NQual Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service, online from 6 months
Awarded by NQual and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 5: 90 credits, 21 mandatory units (75 credits) + minimum 15 optional credits (90 credits total), assessed through a portfolio of leadership evidence from adult care practice (including direct observation and professional discussion where required by the NQual specification). There are no written examinations. Delivered 100% online by LEAP Education.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 9 months
- Credits
- 90
- Level
- RQF Level 5
- Guided learning hours
- 720 hours
- Total qualification time
- 900 hours
- Assessment
- Portfolio and workplace evidence
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £190 / month
What this qualification is
The NQual Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service is awarded by NQual and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 5. The qualification totals 90 credits across 21 mandatory units (75 credits) + minimum 15 optional credits (90 credits total). Ofqual register reference 610/7106/7. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 9 months; accelerated completion in 6 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £950. Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence gathered in an appropriate adult social care leadership role, internally assessed and externally quality assured by NQual. Competence-based units may require workplace observation, witness testimony or professional discussion — not assignment-only study. LEAP delivers online learning and tutor support; you need a suitable registered or deputy manager role (or equivalent access) to collect evidence.
Deputy managers and aspiring registered managers in CQC-regulated adult care. Senior management roles in adult social care; further Level 6/7 management diplomas where eligible.
The regulatory landscape for adult social care is tightening globally, with international employers and local authorities demanding proof of strategic leadership rather than just operational experience. A Registered Manager role is no longer accessible through tenure alone; it requires a specific Level 5 credential that demonstrates you can navigate complex compliance frameworks and lead high-stakes safeguarding decisions. This qualification is the non-negotiable standard that separates frontline staff from executive leadership.
Upon completion, you can legally register as a Manager of Adult Social Services in the UK and command the authority to design person-centered care strategies that replace generic models. You will lead multi-agency safeguarding investigations, manage rigorous compliance audits, and direct staff development initiatives that directly reduce turnover. This credential allows you to negotiate with regulatory bodies as an equal, unlocking the salary progression and executive responsibility inherent in managing a registered care service.
You develop leadership skills for adult social care services — governance, quality, workforce and service improvement — demonstrated through an NQual portfolio of workplace evidence.
- Awarding organisation: NQual
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 5
- Credits: 90
- Units: 21 mandatory units (75 credits) + minimum 15 optional credits (90 credits total)
- Duration: 9 months (accelerated 6 months)
- Ofqual qualification no.: 610/7106/7
- Progression: Senior management roles in adult social care; further Level 6/7 management diplomas where eligible.
Per the NQual specification (610/7106/7): achieve all mandatory unit credits (75) and at least 15 credits from optional units with your centre — 90 credits in total. Optional units are chosen from the specification bank below; you do not take every optional unit listed.
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service
- Awarding organisation:
- NQual
- Qualification number (Ofqual):
- 610/7106/7
- Level:
- RQF Level 5
- Credits:
- 90
- Units:
- 21 mandatory units (75 credits) + minimum 15 optional credits (90 credits total)
- Guided learning hours:
- 720 hours
- Total qualification time:
- 900 hours
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 9 months
- Assessment:
- Portfolio and workplace evidence
- Fees from:
- £190 / month
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 4 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HNC, Level 4 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Progression:
- Senior management roles in adult social care; further Level 6/7 management diplomas where eligible.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Level 5 HSC Management (OTHM), health and social care qualifications.
Distance learning: This NQual Level 5 adult care service management diploma is delivered entirely online — you do not attend a UK campus. Tutors support you through the virtual learning environment.
Workplace evidence: Some units expect you to apply learning in an adult social care setting. Gather evidence with line-manager support; requirements are explained per unit in your study guide.
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
Adult care service management units
Qualification rules (NQual specification): 21 mandatory units (75 credits) + minimum 15 optional credits (90 credits total). Per the NQual specification (610/7106/7): achieve all mandatory unit credits (75) and at least 15 credits from optional units with your centre — 90 credits in total. Optional units are chosen from the specification bank below; you do not take every optional unit listed. 720 guided learning hours (GLH) 900 hours total qualification time (TQT). The mandatory section lists 21 units (76 credits)—all are required. The optional section lists 22 units (80 credits available); you and your centre choose enough optional units to meet the minimum optional credit rule above—not the full optional bank.
