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Focus Awards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (England) (RQF)

£1,999 £1,199
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Awarding Body

Awarding Body: Focus Awards

Credits

Credits – 90

TQT

TQT – 1513

GLH

GLH – 613

Fast Track

Option to fast-track in 4-6 Months is available.

Duration

Recommended Course Duration – Up to 9-12 Months

Overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England) is designed for experienced care professionals who are working in, or progressing towards, leadership and management roles across adult or children’s care services. This course provides the advanced knowledge, skills, and strategic insight required to lead high-quality care provision in a range of settings. Key areas of study include safeguarding, managing care practice and provision, developing systems for effective communication, professional development, team leadership, and partnership working.

The course explores key elements of leadership and management, including governance, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and person-centred approaches aligned with standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This diploma confirms competence in leading teams and managing care services, making it suitable for roles with significant responsibility. This qualification is ideal for those in — or aspiring to — roles such as Registered Manager, Service Manager, or Senior Team Leader. Recognised across the UK and internationally, this diploma is delivered primarily online, offering flexible learning to meet the needs of busy professionals.

Course Units

To achieve this qualification, you must complete a total of 90 credits. This includes 30 credits from 6 mandatory units and a minimum of 60 credits from one of the optional pathways in Management, Residential Services, or Advanced Practice. The details of mandatory units are as follows:

Unit 1-6: Core Leadership and Management Skills

Develop advanced skills in communication systems, professional development, and inclusive leadership to drive high-quality, person-centred care Gain expertise in health and safety, risk management, partnership working, and applied research to lead and improve care services effectively

Children and Young People's Residential Management

This pathway comprises of 11 units with 60 credits. The details of these units are as follows;

  • Gain expertise in child development, safeguarding, group living, and promoting well-being and resilience to lead high-impact practice in children’s services
  • Enhance leadership through operational planning, team management, professional supervision, and the use of assistive technology and advanced care planning
Children and Young People's Management

This pathway comprises of 11 units with 60 credits. The details of these units are as follows;

  • Understanding child and young person development while supporting practice that promotes positive outcomes, resilience, well-being, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals
  • Supporting leadership responsibilities including team management, professional supervision, and the facilitation of effective group practice in children and young people’s services
Children and Young People's Advanced Practice

This pathway comprises of 11 units with 60 credits. The details of these units are as follows; 

  • Advance your ability to lead on child development, safeguarding, well-being, spiritual support, and inclusive care practices across diverse settings
  • Develop strategic leadership through operational planning, effective team practice, assistive technology, healthcare access, and professional management in care services
Adults' Residential Management

This pathway comprises of 13 units with 60 credits. The details of these units are as follows;

  • Understanding adult care practices while supporting positive outcomes, safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children, and promoting inclusive, person-centred care
  • Supporting leadership in group living, team management, professional supervision, and effective group practice to ensure high-quality and dignified care delivery
Adults’ Management

This pathway comprises of 13 units with 60 credits. The details of these units are as follows;

  • Understanding the principles of person-centred care by supporting individual assessments, personalised care planning, and safeguarding practices in adult services
  • Supporting effective team leadership through professional supervision, group practice, and the development and evaluation of strategic operational plans
Adults’ Advanced Practice

This pathway comprises of 14 units with 60 credits. The details of these units are as follows; 

  • Understanding safeguarding responsibilities for vulnerable adults and children while supporting inclusive, person-centred care
  • Supporting leadership through strategic operational planning, ethical management of records and reports, and the promotion of spiritual well-being within adult care environments
Entry

Entry Requirements

The following are the entry requirements to enrol in this qualification:

  • You must be 18 years old and above.
  • You must possess a Level 3 or 4 qualification in health and social care or a related field.
  • You must be working in a senior role within a health and social care or children and young people’s setting, or have access to a relevant work placement that allows for the demonstration of leadership skills.
  • You must have a good standard of literacy and numeracy skills
Completion

Average Completion Timeframe

The expected completion time for this course ranges from 39 week to 43 weeks, depending on the individual pace of the learner and level of commitment.

Practical

Practical Requirements

  • This qualification is work-based and requires you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge in a real health and social care or children and young people’s setting.
  • You must be employed in or have access to a relevant care setting where they can take on leadership and management responsibilities.
  • You must undertake practical assessments, observations, and reflective practice as part of the evidence-gathering process for the qualification.
  • You must work closely with staff, service users, and external partners to demonstrate competence in areas such as safeguarding, team leadership, person-centred planning, and service improvement.

