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How to become a registered manager

March 18, 2024
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Personal development in domiciliary care takes many forms - but becoming a registered manager is one of the most popular ways to progress in your career. This article looks at how to take that next step, what qualifications you may need and what the main responsibilities of a registered manager are.

What is a registered manager?

A registered manager is a person responsible for the day-to-day running of a homecare or domiciliary care service. They are responsible for ensuring that the service meets all legal and regulatory requirements, and that it provides quality care for their care recipients.

The registered manager has to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in order to work in this role, and they must have relevant qualifications, experience and training to do the job properly. Registered managers are also responsible for managing staff and ensuring that they receive adequate training, support and supervision.

How to become a registered manager?

Becoming a registered manager can be a very important step in a domiciliary care career! It involves taking on a range of responsibilities, including financial management, staff management, and ensuring that the service provided meets all relevant regulations.

It is possible to become a registered manager through both formal qualifications and experience. Those who already have experience in the field may be able to gain the additional recognition by completing an accredited course or qualification, while those without as much experience may need to undertake further training before they can be eligible for registration.

To be successfully accredited as a registered manager, a care professional must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a homecare service safely and effectively. This includes having an understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and standards of practice. Additionally, they must be able to demonstrate that they have the capacity to manage resources effectively, recruit suitable staff and ensure quality of care is maintained at all times.

If you’re able to demonstrate this, as well as prove you have the right qualifications and experience, you’re on your way to becoming a successful registered manager.

What are the main responsibilities of a registered manager?

The main responsibilities of a registered manager in a domiciliary care business include, but are not limited to:

  • Enabling outstanding care delivery 
  • Day-to-day management of the care team, including rostering
  • Resource management, including medical supplies and PPE
  • Team development and training
  • Maintaining business compliance, including health and safety standards
  • Safeguarding and care recipient welfare

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Can you be a registered manager without qualifications?

Although real experience is undoubtedly the best education, in order to become a CQC registered manager, there is one core qualification the CQC prefer you to have for a successful application. This is the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult Care

This is a mandated course funded by Skillsforcare (the body associated with skills standards by the government) and it is what the CQC are ideally looking for each Registered Manager to have. This diploma is the equivalent of a 1 year masters course, and replaced the Registered Managers Award. 

There are variations of the Level 5 that are tailored and targeted to different sectors of care; for instance, domiciliary care and complex care.

The Benefits of Being a Registered Manager

Understanding how to become a registered manager opens up a rewarding career path with numerous benefits. Firstly, as a registered manager, you gain a sense of fulfillment from making a positive impact on the lives of those you care for. This role allows you to lead a team, ensuring high standards of care and improving the quality of life for individuals.

Another benefit is career advancement. Knowing how to become a registered manager equips you with the skills and qualifications needed for higher-level positions within the healthcare sector. This role often comes with increased responsibilities, which can lead to higher earning potential and greater job stability.

Additionally, being a registered manager provides opportunities for professional development. You can continue to expand your knowledge and skills through training and education, keeping you up-to-date with the latest best practices in care management.

Lastly, the role offers a high level of job satisfaction. Seeing your team thrive and the people you care for receiving excellent care is incredibly rewarding. By learning how to become a registered manager, you set yourself on a path to a fulfilling and impactful career in the healthcare industry.

Read also - How to ‘lead by example’ as a growing homecare provider

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