As of the 1st of April 2011 this qualification has been replaced by the QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People Services

Who is it for?
This leadership and management of care services (LMC) qualification focuses on the task of managing a care service and is the correct choice for managers and deputy managers within care settings. This includes services for older people, people with learning disabilities, people with mental health problems and domiciliary care.

Course content
To achieve the Leadership and Management of Care Services (LMC) Award, candidates must complete eights units, four mandatory and four optional.
The mandatory units are:

• Manage and develop yourself and your workforce within care services
• Lead and manage provision of care services that respects, protects and promotes the rights and responsibilities of people
• Develop and maintain systems, procedures and practice of care services to manage risks and comply with health and safety requirements
• Lead and manage effective communication that promotes positive outcomes for people within care services.
  If you have completed a Care NVQ Level 4 qualification since the standards were updated in February 2005, units HSC446 and HSC450 can be directly transferred into the optional units for the Leadesrship and Management of Care Services Award (LMC) providing you are currently still using these skills in your current work role.

Assessment
Assessment of the Leadership and Management of Care Services Award (LMC) takes place through evaluation of work-based performance, presenting evidence, witness testimony and questioning. A portfolio of evidence is produced which demonstrates that the candidate can perform to the level described. Participants will all have a vocationally competent assessor who will help assemble the portfolio and prepare for assessment. In addition, candidates will have access to email and telephone support throughout their programme together with resources as required.

Entry requirements
It is open to candidates at any age, of either gender and there are no entry barriers on the grounds of race, creed or previous academic attainment or learning. However, candidates must be employed in a workplace relevant to the occupational standards for Health and Social Care to enable them to complete the qualification successfully. It is essential that candidates are employed in a Management position to be able to successfully achieve this award.

How long will it take?
There are no fixed periods for completion, however depending on experience most participants complete within 12 months.

Progression
On completion of the Leadership and Management of Care Services qualification candidates are able to progress on to higher education programmes.