Qualification Structure

The ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 350 hours and 300 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment is assignment-based only and is conducted on a Pass/Fail basis. Assignments are internally assessed and verified by centre staff, with external quality assurance provided by ProQual Verifiers to ensure assessment decisions meet the required quality and qualification standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully achieve a minimum of 37 credits.

Core Study Units

The qualification requires a minimum of 37 credits, including 22 credits from mandatory units and at least 15 credits from optional units.

Mandatory Units

• Facilitate change in health and social care or children and young peoples’ settings — 6 Credits
• Develop and evaluate operational plans for own area of responsibility — 6 Credits
• Lead the management of transitions — 4 Credits
• Understand professional management and leadership in health and social care or children and young peoples’ settings — 6 Credits

Optional Units

• Manage physical resources — 3 Credits
• Work in partnership in health and social care or children and young peoples’ settings — 4 Credits
• Promote professional development — 4 Credits
• Recruitment and selection within health and social care or children and young peoples’ settings — 3 Credits
• Understand how to manage a team — 3 Credits
• Manage induction processes for health and social care or children and young peoples’ settings — 3 Credits
• Manage finance in health and social care or children and young peoples’ settings — 4 Credits
• The structure, organisation and function of the human body — 12 Credits
• Communication skills for health and social care management — 15 Credits
• Empowering users of health and social care services — 15 Credits
• Equality and diversity in health and social care — 10 Credits
• Evaluate and develop own contribution to the service — 3 Credits
• Facilitate learning in groups — 3 Credits
• Health and safety in the health and social care workplace — 15 Credits
• Health and social care in context — 15 Credits
• Influences on health and social care organisations — 15 Credits
• Prepare clients through advice and guidance for the implementation of a course of action — 3 Credits
• Provide support for other practitioners — 5 Credits
• Reflective Practice — 1 Credit
• Understand partnership working — 1 Credit
• Understanding professional supervision practice — 3 Credits
• Undertake research for the service and its clients — 5 Credits
• Use person-centred practices to deliver personalisation in health and social care — 4 Credits
• Personal and professional development in health and social care — 15 Credits
• Communicating in health and social care organisations — 15 Credits
• Physiological Principles for health and social care — 15 Credits
• The sociological context of health and social care — 15 Credits
• Use and develop systems that promote communication — 3 Credits
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion — 4 Credits
• Lead and manage infection prevention and control within the work setting — 6 Credits
• Develop health and safety and risk management policies, procedures and practices in health and social care — 5 Credits
• Manage quality in health and social care or children and young peoples settings — 5 Credits
• Undertake a research project within services for health and social care or children and young people — 10 Credits
• Conduct and support others in the assessment of individuals health and well-being — 8 Credits
• Promote effective nutrition and fluid balance — 12 Credits
• Understand the principles and application of physiological measurements — 12 Credits
• Understand the principles, theories and concepts related to leading and developing a work team in a healthcare environment — 8 Credits
• Develop professional supervision practice in health and social care settings — 5 Credits
• Understand child and young persons development — 6 Credits
• Lifespan developments and healthcare needs — 10 Credits
• The principles and philosophy of healthcare — 12 Credits
• Appraise Staff Performance — 5 Credits
• Assess the individual in a health and social care setting — 6 Credits
• Principles of health and social care practice — 15 Credits
• Share knowledge and good practice — 3 Credits
• Understanding Dementia Care — 20 Credits
• Understanding specific needs in health and social care — 15 Credits
• Understanding Deaf culture — 4 Credits
• Support individuals with sensory loss with communication — 5 Credits
• Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities — 5 Credits
• Promote good practice in the support of individuals with autistic spectrum conditions — 7 Credits
• Promote access to healthcare for individuals with learning disability — 6 Credits
• Safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults — 5 Credits
• Safeguarding and protection of children and young people — 5 Credits

Who Is This Qualification For?

The ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is designed for professionals already working in, or progressing within, health and social care settings. It is particularly suitable for:

• Assistant Practitioners seeking advanced professional development
• Healthcare support professionals taking on greater responsibilities
• Social care practitioners developing advanced practice skills
• Senior care and support staff progressing towards leadership roles
• Team leaders and supervisors in health or social care services
• Professionals involved in person-centred care and support
• Staff responsible for service improvement and operational planning
• Professionals developing management and leadership capabilities
• Healthcare and social care staff involved in safeguarding and quality improvement
• Practitioners seeking structured progression within the health and social care sector

The qualification is specifically intended to develop capabilities relevant to enhanced roles, including person-centred practice, professional development, research, anatomy and physiology, advanced communication, management and leadership.

Career Opportunities

The ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills provides learners with the advanced knowledge and professional skills required to progress within the healthcare and social care sectors. As demand for high-quality, person-centred care and effective service management continues to grow, qualified professionals can pursue opportunities across hospitals, residential care, community services, supported living, and other health and social care environments.

Future Progression

Upon successful completion of the ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills, learners can progress to higher-level qualifications and advanced professional roles across the healthcare and social care sectors. The qualification provides a strong foundation for developing expertise in advanced care practice, leadership, safeguarding, service improvement, professional development, and person-centred support.

Learners may progress to higher-level healthcare and social care qualifications, undertake continuing professional development (CPD), or pursue specialist training in areas such as care leadership, safeguarding, dementia care, health and wellbeing, service management, and quality improvement.

The qualification can support progression into roles such as Senior Healthcare Support Worker, Senior Care Worker, Care Coordinator, Healthcare Team Leader, Social Care Team Leader, Assistant Care Manager, Care Quality Officer, and Health and Social Care Manager. These skills are valuable across hospitals, residential care, community services, supported living, and other health and social care environments.