Overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, awarded by ICQ, is a recognised qualification for experienced professionals in adult social care who hold, or are moving into, senior leadership and managerial roles. This qualification equips learners with the strategic knowledge and practical skills required to lead services, manage teams effectively, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver outstanding, person-centred care across various settings.

 

Who is this for?

Learners:​

• Registered or aspiring care managers

• Deputy managers and service managers

• Senior team leaders or coordinators with strategic responsibilities

• Experienced care professionals progressing from Level 3/4 qualifications

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Employers:

• Care home providers

• Domiciliary care agencies

• NHS support service employers

• Local authorities and charities offering adult social care

 

Course Content

The Level 5 Diploma provides comprehensive training in strategic leadership, governance, and service excellence, including:

• Leading and managing person-centred, outcome-focused care

• Governance, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance

• Strategic planning and business development in care services

• Managing risk, safeguarding, and health and safety responsibilities

• Performance and change management

• Developing and leading workforce capability

• Building partnerships and multi-agency collaboration

• Leading continuous improvement and reflective leadership

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​Duration

• Typically 12 to 24 months

• Flexible delivery: online, or blended formats

• Designed to accommodate full-time and part-time work commitments

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Eligibility

• Employment: Learners must be employed in a relevant adult social care setting at the time of undertaking and completing the qualification.

• Role: Suitable for those in regulated roles or working toward registration as a manager.

• Prior Learning: Completion of a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in adult care or equivalent experience is recommended.

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Funding

The Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS), launched by the Department of Health and Social Care, provides funding to help the non-regulated adult social care workforce complete training courses and qualifications. 

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Key Details:

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• Reimbursement Amount: Employers can claim up to £1,565 per qualification for courses paid for between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

• Reimbursement Schedule: Employers can claim 60% of the funding once their employee begins the qualification, with the final 40% released upon submission of evidence confirming course completion.

• Eligibility: Staff must have a valid National Insurance number and be directly employed in a care role.

• Claim Process: Employers must have an up-to-date Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) account and complete an expression of interest form to access the online claims service.

 

For detailed guidance on the LDSS, including eligibility criteria and the claims process, visit the Learning and Development Support Scheme for the adult social care workforce: a guide for employers.

 

Entry Requirements

• Typically has completed the Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care

• Learners should be aged 19+

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills recommended

• Employed in a suitable senior role with leadership or management duties

 

Progression Opportunities

After completing this qualification, learners may progress to:

• Registered Manager status with CQC

• Higher education in health and social care leadership

• Specialist leadership roles in mental health, complex care, or commissioning

• Strategic roles within integrated health and social care services

 

Employer Benefits

• Demonstrates workforce capability and professional standards

• Supports CQC compliance and quality frameworks

• Enhances leadership capacity across care services

• Builds sustainable service models and workforce pipelines

• Improves staff motivation, retention, and career progression

• Enables access to government-funded support via LDSS

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