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Level 5 Diploma in Adult Care
Course Overview
The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is perfectly designed for experienced care professionals working in a supervisory, senior or management role within the care sector.
It also provides the essential knowledge and skills required to progress into a registered manager position, helping you meet the qualifications needed for CQC registration. By completing this course, you’ll be better equipped to maintain high standards of care and remain fully compliant with CQC regulations.
Course Duration
12 - 18 months (flexible to fit your schedule)
Study Mode
100% online with tutor-led support
Qualification Type
RQF/NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Adult Care
Awarding Body
Includes
QCS Learner’s access for compliance support
Recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and delivered by a Skills for Care Endorsed Provider, this nationally recognised qualification is ideal for deputy managers, team leaders, care coordinators, or aspiring registered managers, it prepares learners to lead services that are person-centred, compliant, and aligned with CQC standards.
Delivered by Access Skills, a trusted provider and official training partner of the National Care Association, this course combines flexible online study with structured workplace-based learning. From day one, you’ll apply your knowledge directly to your current role, ensuring that your learning is not only relevant but transformative.
You’ll be supported throughout by expert tutors with real-world management experience, helping you navigate the responsibilities of leadership while balancing your existing professional commitments.
There are no exams, your progress is measured through analytical and knowledge-based assignments, evaluative and critical reflective tasks and the use of theoretical frameworks in workplace application.
- Strategic planning and service development
- CQC compliance and quality assurance
- Supervision, performance management, and team development
- Safeguarding, governance, and risk control
- Leading with confidence and vision in complex care environments
Enrol on the Level 5 Adult Care Diploma Today
Got a question or need guidance? Share a few details and we’ll help you explore the best options for your team or career.
There are no exams. Your progress is measured through practical assessments, professional discussions, and real-life application, meaning you’ll learn by doing, with feedback from experienced tutors who understand your role.
Whether you’re already managing a care team or preparing to step into a leadership role, this diploma gives you the knowledge, skills, and support to lead with clarity and purpose.
Curious about what this course could mean for your career in care leadership?
With Access Skills, you don’t just gain a qualification—you gain the expertise to lead with real impact.
Course Content
This course consists of 14 structured units. Each unit is designed to provide learners with the leadership, communication, and management skills required for senior adult care roles.
Level 5 Diploma in Adult Care – Learning Units
Lead with confidence and vision to improve care services.
You will:
- Explore leadership theories and management styles
- Understand organisational structures and strategic context
- Drive positive change in your care setting
Ensure respectful, secure, and service-user-focused communication.
You will:
- Communicate clearly and empathetically with individuals and teams
- Manage sensitive information securely and in line with legislation
- Respond to complaints effectively and professionally
Work collaboratively to enhance care outcomes.
You will:
- Build effective relationships across agencies and professionals
- Share information to improve support
- Promote multi-agency working to benefit individuals
Balance purpose with planning to lead successful care services.
You will:
- Manage budgets and allocate resources effectively
- Develop and implement a strategic vision
- Set goals and lead teams towards achieving organisational aims
Keep individuals safe by applying safeguarding and capacity legislation.
You will:
- Identify, report, and respond to safeguarding concerns
- Understand your legal duties in relation to consent and decision-making
- Apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act
Promote wellbeing and values-based care for every individual.
You will:
- Deliver care that promotes physical and emotional wellbeing
- Ensure care is person-centred, inclusive, and respectful
- Uphold principles of equality, dignity, and diversity
Support and guide staff performance to improve care quality.
You will:
- Carry out effective supervisions and appraisals
- Identify training needs and promote CPD
- Manage staff performance fairly and constructively
Develop others through structured learning support.
You will:
- Apply coaching models such as GROW
- Use mentoring to support new or developing staff
- Promote reflective practice and confidence
Grow as a leader while maintaining your own wellbeing.
You will:
- Plan and review your CPD
- Reflect on your leadership journey
- Maintain work-life balance and personal resilience
Promote a culture of safety for staff and service users.
You will:
- Understand and follow key health and safety legislation
- Conduct risk assessments and respond to incidents
- Support a safe working environment in all care settings
Drive development and improvement through learning and change
You will:
- Support learning across your team
- Plan for workforce development
- Apply change management models and lead transitions
Embed high standards through quality assurance and innovation.
You will:
- Use tools and frameworks to monitor quality
- Evaluate services based on outcomes
- Drive continual improvement across care delivery
Make personalisation the foundation of high-quality care.
You will:
- Plan care in partnership with individuals
- Embed co-production and shared decision-making
- Lead with empathy and respect for individual needs
Create a culture that values and protects every individual.
You will:
- Promote inclusive leadership and anti-discriminatory practice
- Understand diversity within teams and care environments
- Uphold and advocate for human rights in care
Study & Delivery Method For Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care / What's Provided During The Course?
Instantly access all your unit briefs and course resources from anywhere, at any time.
Your learning journey is fully supported with one-to-one tutor-led learning delivered remotely, regular assessment support tailored to your needs, ongoing access to expert tutors and assessors during weekday office hours, and additional help available through our social media channels.
Submit your work smoothly with built-in tools for Harvard referencing, tutor feedback, and document uploads.
Join live or recorded webinars and workshops for deeper insights, and connect via our social media channels for extra tips and learning support from tutors and fellow learners.
Entry Requirements For Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care
- Open to individuals aged 18 or over
- Currently working in a suitable leadership role within a care environment
- Hold a Level 3 qualification or equivalent
Assessment & Accreditation For Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care
Your development will be assessed through a combination of;
- Analytical and knowledge-based assignments
- Evaluative and critical reflective tasks
- Practice-based evidence, logs, and improvement plans
- Use of theoretical frameworks (e.g. Kotter, Lewin) in workplace application
- Course task activities tailored to your specific job role
- Workplace observation assessments — giving you the chance to show your skills in action
Accreditation
Nationally recognised qualification awarded by Pearson. Endorsed by Skills for Care and aligned with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.
Fees & Funding
We offer flexible payment options to help make your learning journey seamless.
- Up to £1,565 via the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)
- Flexible payment plans available
For group enrolment discounts, contact us at:
Career Progression With Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care
You may choose to advance into further study with recognised qualifications such as:
CMI Level 5 - Operational Management
This course is designed for practicing or aspiring mid-level managers, such as operations managers, divisional managers, regional manager, specialist manager, and departmental managers.
Course Length
Self – Paced
CMI Level 7 - Strategic Leadership
This course is designed for practising or aspiring managers in role such as; Senior Manager, Regional Manager, CEO’s and directors. Role and responsibilities may also include but are not limited to taking responsibility for people, projects, operations and/or services to deliver organisational success.
Course Length
Self -Paced
Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care FAQs
Yes. A level 3 qualification is recommended.
14 Units
Yes. LDSS funding (£1,565) available. Contact us for eligibility details.
Typically 12–18 months depending on your pace and work commitments.
Yes. The course is designed to work around your job.
12000+
Learners
20%
Above National Average
90%
Employers Recommend
96%
Increased Skills
6000+
Registered Managers Enrolled
We’ve supported over 12,000 learners across the UK and are proud to be Matrix-accredited. Learners consistently rate us 4.8/5 for our tutor support, flexible study options, and expert guidance.
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Learner Testimonials About Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care
This course gave me the confidence to lead my team and handle inspections with ease.
Having tutor support throughout made all the difference. Highly recommended for any care leader
I loved how practical and flexible it was—I applied what I learned in real time.
The Level 5 Diploma gave me the confidence to lead my team effectively. The tutors were supportive, and the course was perfectly tailored to my role
“I’ve recently completed my QCF Level 5 in Leadership and Management in Adult Care with Access Skills, and I can honestly say it’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey.
The course content was thorough and relevant to real-life practice, giving me the tools I needed to grow both professionally and personally. It was hard work – especially balancing studies with running a care business – but absolutely worth the effort.
I want to give special thanks to Dawn, who was absolutely fantastic throughout. Her guidance, encouragement, and expert knowledge made a real difference and helped keep me on track during the tougher parts of the course. She genuinely cared and went the extra mile, which I’ll always be grateful for.
If you’re thinking about doing your Level 5, I highly recommend Access Skills. Be prepared to put in the work – but know that the support is there, and the outcome is well worth it.”
These are just a few of our learners’ journeys we’ve been a part of.
Enrol Today In Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care
Ready to take the next step in your care career? Contact us to discuss your options and start your journey into leadership.
Referrals For Level 5 Diploma In Adult Care
Know a colleague or friend ready to step into leadership? Refer them to Access Skills and support their professional growth.
Email info@accessskills.co.uk to learn about our referral programme.
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