What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of the qualification is to confirm the competence of the learner to enable them to work as a leader in adult care and to give employers confidence that the learner has acquired the required skills to work competently in this role.
Due to a major government reform of apprenticeships, the current system of ‘frameworks’ is being replaced by ‘standards’. The standards are two-page documents listing the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for the apprentice to be competent in their role.
These have to be assessed throughout and the result graded at the end of the apprenticeship by somebody independent. An apprenticeship programme must run for a minimum of 12 months and 20% of their training must be delivered off the job (within paid working time). This qualification can be delivered as part of the Leader in Adult Care standard but may be delivered as a standalone qualification outside an apprenticeship.
The qualification has been designed to meet the specification for the qualification which was developed by Skills for Care, working in partnership with employers, regulators and those who use services. The content is applicable both to Registered Managers and more widely to all those who manage adult care services.
This qualification will require learners to demonstrate in-depth understanding and effective practice in leadership and management for adult care services, including the following areas:
1. Leadership and management
2. Governance and regulatory processes
3. Communication
4. Relationships and partnership working
5. Person centred practice for positive outcomes
6. Professional development, supervision and performance management
7. Resources
8. Safeguarding, protection and risk
9. Manage self
10. Decision-making
11. Entrepreneurial skills and innovation.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The learner will complete a significant number of mandatory units which cover the standards for the apprenticeship at Level 5. Optional units can be selected tor reflect the learner's job role with different pathways for a Manager and an Advanced Practitioner to focus on the optional groups which support that specific job role.
Which sector does this qualification support?
The qualification is based on the new trailblazers standards which have been approved as containing the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding required to be employed as a manager within adult care.
Which job roles does this qualification support?
The content links with requirements for the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Leadership and Management in Care Services.
Progression & entry requirements
There are no formal entry conditions for this qualification and the relevant apprenticeship standard. However, individuals about to undertake this qualification must work in job roles which are appropriate for the qualification and which will allow them to gather the evidence necessary for achievement of the learning outcomes.
Learners must undertake the Disclosure and Barring Service process and provide the result.
The Care Certificate, which builds on the previous Common Induction Standards and National Minimum Training Standards, is a requirement for this standard.
For those staff who have completed the CIS prior to the launch of the Care Certificate, it is the employer’s responsibility to judge where the gaps are for staff to meet the additional standards in the Care Certificate.
Learners must have Level 2 Maths and English prior to commencing the qualification.
