Level 5 Leader in Adult Care
Your Path to Leading Excellence in Adult Care
Lead with confidence and compassion — inspire teams, manage services, and deliver exceptional person-centred care across adult social care settings.
The Level 5 Leader in Adult Care qualification is designed for experienced professionals who are managing care services or leading care teams.
As a Leader in Adult Care, you’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining high standards across your service — ensuring care is safe, effective, responsive, and aligned to legislation and best practice. You’ll develop advanced leadership, governance, and operational management skills to lead by example and shape the culture of care.
You’ll learn how to:
Lead and manage care services in line with CQC and Skills for Care standards
Develop and implement systems for compliance, risk management, and quality assurance
Drive positive change and champion person-centred practice
Manage budgets, staffing, and service performance
Mentor and develop care teams to deliver outstanding care
Embed a culture of dignity, inclusion, and continuous improvement
Level:
5 Apprenticeship Standard
Typical Duration:
18–24 months
Assessment:
Observation, professional discussion & portfolio
Study Mode:
Work-based learning
Supervision:
Service, unit, or team management
Minimum Age:
16+
Who Is It For?
This qualification is ideal for:
Registered, deputy, or assistant managers in residential or community care
Senior practitioners or team leaders responsible for service delivery
Experienced care professionals preparing for registration with the CQC
Course Content
You’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to lead regulated adult care services effectively.
Core Learning Areas:
Leadership and Management in Adult Care
Statutory Frameworks, Codes of Practice, and Governance
Risk Management, Compliance, and Health & Safety
Person-Centred and Outcome-Based Practice
Change Management and Service Improvement
Communication, Confidentiality, and Data Protection
Safeguarding Adults and Children
Professional Development and Reflective Practice
How You’ll Be Assessed
Assessment combines work-based learning with reflective leadership practice.
Assessor observations of leadership and practice
Professional discussions and reflective accounts
Case studies and improvement projects
Portfolio of evidence mapped to the Apprenticeship Standard
End-point assessment (EPA) including observation and professional discussion
Progression & Careers
After qualifying, you can work as:
After qualifying, you can work as:
Registered Manager (Residential or Domiciliary Care)
Service Manager or Operations Manager
Care Home Director or Community Care Lead
Quality or Compliance Manager
Progression routes include:
Level 7 qualifications in Strategic Management or Health & Social Care Leadership
Degree-level study in Management or Health & Social Care
Entry Requirements
- Learners must be aged 16+
- Employed in a senior or management position within an adult care setting
- Enhanced DBS check required
- English and Maths at Level 2 (or achieved before completion)
- Completion of a Level 4 qualification in Adult Care (or equivalent experience) recommended
Why Choose Accacia Training?
- Delivered by qualified industry experts with leadership experience
- Flexible, work-based learning tailored to your organisation
- Practical leadership development rooted in real-world application
- Dedicated mentor support throughout your qualification
- Nationally recognised apprenticeship standard mapped to Skills for Care
Support Hub
Do I need to be in a management role?
Yes — you must be leading a team or service to apply your learning in practice.
Is this qualification recognised by the CQC?
Yes — it meets the requirements for Registered Manager positions.
How long does it take?
Usually 18–24 months, depending on your experience and study pace.
What kind of settings does this cover?
Residential care homes, domiciliary care, supported living, and community care services.
What can I progress onto after Level 5?
You can move into senior leadership roles or progress to Level 7 Strategic Management qualifications.
