assistant Care Manager: Supports service management, staff supervision and effective service delivery.

4. Adult Social Care Manager: Leads and manages adult care services, ensuring individuals receive safe and effective support.

5. Care Broker: Helps coordinate appropriate care and support arrangements for individuals.

6. Case Manager: Coordinates care and support arrangements, working with individuals and relevant professionals.

These are examples of potential career opportunities; actual eligibility depends on the requirements of the role and relevant regulatory arrangements.

Salary Expectations

Successful completion of the NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service can support career progression into senior management positions within the UK adult social care sector.

Estimated annual salary ranges for relevant positions in the UK (2026) include:

• Deputy Care Manager: £30,000 – £42,000 per year.

• Registered Care Manager: £40,000 – £55,000 per year.

• Care Home Manager: £45,000 – £60,000 per year.

• Regional or Area Manager: £40,000 – £60,000 per year.

• Operations Manager (Care Services): £55,000 – £75,000 per year.

• Director of Care Services: £70,000 – £100,000+ per year.