From Care Assistant to Registered Manager: One Nurse's Journey

Starting at the Bottom — and Proud of It

When Alicia started her first care job at 19, she was handing out meals and helping residents get dressed. Ten years later, she manages a 48-bed residential care home in Birmingham rated Outstanding by CQC.

We sat down with Alicia to understand the path she took, the qualifications that made the difference, and the advice she would give her younger self.

The Early Years

"I fell into care work honestly — I needed a job. But within six months I knew it was what I wanted to do. Seeing the difference you make to someone's day, it stays with you."

Alicia completed her Care Certificate in her first three months and moved on to a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care the following year, funded through the Adult Education Budget.

Taking the Management Route

After five years as a senior carer, Alicia was encouraged by her manager to consider a management pathway. She completed a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care over 18 months whilst working full time.

"The Level 5 was hard. I had a toddler at home and I was working shifts. But my employer was supportive and Skills for Care funded the whole thing through WDF."

Becoming a Registered Manager

Alicia registered with CQC as a manager in 2022. Her first inspection as RM came 18 months later.

"I was terrified. But we got Good across the board and then Outstanding at our next inspection. The key was building a team that genuinely cared and giving them the tools to do their jobs well."

Her Advice

• Do not wait to be asked. Tell your manager you want to progress.
• Every qualification you do opens a door. None of it is wasted.
• The Level 5 is a game changer. Do not put it off.
• Find a mentor, even informally. I would not be where I am without mine.