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Looking to step into leadership or strengthen your management role in adult care? The NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is a nationally recognised, work-based qualification designed for current and aspiring leaders in adult social care. It builds the practical leadership skills, sector knowledge, and professional competence needed to manage safe, high-quality, and person-centred care services.
This qualification is for learners who are working as leaders in Adult Care settings, usually as registered managers of adult social care services. It is primarily aimed at those who are new to this role, but it will also act as a consolidation for those who are already in the role.
Developed in line with Skills for Care guidance and informed by employer and sector expert consultation, the qualification reflects current industry standards. It is a minimum 90-credit programme with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 900 hours, including at least 625 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Learners complete 21 mandatory units (78 credits) alongside optional units (a minimum of 12 credits), allowing learning to be tailored to individual roles and responsibilities.
This diploma offers strong career progression and is directly aligned with the needs of the adult care sector in England. It is a mandatory gateway qualification for the Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship, making it essential for learners following this route. It also supports progression into higher-level or specialist roles, as mapped within the IfATE Occupational Map, and may contribute towards professional pathways such as Registered Nurse or District Nurse, depending on individual career goals and prior learning.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, you will be able to:
The NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is a minimum 90 credit qualification with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 900 hours, including at least 625 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
Learners must achieve all 78 credits from the 21 mandatory components and at least 12 credits from the optional units.
Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN):610/3512/9
| Unit Reference No | Unit Title | Credit Value | GLH | Level |
| Mandatory Units | ||||
| Theme 1: Leading & Managing in Adult Social Care. | ||||
| R/650/9220 | Leadership and Management | 3 | 20 | 5 |
| T/650/9221 | Governance and Regulatory Processes | 6 | 45 | 5 |
| Y/650/9231 | Decision Making | 2 | 15 | 5 |
| A/650/9232 | Business and Resource Management | 5 | 35 | Level 5 |
| Theme 2: Leading and Managing Teams. | ||||
| F/650/9234 | Team Leadership | 2 | 15 | 5 |
| H/650/9235 | Team Learning and Development | 2 | 15 | 5 |
| D/650/9233 | Supervising Others | 2 | 15 | 5 |
| Theme 3: Responsibilities. | ||||
| J/650/9236 | Safeguarding | 3 | 20 | 5 |
| K/650/9237 | Mental Capacity | 2 | 15 | 5 |
| L/650/9238 | Partnerships | 5 | 35 | 5 |
| M/650/9239 | Comments and Complaints | 2 | 15 | 5 |
| Theme 4: Improvement and Innovation. | ||||
| Y/650/9240 | Leading the Vision | 3 | 20 | 5 |
| A/650/9241 | Continuous Improvement | 5 | 35 | 5 |
| Theme 5: Communication. | ||||
| D/650/9242 | Effective Communication | 5 | 15 | 5 |
| F/650/9243 | Handling Information | 2 | 35 | 5 |
| Theme 6: Values and Behaviours | ||||
| H/650/9244 | Leading Person-Centred Practice | 7 | 50 | 5 |
| J/650/9245 | Health and Wellbeing | 4 | 30 | 5 |
| K/650/9246 | Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights | 4 | 30 | 5 |
| Theme 7: Health and Safety. | ||||
| L/650/9247 | Health and Safety | 5 | 35 | 5 |
| Theme 8: Professional Development. | ||||
| M/650/9248 | Continuous Development | 4 | 20 | 5 |
| R/650/9249 | Personal Wellbeing | 5 | 30 | 5 |
| Optional Units | ||||
| Theme 9: Leading and Managing Different Adult Social Care Service Models. (Only one unit from this theme may be undertaken.) |
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| T/650/9259 | Leading and Managing Domiciliary Services | 4 | 30 | 5 |
| Theme 10: Aspects of Support. | ||||
| J/650/9272 | Assistive Technology in Adult Care | 3 | 20 | 5 |
| H/650/9271 | Digital Skills in Adult Care | 3 | 20 | 5 |
| Theme 11: Aspects of Leadership and Management. | ||||
| D/650/9298 | Recruitment, Selection and Retention in Adult Care | 2 | 15 | 5 |
Note: Optional units have been selected based on sector demand and specialisation. Learners may choose alternative optional units using the link below, provided a minimum of 12 credits is achieved across the three Optional Groups, with a maximum of 4 credits from the Leading and Managing Different Adult Social Care Service Models group.
For the NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, learners must meet the following requirements:
These requirements ensure that learners are well prepared to succeed in the qualification and apply their leadership and management skills effectively within adult social care settings.
For further information, please click here and find out the clear guidelines.
*A learner not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information, visit Language Expectations.
The NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is for people working in adult social care who want to step into leadership, grow into management, or progress into senior roles. It is ideal for Registered Managers, Deputy Managers, Team Leaders, Senior Care Workers, and experienced care professionals ready to take on greater responsibility. This course also suits learners preparing for the Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship or anyone looking to build strong leadership skills, improve care quality, and meet regulatory standards while moving their career forward.
Progression Routes
Achievement of this qualification confirms the learner has gained the knowledge and skills required to:
The NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care includes units that are internally set and assessed, allowing learners to show both knowledge and practical skills in real workplace settings. Knowledge is assessed through written tasks, case studies, and reflective accounts, while skills are assessed through observations, professional discussions, and evidence of applied practice. This ensures learners meet the requirements of leadership roles in adult social care.
Inspire London College ensures learning is delivered at Level 5 standard and gives learners opportunities to produce meaningful, work-based evidence. All assessments are checked by the Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) team to make sure they are fair, inclusive, and fit for purpose. Assessors judge evidence based on its authenticity, relevance, and reliability, ensuring consistency and accuracy for all learners. The assessment process follows the NOCN Quality Assurance Manual, supporting high standards, reliable outcomes, and learner success while meeting all NOCN and sector requirements.
The NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is a fully accredited qualification regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). Ofqual regulation ensures that vocational qualifications meet national standards, maintain credibility, and deliver consistent, high-quality learning outcomes.
NOCN is an awarding body approved and regulated by Ofqual (Reference Number RN5194) and operates robust quality assurance processes to uphold these standards. The qualification holds the Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 610/3512/9, confirming its official recognition in England. Inspire London College offers this qualification through NOCN, ensuring it meets current health and social care standards. The programme supports learners in developing the leadership and management skills required for senior roles within adult care settings.
Upon successfully passing the qualification, the learner will receive an Ofqual-regulated certificate (soft copy/scanned version) issued by NOCN, which is included in the course price.
If you require a hard copy certificate, an additional fee of £25 will apply. This covers standard postal charges.
For faster delivery, you may choose to have your certificate and transcript sent via special courier (e.g., DHL). This service incurs an additional cost of £40, which applies primarily to international deliveries.
Note: It is not mandatory to select the courier service for delivery. We provide this special courier option for your convenience because standard posts take longer (3-4 weeks). For support, contact admissions@inspirelondoncollege.co.uk.
