The iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (England) is a recognised qualification for professionals working in management roles within adult care. It is designed for registered managers, managers, deputy managers, and assistant managers who want to progress in their careers or gain a Level 5 vocational qualification. Learners must be in a leadership role where they can apply their skills in practice. This course is suitable for those working in residential care for older people or working-age adults, domiciliary care, day services, respite services, and community-based services across England.

This qualification develops strong leadership and management skills needed to run safe, effective, and high-quality adult care services. It covers key areas such as safeguarding, decision-making, governance and regulatory requirements, service improvement, person-centred care, workforce development, and leading teams. The diploma includes both mandatory and optional units, allowing learners to tailor the course to their job role and career goals. The qualification consists of 95 credits, all at Level 5, with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 950 hours and 755 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), providing in-depth learning alongside practical workplace experience. This qualification is to be endorsed by Skills for Care, the Sector Skills Council for Adult Social Care in England, and is based on their qualification criteria. 

During the course, learners build advanced knowledge and practical skills to manage complex situations in adult care settings. They learn how to analyse and evaluate information, use research to inform decisions, solve problems effectively, and review their own performance and results. This qualification prepares managers to lead with confidence, improve care services, support and develop staff, and deliver high-quality, person-centred care within their organisation.

Funding and Importance for Employers

The iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (England) is fully funded under the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme, making it an affordable option for employers to invest in their managers’ development. By equipping leaders with advanced leadership and management skills, this qualification ensures that services remain compliant with the latest adult care standards, improving the quality of care provided and minimising risks associated with non-compliance.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Enrol today to begin your journey in adult social care leadership and start learning instantly.

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of the iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (England), learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of leadership and management in adult care, including confident decision-making and leading the overall vision and direction of a service.
• Lead outcome-based, person-centred practice that improves the quality of care and support for individuals accessing services.
• Manage their own professional development and personal well-being while promoting a positive leadership culture within their organisation.
• Drive continuous improvement within adult care services using evaluation, reflection, and evidence-informed approaches.
• Lead effective partnership working and apply integrated and market-led approaches to meet the needs of the local community.
• Ensure compliance with governance and regulatory processes, maintaining high standards in line with current adult care requirements.
• Lead and manage health and safety systems to create safe environments for individuals, staff, and visitors.
• Safeguard individuals by implementing robust safeguarding systems, policies, and risk management practices, including positive risk-taking.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and human rights in all aspects of service delivery and team leadership.
• Lead team learning and professional development through effective supervision, performance management, and workforce development strategies.
• Manage resources effectively, including financial, physical, and human resources, to ensure sustainable and high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee communication and information management systems, and manage comments, concerns, and complaints professionally to improve service outcomes.