Register as a new manager

Page last updated: 1 July 2025

The role of a registered manager

You need to register as a manager if you are in charge of the day-to-day running of regulated activities at a location.

As a registered manager, you play a key role in health and social care services. Your leadership helps make sure people get quality care that meets their needs.

You share legal responsibility with your provider to meet the requirements of regulations.
We will often use you as the key contact for a service.
 

Who needs to register as a manager

You must register as a manager  if you are managing regulated activities for either:

  • an organisation or partnership
  • an individual provider who is not responsible for the day-to-day running of the regulated activity

More than one person can be appointed to manage a regulated activity at the same location For example, where there is a job-share arrangement.
 

What you need to demonstrate

When you apply, you need to show that you:

  • comply with relevant regulations
  • are fit to be registered as a manager
  • have the right qualifications for your service type
  • understand care laws and rules
  • know how to meet CQC’s requirements
  • can meet the specific needs of your service users


Applicants must have proven management experience and be able to demonstrate this. Recent experience managing a relevant regulated service is highly desirable. They must also provide evidence of their ability to manage the needs of all service user groups and age ranges included in the provider application.

For some services you will also need to show that you can handle complaints, mental capacity assessments, safeguarding issues, and medication errors.
 

Experience you need

Your application should show:

  • relevant experience in management
  • experience working with the type of service users you'll support
  • recent experience in a regulated service (this helps your application)
  • experience managing home care (if applying for a home care manager role)

Other requirements

You must also:

  • be of good character
  • provide your full work history and explain any gaps
  • have a current Enhanced DBS check countersigned by CQC
  • be physically and mentally able to do your job (with reasonable adjustments if needed)

Before you apply

To register, you will need:

  • contact details for your GP and last employer
  • a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate issued in the past 12 months
  • a copy of of your qualifications and training. For example, if you want to manage a home care service, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management or an equivalent qualification would strengthen your application. If you work in another type of care service, you may need qualifications that match your specific area.

You could be fined up to £2,500 if you provide false or misleading information.


How to apply

The form you need to complete depends on your situation.

If your employer is:

  • registering as a new provider, and employing you as a registered manager
  • an existing provider that's continuing to run an existing service, and employing you as a registered manager for that service
  • an existing provider that's starting to run a new service, and employing you to manage this new service

You must apply using our new registered manager application form.

If your employer is:

  • a new provider that is taking over a location you manage, and continuing to employ you as a registered manager in your existing role

You must apply using our continue under a new provider: manager application form.

If you need help to complete your application contact our general enquiries team.
 

How long it takes

We assess all applications in the order we receive them.

Once we receive your application, we will:

  • review it and ask for more information if needed
  • contact you to arrange an interview
  • let you know our decision by email

Our registration assessment is thorough and can take a few months. You cannot manage regulated activities until we confirm your registration.
 

Further help

For more information about legal requirements, read Regulation 7: Requirements relating to registered managers.

For more support, see the Skills for Care recommendations for CQC providers.

You may be eligible for training support through the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme.