Lead and manage infection prevention and control within the work setting
This topic covers leading infection prevention and control in adult care settings, including implementing policies, managing information, and reviewing practices. It focuses on leadership and risk management.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Highfield Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) is a comprehensive qualification designed for individuals who are currently working as managers or aspiring to become managers in adult care settings. This diploma covers essential leadership and management skills, including strategic planning, resource management, and quality assurance, all within the context of adult social care. It is regulated by Ofqual and aligns with the Care Act 2014 and the Health and Social Care Act 2008, ensuring that learners develop the competence to lead teams, manage services, and promote person-centred care.
This qualification is crucial for those aiming to take on senior roles such as Registered Manager, Service Manager, or Deputy Manager in residential care homes, domiciliary care services, or day centres. It equips learners with the knowledge to handle regulatory requirements from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), manage budgets, and lead workforce development. By completing this diploma, students demonstrate their ability to drive improvements in care quality, ensure compliance with legislation, and foster a culture of continuous learning within their teams.
Within the broader Health & Social Care curriculum, this diploma sits at Level 5, bridging operational management (Level 3) and strategic leadership (Level 7). It is a mandatory qualification for many managerial roles in adult care and is often required by employers to meet CQC registration criteria. The course typically includes units on leadership theories, governance, risk management, and partnership working, all of which are directly applicable to real-world care settings.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Person-centred care: Tailoring care plans to individual needs, preferences, and values, as mandated by the Care Act 2014.
- →Safeguarding: Protecting adults at risk from abuse or neglect, following the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and local safeguarding policies.
- →Regulatory compliance: Understanding CQC Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) and ensuring services meet the Fundamental Standards of quality and safety.
- →Leadership styles: Applying transformational, transactional, and situational leadership to motivate teams and manage change effectively.
- →Resource management: Budgeting, staffing, and allocating resources efficiently while maintaining care quality and financial sustainability.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Understand current infection prevention and control policies, procedures and practices., Be able to lead the implementation of policies and procedures for infection prevention and control., Be able to manage the exchange of information about infections., Be able to lead the practice of infection prevention and control., Be able to manage risk management in infection prevention and control., Be able to review the effectiveness of policies, procedures and practices for infection prevention and control.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Understands current infection prevention policies and procedures.
- Leads implementation of infection control measures.
- Manages exchange of information about infections.
- Leads practice of infection prevention and control.
- Manages risk and reviews effectiveness of policies.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Give examples of how you led a team.
- 💡Reference relevant legislation and guidelines.
- 💡Show how you monitor and improve practice.
- 💡Use real-world examples from your own practice or case studies to illustrate how you apply leadership theories. Examiners look for evidence of reflective practice and critical thinking.
- 💡When answering questions on regulatory compliance, explicitly reference specific CQC regulations or KLOEs (e.g., Regulation 9: Person-centred care) to demonstrate depth of knowledge.
- 💡For questions on managing teams, discuss how you handle conflict, promote equality and diversity, and support staff development through supervision and appraisals.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Not involving the team in implementation.
- Failing to update knowledge on latest guidance.
- Overlooking communication with stakeholders.
- Misconception: Leadership is the same as management. Correction: Leadership focuses on inspiring and guiding teams towards a vision, while management involves planning, organising, and controlling resources. Both are essential but distinct skills in adult care.
- Misconception: The CQC only inspects clinical care. Correction: CQC inspections also evaluate leadership, management, and the overall culture of the service, including staff training and well-being.
- Misconception: Person-centred care means giving service users whatever they want. Correction: It involves balancing individual preferences with professional judgement, risk assessments, and legal duties, such as the Mental Capacity Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for HIGHFIELD QUALIFICATIONS Lead and manage infection prevention and control within the work setting
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •A Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care (e.g., Diploma in Adult Care) or equivalent experience in a supervisory role.
- •Basic understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and CQC Fundamental Standards.
- •Experience working in an adult care setting, ideally in a team leader or deputy manager capacity.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Understand current infection prevention and control policies, procedures and practices., Be able to lead the implementation of policies and procedures for infection prevention and control., Be able to manage the exchange of information about infections., Be able to lead the practice of infection prevention and control., Be able to manage risk management in infection prevention and control., Be able to review the effectiveness of policies, procedures and practices for infection prevention and control.
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