Qualification Overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is a nationally recognised qualification designed for senior professionals and managers in the adult care sector. It develops leadership and management skills required to effectively lead care services, ensure regulatory compliance and drive quality improvement. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and aligns with Skills for Care leadership and management standards, making it a CQC recognised qualification for Registered Managers.

Who is this Qualification For?

• Registered Managers of residential, domiciliary, or community care services
• Deputy or Assistant Managers looking to progress to senior roles
• Senior Care Professionals are responsible for leading teams and improving care services
• Individuals planning to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as a manager
• Those seeking a university pathway to Nursing, Social Work, or Health & Social Care degrees

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Age: 19+
• Work Environment: Learners must be working in a leadership or managerial role in adult care.
• Experience: Ideally, candidates should have a Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care or relevant management experience in health and social care.
• Skills: Strong literacy, numeracy, and IT skills are required to complete assessments.

Qualification Structure

To achieve the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, learners must complete 95 credits.

Mandatory Units (All Must Be Completed)

Optional Units (Choose to Make Up 90 Credits)

Learners must complete an additional 5 credits from the optional units below:

• Understanding the Impact of Acquired Brain Injury (5 Credits)
• Managing Quality and Compliance in Health and Social Care (5 Credits)
• Understanding Mental Health and Well-Being in Adult Care (6 Credits)
• Advanced Dementia Care and Leadership (6 Credits)
• Effective Recruitment and Workforce Development (5 Credits)
• Business and Resource Planning in Adult Care (5 Credits)

Optional units allow specialisation based on job roles and career aspirations.

Assessment Methods

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is assessed through a combination of:

• Workplace Observations – Assessors observe learners managing teams and services.
• Witness Testimonies – Feedback from colleagues, supervisors, or regulatory bodies.
• Reflective Accounts – Learner’s document experiences and leadership actions.
• Professional Discussions – Learners discuss key management topics with assessors.
• Portfolio of Evidence – A collection of assessments, reports, and policies.
• Written Assignments & Case Studies – Applying leadership theories to practice.

Learners must demonstrate practical leadership, problem-solving, and regulatory compliance skills.

Progression and Career Opportunities

Upon completion, learners can progress to:

• Level 7 Strategic Leadership & Management Qualifications
• University Degrees in Nursing, Social Work, or Healthcare Management

Career Pathways

• Registered Care Manager (CQC Registered) – Leading a care service.
• Deputy or Assistant Manager – Managing teams and regulatory compliance.
• Quality Assurance Manager – Overseeing care standards and audits.
• Training and Development Manager – Supporting workforce development.
• Operations Director (Care Services) – Strategic management of multiple services.

Salary Expectations:

• Deputy Manager: £30,000 – £40,000 per year
• Registered Care Manager: £40,000 – £55,000 per year
• Regional or Operations Manager: £60,000+ per year

Payment Options

• Fast Track 3-6 Months

(1) One-off payment = £1250

(2) Two equal instalments of £675

• Standard 6-12 Months

(1) One-off payment = £1440

(2) Four equal instalments of £360