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Averil, registered manager

Averil began her career as a solicitor but with a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives, she moved into adult social care.

Why Averil made the switch to a career in care

"Every day I come to work and know I made a real difference."

Averil wanted a job where she could make a difference to people's lives. A career in care enabled her to achieve this, with the work being as rewarding for her as it is for those she supports.

What is a registered manager?

As a registered manager, you’ll be responsible for the level of care your organisation and employees provide. With on-the-job training and support, you’ll have lots of opportunities to progress, giving you a lifelong career.

You could work in various social care settings, including:

  • Care homes.
  • Supported living flats.
  • In the community or in local authorities.

What does being a registered manager involve?

It completely depends on where you work and what level you’re working at, but your day-to-day might include:

  • Overseeing the running of a care service.
  • Managing staff so they can perform their roles safely and to the best of their ability.
  • Managing budgets and contracts.
  • Making strategic decisions about the future and growth of your care service.
  • Leading on specific projects or clinical areas, for example setting up a new care service.

What skills and qualifications will I need?

If you’ve started out in an entry-level care role, you can work your way up through the more senior and leadership roles, picking up lots of the skills and experience you need to apply for a manager position.

it’s also important that you have:

  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others and help them progress.
  • Good English, numeracy and digital skills.
  • The ability to think strategically.
  • Good project management and organisational skills.
  • Experience working in a social care or health role.

The core qualification for social care managers is the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. You can only do this qualification when you’re working in a management role.

Remember, this is a management role, so while you won’t be providing direct care, you’ll be supporting a team who are.

Is there training and room for progression?

Being a registered care manager isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to turn your care role into a lifelong career. Usually, to get a role at this level, you’ll already have some experience of working in care but sometimes it’s possible to transfer in from a different sector depending what skills you have.

If you’ve not done so already, we would recommend new care managers undertake the 'Lead to succeed' learning programme, Manager Induction Standards and Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. Allow up to 18-months for the completion of all three processes.

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