Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification consists of 120 credits, and has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, with a recommended minimum of 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is assignment based. Learners are assessed through written assignments designed to evaluate their knowledge, understanding and application of health and social care management principles. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance provided by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers to ensure compliance with OTHM quality standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all 6 mandatory units.

Core Study Units

1. Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care

• Understand the features of partnership working.
• Understand how to establish and maintain working relationships with others.
• Understand how to evaluate partnership working.
• Know how to work with others to support organisational innovation and growth.

2. Managing the Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Individuals

• Understand the legal framework, regulations, policies and procedures that support the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable individuals.
• Know about the management of a service which safeguards and protects vulnerable individuals.
• Understand the importance of partnership working to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Understand how to review procedures and practices that promote safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.

3. Health Education and Promoting Wellbeing

• Understand approaches to health education.
• Understand models of behaviour change.
• Be able to carry out a health education campaign.

4. Team Management in Health and Social Care

• Understand the characteristics of effective team work.
• Know how to support a positive culture within a team in a health and social care setting.
• Understand how to agree performance objectives with the team.
• Be able to manage team performance.
• Know about recruitment and selection processes in health and social care.

5. Professional Supervision Practice in Health and Social Care

• Understand professional supervision in health and social care settings.
• Know how to agree on the framework for a professional supervision process.
• Know how to provide professional supervision.
• Know how to reflect on own practice in professional supervision.

6. Research Methods in Health and Social Care

• Understand approaches to research in health and social care.
• Be able to plan a research project relevant to a health and social care setting.
• Be able to carry out a research project relevant to a health and social care setting.
• Be able to make informed recommendations.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is designed for learners who want to develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional competence required for managerial-level roles in the health and social care sector. The official specification states that it is suitable for career development or further study and focuses on partnership working, safeguarding, team management, professional supervision and research.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Aspiring health and social care managers preparing for management responsibilities.
• Existing health and social care professionals seeking to progress into supervisory or management roles.
• Team leaders and supervisors who want to strengthen their leadership and people-management capabilities.
• Care-sector professionals involved in safeguarding, partnership working and service improvement.
• Learners seeking further academic progression, including progression to the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management and, subject to university requirements, advanced entry to the final year of a relevant UK bachelor's degree.

The qualification is typically aimed at learners aged 18 and above, with entry profiles including a relevant Level 4 qualification, equivalent qualifications, or relevant management experience for mature learners.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management prepares learners for management and supervisory roles across the health and social care sector. The qualification develops practical expertise in partnership working, safeguarding, team management, professional supervision, health education, wellbeing, and research, enabling professionals to support effective, safe and person-centred services. It is relevant to settings such as residential care, domiciliary care, community services, healthcare organisations, social care providers, and other health and social care environments.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management supports career development into management, supervisory and coordination roles across the health and social care sector. The qualification develops relevant expertise in safeguarding, partnership working, team management, professional supervision, health education, wellbeing and research, supporting progression in care homes, domiciliary care, community services, healthcare organisations and social care providers.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant higher-level qualifications, including the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management and, subject to the receiving institution’s requirements, further undergraduate or postgraduate study. The qualification also supports continuing professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning.

Professionally, the diploma can support progression into roles such as Health and Social Care Manager, Care Manager, Care Team Leader, Care Coordinator, Social Care Supervisor, Safeguarding Coordinator and Quality Improvement Coordinator. The knowledge and management skills developed can help learners contribute to effective service delivery, safeguarding, staff performance, person-centred care and continuous improvement.