Level 5 Standards – This qualification is suitable for those people who are in a ‘managerial position’, and also for deputy managers and Senior Team Leaders who wish to progress in their career. It is suitable for those working in residential, day and domiciliary services. The qualification will assess development of knowledge, understanding and skills in leadership and management practices within the health and social care sector.

It is the required qualification for registration and regulatory requirements for the Health and Social Care sector in England.

The course is based on both competence and knowledge and is designed to be assessed in the learner’s workplace as they undertake their normal work role, using observations by a qualified assessor and/or testimony from an expert witness, work products.

The knowledge evidence involves carrying out research in order to confirm a thorough level of understanding of specific areas including relevant theories and legislation. It is important that learners are able to evaluate their knowledge and practice as well as keeping in regular contact with their assessor for guidance and support.

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England) (QCF) (4978) contains six pathways, the course consists of units which are nationally recognised and are based on the Health and Social Care National Occupational Standards (NOS). The NOS, assessment principles and qualification structure(s) are owned by Skills for Care and Development who are one of the Skills Councils for this Sector.