Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (RQF)
The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (QN 610/7215/1). Approved by Skills for Care and part of the Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship standard, covering leadership, governance, team management, safeguarding and continuous improvement for registered managers.
1500+
care learners trained
9-12 months
typical duration
No exams
portfolio assessed
4.9/5
Google rating
The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service (QN 610/7215/1). Approved by Skills for Care and part of the Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship standard, covering leadership, governance, team management, safeguarding and continuous improvement for registered managers.
Updated to the latest NCFE CACHE specification (April 2026)
Leadership and management theories and styles, and how to adapt them for adult care services
Legislation, statutory guidance, the inspection system and models of service delivery
Effective, evidence-based decision-making and evaluating the decisions made
Managing budgets, resources and business planning within an adult care service
Leading and motivating a team, and adapting leadership style to different situations
Identifying learning needs and developing the skills and knowledge of a team
Conducting supervision, appraisals and performance management with team members
Leading safeguarding practice and responding to concerns within an adult care service
Applying the Mental Capacity Act and leading best-interest decision-making
Working with external agencies, commissioners and other professionals
Managing and responding to comments, complaints and feedback about the service
Developing and communicating a vision, mission and culture for the service
Driving quality improvement, action planning and service redesign
Leading effective communication across the service and with external stakeholders
Managing information systems, data protection and secure record-keeping
Leading person-centred practice, promoting independence, dignity and respect
Promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals accessing the service
Leading practice that promotes equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights
Health and safety legislation and responsibilities at a leadership level
Reflective practice and continuing professional development as a leader
Managing stress and pressure, and maintaining resilience in a leadership role
Choose optional units to reach at least 15 credits. Examples: healthcare and clinical skills, assistive technology, digital skills, leading trauma-informed practice, supporting neurodiversity, specialist areas of care
Examples: business development, coaching and mentoring, induction, managing finance and budgets, recruitment, selection and retention, research in adult care
Aged 19+. Typically working as deputy manager or manager in adult care — senior carers with enough hands-on leadership experience can also apply if they can evidence it. Recommended Level 3 or above in related area.
Internally assessed portfolio of evidence: observation of workplace practice, witness evidence, professional discussion, reflection, written assignments and case studies. Assessed in line with the Skills for Care and Development Assessment Principles and externally quality assured by NCFE. Graded achieved / not yet achieved.
Typical 2026 UK salary ranges — based on national job-board listings.
Registered Manager
£32,000 - £45,000
Deputy Manager (Care)
£28,000 - £36,000
Service Manager
£35,000 - £50,000
Average salary after qualifying: £38,000+. Source: composite of Indeed, Reed and Totaljobs listings, May 2026.
Choose your plan
September Early Bird These prices end 30 September 2026
All three are the same Ofqual-regulated diploma — the difference is how much tutor support, turnaround speed and flexibility you want. Pick your monthly term, then your plan.
Same total cost either way — 6 months just means a bigger payment, twice as fast.
Standard
Best if you're confident and just want the qualification
£50 deposit · 12 monthly payments · 0% interest
Tutor-Supported
Best if you want regular guidance along the way
£50 deposit · 12 monthly payments · 0% interest
Premium
Best if you want the fastest, most supported route
£50 deposit · 12 monthly payments · 0% interest
NCFE Learners who complete this diploma go on to average £38,000+ roles. The more support you have, the faster you're likely to finish and put it to work.
All prices include VAT. Finance: £50 deposit + 6 or 12 monthly payments at 0% APR, your choice — subject to credit check via our FCA-regulated finance partner. Assessment is portfolio-based — no exam fees.
9-12 months, depending on the time you're able to put in.
Yes — the Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service is the qualification CQC expects registered managers of adult care services to hold or be working towards.
Not necessarily — deputy managers and managers are the typical fit, but senior carers with enough hands-on experience can also enrol, as long as you can show evidence of leadership-level work for your portfolio. A Level 3 or above in a related area is recommended but not required.
The learning content is identical across all plans, leading to an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 Diploma that meets CQC's requirement — the difference between plans is tutor support, turnaround speed and bonus extras, not the qualification itself. Premium is awarded by NCFE.
You have a 14-day cooling-off period — full refund, no questions asked.
Often, yes — many care employers fund the Level 5 for their deputies and acting managers, frequently as part of a CQC improvement plan. We can invoice your employer directly.
4.9/5 Google Reviews "I am studying the NCFE Level 5 Adult Care Diploma in Leadership and Management. The course is well structured, practical, and relevant to real workplace leadership."
"I have started my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult Care. Tutor support is readily available through messages and calls to help with assignments."
"I have started the Leadership and Management for Adult Care course. My tutor has been very supportive — she explains things clearly and makes learning feel encouraging."
"My experience has been very good — the way she teaches makes everything easy to understand. I am doing Level 3 in Adult Care and I am confident with my new skills."
Book a free 15-min call with a care-courses adviser. They'll help you pick the right plan — even if that's the cheapest one.
Same call, no obligation.