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment for the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England) is assessed through a portfolio of evidence built around real work activities. Learners are required to demonstrate their competence through a variety of assessment methods, including direct observation by a qualified assessor in the workplace, professional discussions to explore knowledge and decision-making, and written assignments or reflective accounts. Evidence may also include work products such as care plans, reports, and policies that the learner has developed or contributed to, as well as witness testimonies from colleagues or supervisors. All evidence must meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The complete portfolio is internally assessed by qualified assessors and externally verified by the awarding body.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services, you can progress to higher-level qualifications such as Level 6 diplomas or degree programmes in health and social care, management, or related fields. This qualification also enhances career opportunities by preparing learners for senior leadership roles, including registered manager positions, deputy management, or specialist leadership within adult or children’s care services. Additionally, learners may choose to pursue professional development in areas such as safeguarding, advanced care planning, or quality assurance, further broadening their expertise and influence in the sector. This qualification marks a significant step toward advanced professional status and opens doors to further academic and career development in the social care sector.
Getting a certificate in the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services, will enable you to progress to the following options:

Full Payment
Monthly Instalment

Fast Track

£1,320
  • Recommended Duration
    Up to 12 Months
  • Maximum Duration Allowed
    18 Months
  • Re-registration after Maximum Duration
    £70
  • Tutor Support
    Unlimited – Priority
  • Fast Track Assessment Decision and Feedback
    Within 1-2 Working Days*
    *Average time taken for assessment feedback is 1.5 working days
  • Suitable for
    Fast track completion, fast tutor support, prompt assessor feedback
  • Not suitable if
    You are not able to devote extra time on the course because of work or personal commitments, as fast tracking is largely reliant on your own efforts.

Flexi

£1,440
  • Recommended Duration
    Up to 12 Months
  • Maximum Duration Allowed
    30 Months
  • Re-registration after Maximum Duration
    £35
  • Tutor Support
    Unlimited – Priority
  • Flexi Assessment Decision and Feedback
    Within 1-2 Working Days*
    *Average time taken for assessment feedback is 1.5 working days
  • Suitable for
    Professionals who do not want any pressure to complete the course in the recommended duration.
  • Not suitable if
    You are able to study regularly every week and are confident to complete within the recommended duration.

Fast Track

£1,517
  • £151.67 /Month
  • No. of instalments
    10
  • Recommended Duration Up to
    12 Months
  • Maximum Duration Allowed
    18 Months
  • Re-registration after Maximum Duration
    £70
  • Tutor Support
    Unlimited – Priority
  • Fast Track Assessment Decision and Feedback
    Within 1-2 Working Days*
    *Average time taken for assessment feedback is 1.5 working days
  • Suitable for
    Fast track completion, fast tutor support, prompt assessor feedback
  • Not suitable if
    You are not able to devote extra time on the course because of work or personal commitments, as fast tracking is largely reliant on your own efforts.

Flexi

£1,655
  • £137.89 /Month
  • No. of instalments
    12
  • Recommended Duration Up to
    12 Months
  • Maximum Duration Allowed
    30 Months
  • Re-registration after Maximum Duration
    £35
  • Tutor Support
    Unlimited – Priority
  • Flexi Assessment Decision and Feedback
    Within 1-2 Working Days*
    *Average time taken for assessment feedback is 1.5 working days
  • Suitable for
    Professionals who do not want any pressure to complete the course in the recommended duration.
  • Not suitable if
    You are able to study regularly every week and are confident to complete the course within the recommended duration.

All prices include course fees, awarding body dues, Ofqual-approved certification and postage of certificate. The final certification you get is the same, regardless of your route. There are no strict deadlines for submitting individual coursework, allowing you room and flexibility to pace your studies; the only deadline is the overall course duration based on the option you selected above.

Why choose BSHC?

Industry-Recognised Qualifications

Regulated qualifications in Health & Social Care and Mental Health to ensure professional recognition

Affordable Learning

Budget-friendly payment plans that enable learners of all backgrounds to invest in their future seamlessly

Learn Anytime, Anywhere

Interactive course content and tutor support through 24/7 access to our user-friendly Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Frequently Asked Questions

This qualification is ideal for experienced professionals in health and social care settings who are working in, or aspiring to, leadership and management roles such as registered managers, deputy managers, team leaders, or senior support workers.

Learners should be aged 18 or over and already working in a relevant care setting. It is recommended (though not mandatory) that learners hold a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience in the sector.

The course is delivered primarily online through a flexible learning platform, allowing learners to study at their own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.

Yes, learners must be working or volunteering in a real work environment to meet the practical assessment criteria.

Learners typically complete the course within 12 to 18 months, depending on their pace of study and work commitments.

The course is typically delivered online, allowing flexible study around your work commitments. You’ll be supported by a tutor and assessor throughout.

Yes, it is regulated by Ofqual and part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

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