Overview

As a Lead Adult Care Worker you will make a positive difference to someone’s life when they are faced with physical, practical, social, emotional or intellectual challenges. You will be expected to exercise judgement and take appropriate action to support individuals to maintain their independence, dignity and control. By providing leadership, guidance and direction at the frontline of care delivery you will be instrumental in improving the health and wellbeing of those receiving care and support.

Lead Adult Care Workers will in some circumstances have delegated responsibility for the standard of care provided and may supervise the work of other care workers. This exercising of autonomy and accountability means leading and supporting others to comply with expected standards and behaviours.

Lead Adult Care Workers may work in residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres or some clinical healthcare settings. As well as covering Lead Adult Care Workers this standard also covers Lead Personal Assistants who can work at this senior level but they may only work directly for one individual who needs support and/or care services, usually within their own home.

Download Apprentice PDF     Download Business PDF

  • Entry requirements
  • Level

    Level 3

  • Delivery/Study method

    A minimum of 30 hours on the job training at the work place per week including a day/block release to study theory at our Uxbridge/Hayes/Richmond or Harrow campus.

    Forms of study include:

    • Knowledge, skills and behaviours modules learning the fundamental knowledge, through a combination of online learning and practical classroom workshops
    • Level 2 English and Maths.

  • What will I learn?

    Lead Adult Care Workers must know and understand:

    • The job they have to do, their main tasks and responsibilities - this could include supporting with social activities, monitoring health, assisting with eating, mobility and personal care. Care workers will also create and develop a care plan based on the person’s preferences in the way they want to be supported as well as monitor, plan and review the care plan in response to changing physical, social, and emotional needs of individuals
    • The importance of having the right values and behaviours
    • The importance of communication 
    • How to support individuals to remain safe from harm (Safeguarding), including the national and local strategies for safeguarding and protection from abuse
    • How to champion health and wellbeing for the individuals they support and work colleagues
    • How to work professionally, including their own professional development of those they support and work colleagues
    • Product and service knowledge.

  • Duration and assessment

    Typically 18 months

    Assessment includes:

    • A work-based portfolio to demonstrate the skills you have learnt at work related projects
    • An end-point assessment. Apprentices without English and maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking the end point assessment.


    Apprentices must undertake the Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service process and provide the result prior to starting.

    The Care Certificate must be achieved as part of the Apprenticeship Standard.

  • Where next? Career/study opportunities

    This apprenticeship provides an ideal entry into the occupation and supports progression within the sector.

    Typical job titles include:

    • Lead Adult Care Worker
    • Lead Personal Assistant.