Leadership and Management (mandatory)
4 creditsGovernance and Regulatory Processes (mandatory)
3 creditsDecision Making (mandatory)
2 creditsBusiness and Resource Management (mandatory)
4 creditsTeam Leadership (mandatory)
4 creditsTeam Learning and Development (mandatory)
2 creditsSupervising Others (mandatory)
2 creditsSafeguarding (mandatory)
4 creditsMental Capacity (mandatory)
4 creditsPartnerships (mandatory)
4 creditsComments and Complaints (mandatory)
3 creditsLeading the Vision (mandatory)
3 creditsContinuous Improvement (mandatory)
4 creditsEffective Communication (mandatory)
4 creditsHandling Information (mandatory)
4 creditsLeading a Person-Centred Practice (mandatory)
5 creditsHealth and Well-being (mandatory)
4 creditsEquality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights (mandatory)
5 creditsHealth and Safety (mandatory)
5 creditsContinuous Professional Development (mandatory)
3 creditsPersonal Well-being (mandatory)
3 creditsLeading Compassionate and Person-Led End-of-Life Care Services (optional)
4 creditsLeading Independent Advocacy and Rights-Based Practice in Adult Care (optional)
4 creditsLeading Safe, Ethical and Person-Led Financial Support in Adult Care (optional)
2 creditsLeading Supervision, Appraisal and Reflective Practice (optional)
2 creditsMentoring and Developing Others in Adult Care (optional)
3 creditsEffective Induction and Workforce Integration in Adult Care (optional)
5 creditsLead Safe, Person-Led Transitions Across Care Services (optional)
3 creditsOrganisational Finance, Budgeting and Resource Stewardship in Adult Care (optional)
5 creditsFair, Lawful and Transparent Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures in Adult Care (optional)
4 creditsFair and Values-Based Recruitment & Selection in Adult Care (optional)
4 creditsPerformance Monitoring and Workforce Development in Adult Care (optional)
4 creditsManagement and Optimisation of Physical Resources in Adult Care Settings (optional)
3 creditsLeading Collaborative Care Management Planning for Individuals with Long-Term Conditions (optional)
4 creditsInfection Prevention and Control Systems in Adult Care Services (optional)
5 creditsDigital Skills, Technology Integration and Data-Safe Practice in Adult Care (optional)
2 creditsLeading Trauma-Informed Practice and Compassionate Care in Adult Services (optional)
4 creditsLeading Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice in Adult Care Services (optional)
4 creditsPositive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Rights-Based Behavioural Practice (optional)
4 creditsOrganisational Change and Transformational Improvement in Adult Care (optional)
2 creditsSustainability and Environmental Management in Adult Care (optional)
3 creditsManaging Complaints, Concerns and Whistleblowing in Adult Care (optional)
5 creditsLeading Strengths-Based and Outcomes-Focused Practice in Adult Care (optional)
4 creditsAssessment is through a portfolio of evidence gathered in an appropriate adult social care leadership role, internally assessed and externally quality assured by NQual. Competence-based units may require workplace observation, witness testimony or professional discussion — not assignment-only study. LEAP delivers online learning and tutor support; you need a suitable registered or deputy manager role (or equivalent access) to collect evidence.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
A Level 4 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HNC, Level 4 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with 2+ years of relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply. Your practical knowledge counts.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
Deputy managers and aspiring registered managers in CQC-regulated adult care.
Progression: Senior management roles in adult social care; further Level 6/7 management diplomas where eligible.
Fees, duration and instalments
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page9 monthsStandard | 6 monthsFast-track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £950 | £1,250 |
| Monthly | £190 × 5 | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) |
| Quarterly | £475 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £902.50 (save 5%) | £1,187.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply |
- Monthly£416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250)
- Pay in full£1,187.50 (save 5%)
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
This qualification is awarded by NQual, a UK awarding organisation. Qualifications are designed to meet the needs of learners and employers across professional and vocational sectors.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 5, 90 credits.
View on the Ofqual Register (No. 610/7106/7) →
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
NQual →
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your units.
Common questions
Is this qualification regulated by Ofqual?
Yes. This qualification is awarded by NQual at RQF Level 5 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Qualification number: 610/7106/7.
How many units do I need to complete?
The qualification totals 90 credits: 21 mandatory units (75 credits) + minimum 15 optional credits (90 credits total). Per the NQual specification (610/7106/7): achieve all mandatory unit credits (75) and at least 15 credits from optional units with your centre — 90 credits in total. Optional units are chosen from the specification bank below; you do not take every optional unit listed.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
How is this qualification assessed?
This is an occupational qualification, not exam-based. Evidence comes from your leadership practice in adult care services and may include observation, witness statements and reflective accounts as set out in the NQual specification (610/7106/7). Written tasks support the portfolio but do not replace required workplace evidence.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold a Level 4 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HNC, Level 4 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with 2+ years of relevant professional experience are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 9 months (Standard, £950); 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
What can I progress to?
Senior management roles in adult social care; further Level 6/7 management diplomas where eligible.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
Is the Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service available online?
Yes. LEAP delivers learning and tutor support online with no campus attendance. This is an occupational qualification: you also need a suitable adult care leadership role (or equivalent access) to gather portfolio and workplace evidence required by NQual.
How many credits is this adult care service management diploma?
The qualification totals 90 credits at RQF Level 5. Your offer letter and learning plan list the mandatory units you complete for the award.
Who awards this Level 5 adult care service qualification?
It is awarded by NQual (Ofqual register reference 610/7106/7). LEAP Education delivers the programme; NQual issues the certificate when you successfully complete all units.
Is workplace evidence required for this diploma?
Many learners combine study with work in adult social care. Where units require workplace application, you gather evidence from your role with manager support. LEAP tutors advise on acceptable evidence for each assignment.
Can this qualification support a care home manager or CQC-regulated role?
Employers in CQC-regulated adult social care often expect formal management qualifications for deputy and registered manager posts. Requirements vary by employer and role — this diploma supports leadership development but does not by itself guarantee registration.
How is the Level 5 adult care service diploma assessed?
Assessment is through a portfolio of leadership evidence from adult care practice, including workplace observation and professional discussion where the NQual specification requires it. Written tasks support the portfolio but do not replace required workplace evidence. There are no written examinations.
Can I pay fees in instalments?
Yes. Standard and fast-track durations are listed on this page with fee and instalment options where available. Plans are shown before you complete enrolment.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
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