As a professional in domiciliary care, your career path doesn’t have to be stagnant. One of the ways to advance your career is through personal development, and becoming a registered manager is a popular way to fast-track it.
Here is a quick look at the next steps you should take, the qualifications you may need and what you will be expected to do once you become a registered manager.
Who is a Registered Manager?
A registered manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the home care or domiciliary care service. They are responsible for ensuring that the service meets all the legal and regulatory requirements and that the home provides quality care for all its residents.
To become a registered manager, you have to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This registration will also allow you to work in this role, and you must have relevant qualifications, training and experience to take up the job.
As a registered manager, you will be responsible for managing staff and ensuring that they receive adequate training, support and supervision while working in the care home or domiciliary care service.
How to Become a Registered Manager
Now that you know what it entails to be a registered manager, you need to know the steps you should follow to become a registered manager. Once registered, you will take on a range of responsibilities that include financial management, staff management and ensuring that the services you provide meet all the relevant regulations.
You can become a registered manager through both formal qualifications and experience. If you already have experience in the field, you can gain additional recognition by completing an accredited course or qualification.
If you don’t have enough experience, you may need to undertake further training before you can be eligible for registration.
In order to be successfully accredited as a registered manager, you must demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a home care service professionally, safely and effectively. This includes having an understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, procedures, standards of practice and policies.
You must also demonstrate that you have the capacity to manage resources effectively, recruit suitable staff and ensure quality of care is maintained at all times.
If you can demonstrate this capacity and you have the right qualifications and experience, you can be successfully registered as a manager.
What Does a Registered Manager Do?
Once you’re successfully registered as a manager, your responsibilities will increase and will include the following:
- 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
- Safeguarding the welfare of the care recipients
- Ensuring the business is compliant at all times and meets the various health and safety standards
Can You Be a Registered Manager without Qualifications?
While actual field experience is the best form of education, to become a CQC-registered manager, you need several other qualifications. One of the most important is a 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. It is also what the CQC requires each aspiring registered manager to have.
The diploma is equivalent to a 1-year master’s course and took the place of the former Registered Managers Award.
There are variations to the Level 5 Diploma that are tailored and targeted to different sectors of care, such as complex care and domiciliary care.
Benefits of Being a Registered Manager
Besides the added responsibilities, are there any other benefits to being a registered manager? Yes, there are many benefits associated with being a registered manager.
First, there is a sense of fulfilment in successfully completing the arduous process and moving towards making a positive impact on the lives of the people under your care.
Your new role also means you will lead a team, ensuring high standards of care and improving the quality of life for individuals.
Another benefit is career advancement. When you become a registered manager, you get the skills and qualifications needed for higher-level positions within the health sector. This role often comes with increased responsibilities, which can lead to higher earning potential and greater job stability.
As a registered manager, you will also get opportunities for professional development. You can continue to increase your skills and knowledge through education and training, ensuring you’re updated with the latest and best practices in the care industry.
Having a job as a registered manager comes with a high level of job satisfaction. Seeing your team thrive and people you care for receiving excellent care can be highly rewarding. As a registered manager, you set yourself on a path to a fulfilling and impactful career in the health industry.
Closing Remarks
The care industry offers various career paths for professionals working in the industry. A registered manager is one of the highest achievements in the industry. The journey towards this registration provides you with the information, knowledge and skills required to ensure you can run a successful care home or domiciliary facility and prime your team for success.