What does a care home manager do? Role and registration

A care home manager runs the home day to day and, in England, must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as the registered manager. They lead staff, manage budgets, keep care safe and compliant, deal with families and professionals, and share legal responsibility for the service with the provider. Every care home should have one in post.

At a glance

• A registered manager must be of good character, physically and mentally able to do the job, and have the necessary qualifications, competence, skills and experience.
• The role shares legal responsibility with the provider, and running a service without a required registered manager is an offence unless there is a reasonable excuse.
• Most registered managers work towards or hold a Level 5 diploma in leadership and management for adult care.
• In Scotland the registered manager must hold a level 7 practitioner qualification. Wales uses a responsible individual alongside a manager.
• Ask to meet the manager before you choose a home and find out how long they have been there.

What does a care home manager do?

The manager is responsible for the quality and safety of everything the home does. Day to day, the role covers the following.

• Overseeing daily operations and the care that residents receive.
• Recruiting, training and supervising staff, and managing rotas.
• Monitoring care quality and business performance, and managing budgets and contracts.
• Keeping residents’ records secure and care plans up to date.
• Advising residents and families, handling complaints, and working with GPs, social workers and other professionals.
• Making sure the home meets CQC standards, including safeguarding and the Mental Capacity Act.

Government guidance on the care workforce says the registered manager’s primary focus is organisational management, statutory duties, leadership and external engagement with families and professionals. Deputy managers typically focus more on people management and day-to-day care delivery.

What is a registered manager, and why does it matter?

A registered manager is a named person approved by CQC to manage a regulated activity at a particular location. Organisations such as companies, charities and partnerships need a registered manager for every regulated activity they carry on. The manager should be in day-to-day charge and shares legal responsibility with the provider, and a provider that is required to have a registered manager and does not commits an offence unless it has a reasonable excuse.

It matters because a named, accountable person stands behind the home. If something goes wrong, CQC can look at both the provider and the registered manager. See also what a care home is and who works in a care home.

What does the law require of a registered manager?

Under Regulation 7 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, a person may not manage a regulated activity unless they are fit to do so. That means good character, the necessary qualifications, competence, skills and experience, the health to do the job after reasonable adjustments, and the ability to provide the information CQC requires.

CQC applicants must show a full work history, normally from age 16, with gaps over four weeks explained, and provide an enhanced DBS check countersigned by CQC. CQC may interview applicants, and they cannot manage a regulated activity until CQC confirms registration. The manager also works within the fundamental standards, including person-centred care, dignity and respect, safeguarding, complaints handling and good governance.

What qualifications and experience do managers have?

The core qualification is the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, which Skills for Care recommends completing before becoming a care manager where possible. The national careers service lists routes into the job through a university course, a Level 5 higher apprenticeship, working up from senior care worker or nurse, or applying directly with managerial experience in social care, healthcare or social work. Typical working hours are 37 to 45 a week, which can include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

How do the rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

How can you meet the manager and judge them?

Ask to speak with the manager on any visit. Good signs include a manager who knows residents by name, answers questions openly and welcomes families into discussions about care. Our guide to questions to ask when visiting a care home includes questions on staff turnover and leadership.

• Ask how long the current manager has been in post and how many managers the home has had recently.
• Ask how often the manager is on the floor and how families can reach them.
• Read the leadership findings in the latest inspection report; see how to read a CQC inspection report.
• Check the rating and what Requires improvement means if one applies.

Frequently asked questions

Does every care home have a registered manager?

In England, a care home run by a company, charity or partnership must have a registered manager for the regulated activity. If a post is vacant, the provider should explain how it is covered and when a new manager will be registered.

What is the difference between a registered manager and a deputy manager?

The registered manager is registered with CQC and carries legal accountability for running the service. Deputy managers support them and typically focus more on people management and day-to-day care delivery.

Who do I contact if the manager is not responding?

Follow the home’s complaints procedure, which should be in your contract or on request. If that fails, you can take it to the local authority or ombudsman, and you can share concerns with CQC. See our guide to complaining about a care home.

Can a care home manager also be a nurse?

Yes. Managers come from care, nursing and social work backgrounds, and the national careers service lists nursing among the routes in. The law requires fitness, competence and experience rather than one particular profession.

Where to get help next

Use how to choose a care home to compare leadership alongside other factors, read how to complain about a care home if you have concerns, and search homes through Find care.

Sources

• CQC: What is registration?
• CQC: Do I need to register a manager?
• CQC: Register as a new manager
• Legislation.gov.uk: Regulated Activities Regulations 2014, regulation 7
• GOV.UK: Care workforce pathway, registered manager role category
• National Careers Service: Care home manager

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 9 November 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.