what is a registered manager?

A registered manager is a care home manager registered with the CQC that ensures a facility is run according to legal standards. As a registered manager, you are legally accountable to the CQC, and you should run a care home according to the regulations. According to the Health and Social Care Act 2008, all care homes and regulated care services providers must have a registered manager. Your role in the organisation is to oversee the day-to-day management of care services and work towards the long-term vision of the service. You also ensure compliance across the company services, from delivering care to developing care plans and recruiting workers.

As a registered manager, you focus on the operational and clinical services while meeting the regulator's standards. You are also the key contact of the care home when the CQC needs to organise an inspection. If the home doesn't meet the quality standards of the regulator, you will be held responsible.

The CQC usually conducts interviews and registers care home managers based on their character and mental or physical capacity to become registered managers. While prior experience and qualifications boost your registration chances, you also need excellent leadership skills and a passion for the role.

Would working as a registered manager suit your passion and interest in helping people? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a registered manager role.

registered manager jobs
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average registered manager salary

According to ONS, a registered manager’s average salary ranges from £35,000 to £40,000 annually in private care homes. New and less experienced registered managers earn as low as £25,000 per year, while specialised and highly-experienced professionals take home a median salary of £60,000 annually.

If you work in the NHS, your salary depends on the band system, which classifies registered managers under Band 6 and 7 depending on the level of specialisation. A Band 6 salary starts at £32,306 per year for registered managers with less than two years of experience, while those with over five years of experience earn around £39,027 annually. Specialist roles attract a Band 7 salary, starting at £40,057 annually and increasing to £45,839 per year.

The compensation package often includes benefits like medical and life insurance, transport and house allowance. You will also enjoy overtime pay, annual bonuses and paid off-days.

how to increase your salary as a registered manager

You can boost your pay packet by developing your care skills and improving your qualifications. Look for courses that improve your skills to command a higher compensation package. You should also specialise and work in homes that cater to specific conditions. For instance, if you have a background in nursing, consider working in a home that caters for the terminally ill or disabled. Facilities with patients that need special care often pay more.

female registered manager
female registered manager
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types of registered managers

Registered managers can specialise in working in homes that address specific needs. Some types of registered managers include:

  • hospice registered manager: as a registered manager running a hospice, you develop a care plan for people with a terminal illness. Your job is to offer palliative care and prepare the family for the inevitable through counselling.
  • adult care registered manager: a registered manager ensures that an adult care centre provides a conducive environment for learning new skills and improving independence. You also facilitate social activities.
  • residential care registered manager: as a registered manager in a care home, you provide care to seniors and those with mental health problems. You organise social activities and help the residents with personal care.
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working as a registered manager

Working as a registered manager involves helping people with mobility problems or medical conditions. You ensure they have a conducive environment to promote recovery. Let's explore some of the duties and responsibilities of a registered manager.

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education and skills

A registered manager requires the following educational qualifications:

  • degree: you can pursue a degree course in relevant subjects like social care management or health. A degree in nursing or other medical courses is also relevant.
  • courses: if you don't have a degree pursue a Level 5 Diploma in leadership management in adult care. Pursuing the diploma increases your registration chances with the CQC. You can choose a course tailored to adult care or go into child and young adult care. 
  • work experience: when you have the necessary qualifications like NVQ Level 5, you can apply for registration to become a registered manager. The registration process involves interviews, assessment of your education and background checks.

registered manager skills and competencies

You need the following qualities to succeed as a registered manager:

  • empathy and compassion: many patients in care homes face isolation and loneliness. Compassion and empathy help you relate to their predicament and build strong relationships with them.
  • people skills: as a registered manager, you spend most of your day interacting with residents and talking to their families or care home workers. Hence, you need people skills to interact confidently with other people. You have to listen carefully and respond professionally to everyone.
  • leadership skills: a registered manager is a leader in charge of the activities in a care home. You need leadership skills to promote good relationships with the residents and staff.
  • time management: working in a care home is fast-paced since you have numerous activities to juggle. You need good time management and organisation skills to ensure the activities are completed efficiently.
meeting with manager
meeting with manager
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a registered manager

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