The Role of a Registered Manager

Care and support work involves many roles to ensure that the people being supported can live as independently as possible and their well-being is prioritised. It often takes a team of people to provide care, especially in settings such as care and nursing homes. In this case, managers are needed to oversee and organise the environment. It’s also important to consider the wellbeing of the staff.

Let’s take a look at the specific role of a registered manager. We’ll explore what they do, including their main duties and responsibilities. Plus, find out what skills you need to become a registered manager and what the career path for this role looks like.

What Is a Registered Manager?

A registered manager takes responsibility for the level of care in an organisation. They are healthcare professionals who handle operational matters, the safeguarding of the people being cared for and the staff. The people being cared for and supported are at the centre of the role.

The aim of the role is to maintain a high standard of care while also ensuring that the operation runs efficiently. Registered managers can work in different social care settings. They’re often employed in structured care environments, such as care homes and supported living services. You can also find registered manager positions working with local authorities and other community settings. 

What Does a Registered Manager Do?

The registered manager role is varied as it involves overseeing all aspects of a care environment, such as a care home or service. Within a day, tasks and responsibilities can range from ensuring the safety of the people who live there, setting budgets, identifying development opportunities for staff, and making decisions about daily operations.

Since the position has a wide scope, it’s worth grouping the tasks in different areas to understand what you’ll do as a registered manager. The responsibilities include the following elements.

Providing High-Quality Care

The home or service and the people living there are priority number one for registered managers. Tasks involve overseeing the daily operations of the supported living accommodation or care home. That can include making key decisions about care programmes.

The role doesn’t typically involve direct provision of care. However, you could provide guidance to care workers and assistants when needed, supervise the team and support them by managing and implementing the systems and processes involved in their work. 

Resource Management

Since the running of the operation is also part of a registered manager’s responsibilities, budgeting and resources are part of the regular tasks. Organising and ordering supplies is the manager’s duty. You could need to order equipment, medical supplies and personal protective equipment.

Other financial tasks can include budgeting for staff salaries and covering unexpected costs of running the operation. These could involve organising and paying for maintenance and repairs.

Staff Management and Development

Recruiting and supervising staff are key parts of the role. It might involve overseeing the recruitment process from advertising and interviewing to hiring and onboarding new members of staff. Daily management will include delegating tasks and overseeing and evaluating performance.

Training and development of the team are also within a registered manager’s remit. It involves identifying areas for improvement. Managers will draft and implement strategies, connect staff with training opportunities and set targets for individuals and the team as a whole.

Health and Safety and Safeguarding

A specific area within overseeing the operation of a care home or other support environment is health and safety. It’s the responsibility of the manager to ensure best practices and the correct procedures are followed. They’ll take steps to reduce the chance of accidents and ensure that staff and the people supported follow guidelines.

Safeguarding is also a key element. The registered manager considers points of safety in order to maintain a service that meets legal and ethical requirements. They ensure all processes and actions contribute to and protect the safety, well-being and dignity of the people living there.

What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Registered Manager?

The registered manager role is an important one, as it takes on many of the responsibilities of the service. It’s also varied, which is why a range of different skills are required. There’s also a core qualification for social care managers. You can work toward the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care while you’re in a management role. 

Let’s take a look at the skills and experience that the position requires. 

• Numeracy and digital skills - since budgets, resource management and strategies are part of the role, you’ll need the ability to manage figures, spreadsheets and other computer programs to oversee operations.

• Leadership and interpersonal skills - You’ll need to demonstrate that you have the ability to make decisions, motivate others and interact with a range of stakeholders, including staff, service users and their relatives.

• Critical thinking - A lot can happen in a day in a care home or service, which means you’ll need to be able to think on your feet and come up with solutions that meet the needs of people living there and employees. You’ll need to handle short-term and long-term goals and consider different approaches when implementing strategies.

• Organisational skills - Time management and the ability to prioritise and delegate are crucial to the smooth running of the operation. You’ll need to balance several factors, including resources, staff capacity, occupancy, training needs and the budget.

• Knowledge and understanding of care environments - While management experience is useful, knowing the specific guidelines, tasks and challenges of a care environment is useful for the role.

How To Become a Registered Manager 

One of the most common routes to becoming a registered manager is to work your way up the care career ladder. Experience as a care assistant, support worker and supervisor can provide useful insights and develop the necessary skills for the role. Obtaining leadership qualifications, including following the Manager Induction Standards programme can help equip you for the role.

It’s also possible to transfer from another sector and bring your leadership and managerial skills with you. Experience of working in care is useful, but not always necessary, especially if you have transferable skills and are willing to develop and learn to adapt to the role. You’ll find the specific experience needs for each job in the advert or job description. 

Why Become a Registered Manager?

Registered managers are crucial parts of the care system. They ensure operations run smoothly, help staff members develop and play a pivotal role in meeting the needs of service users. It’s a rewarding role, where you have the ability to transform and improve the quality of life of many people. Crucially, it gives you room for progression in your career in care and support.

Find out more about the role of a Registered Manager and access support guidance on the Skills for Care website.