As a home care provider, you’ll know how important it is to meet the standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) around care? One of the key requirements is to have a Registered Manager (RM) who possesses the necessary qualifications and skills. In this article, we will explore the qualifications needed to become an RM and why they are essential for delivering high-quality home care services.
The CQC, which is the regulatory body for health and social care services in England, has outlined specific criteria for RMs in the home care sector. These criteria include having relevant professional qualifications, as well as practical experience in managing a care service.
By adhering to these qualifications, home care providers can demonstrate their commitment to meeting the CQC’s standards. An RM with the right qualifications and experience can ensure the delivery of safe and effective care, provide leadership, and support to their team.
To read more about the CQCs standards, read another one of our blogs here.
Overview of the CQC’s standards for registered managers in home care
The CQC has outlined specific criteria for RMs in the home care sector, which include both educational and practical requirements. These standards are designed to ensure that RMs have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively manage and oversee the delivery of home care services.
To become a registered manager in the home care sector, individuals must possess a specific set of qualifications that meet the CQC’s standards. The primary qualification required is the level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care, which is a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates the holder’s expertise in managing and leading a care service. You can find out more about the Diploma on the City and Guilds website.
This diploma covers a wide range of topics, including the principles of leadership and management, the management of resources and quality, and the provision of person-centered care. You’ll remember from another blog of ours that “person-centered” care is one of the things you’ll be rated on by the CQC when they audit you.
The Level 5 Diploma also requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting, such as through the implementation of care plans, the management of staff, and the monitoring of service quality.
In addition to the educational requirements, the CQC also expects registered managers to have practical experience in managing a care service. This could include previous roles as a care worker, team leader, or manager within the home care sector. The CQC recognizes that the practical application of knowledge and skills is crucial for effective leadership and decision-making in the home care environment.
Training and development opportunities for registered managers
Maintaining and enhancing the skills and knowledge of registered managers is crucial for ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality home care services. To this end, the CQC and other industry organisations offer a range of training and development opportunities for registered managers.
One of the most common forms of training is the provision of ongoing professional development courses and workshops. These may cover topics such as leadership and management, safeguarding, and the implementation of new policies and procedures. These training opportunities allow registered managers to stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments and best practices, ensuring that they are equipped to manage their home care services effectively.
In addition to formal training, registered managers may also benefit from mentorship and coaching programs, where they can receive guidance and support from more experienced professionals in the field. These programs can help registered managers to develop their leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making strategies, ultimately enhancing their ability to lead their teams and deliver high-quality care.
At Walfinch, we run monthly workshops for RMs, led by our Quality and Compliance Manager, so RMs can get together from all over the UK to share best practice and knowledge.
