Level 3

Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF/NVQ) (England)

Take the next step in your care career with recognised qualifications designed to develop your skills, build confidence, and support your progression from entry level through to leadership.

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Course snapshot

Minimum duration

6-12

Months

STUDY TYPE

Online

qualifIcation

Diploma

course details

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF / NVQ Equivalent) is designed for individuals working in adult care settings who are looking to develop their skills and take on more responsibility within their role.This qualification is suitable for roles such as Lead Adult Care Worker, Senior Care Assistant, Care Supervisor, Community Support Worker, or Lead Personal Assistant.Learners will be responsible for delivering person-centred, values-driven care, supporting individuals to maintain their independence, dignity, and wellbeing. While working under the guidance of a manager or supervisor, learners will also have a degree of autonomy and will be expected to demonstrate and promote best practice within their role.This qualification is typically completed by those working in settings such as:Residential or nursing homesDomiciliary careDay centresCommunity or healthcare environmentsThe course covers a wide range of core topics relevant to adult social care, including safeguarding, communication, health and safety, and person-centred care. Learners will also complete optional units to develop additional skills, such as leadership, specialist care practices, and digital skills.By completing this qualification, learners will build the confidence and competence to take on more senior responsibilities and progress within the care sector.

Career Progression

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF / NVQ Equivalent), learners will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take on more senior responsibilities within the care sector.

This qualification supports progression into roles such as:

  • Senior Care Assistant
  • Lead Adult Care Worker
  • Care Supervisor
  • Key Worker
  • Community Support Worker

It is also a recognised qualification that can support career progression into leadership and management roles within adult social care.

Learners may wish to continue their development by progressing onto higher-level qualifications, such as:

  • Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
  • Level 5 Leadership and Management in Adult Care

These pathways can lead to roles such as Deputy Manager or Registered Manager.

Entry Requirements

To register on to this qualification, learners are required to meet thefollowing entry requirement: 

• Be working as a manager(paid/voluntary) in a suitable role (as outlined above) within the residential childcare sector.

• This qualification is approved for delivery to learners aged 18+

It is advised that learners have a minimum of Level 2 in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.

Additionally, it is recommended that learners are able to demonstrate prior achievement of qualifications at a minimum of Level 3 in a related area. It is recommended that learners will have completed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Assessment Method

This qualification is assessed through completion of a portfolio of evidence which will be assessed and internally quality assured by the centre.

All submissions will be made via student platform (log in details obtain during on boarding).

· Portfolio of Evidence

· Coursework

· Practical Demonstration/Assignment

· You’ll be evaluated via a series of written questions to assess your comprehension.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria.

Study anytime, anywhere. You can download & submit assignments 100% online at your own pace with guidance available through booking system to meet your needs from our designated tutor support team.

structure requirements

To complete the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) (England), learners must complete the following:

• all units contained within the mandatory group totalling 39 credits

• a minimum of 19 credits from the optional group

Unit Breakdown

Unit 1: Communication in Care Settings

  • Use communication to build trust with individuals
  • Adapt your approach to meet diverse needs
  • Develop active listening and empathy in everyday care

Unit 2: Duty of Care

  • Recognise and respond to concerns or complaints
  • Act within your professional duty of care
  • Handle situations with accountability and integrity

Unit 3: Safeguarding and Protection

  • Identify different types of abuse
  • Follow reporting procedures with confidence
  • Apply safeguarding legislation in daily practice

Unit 4: Person-Centred Approaches

  • Provide care that reflects personal choices and preferences
  • Promote dignity, independence, and respect
  • Create and follow person-centred care plans
Unit 5: Health, Safety and Wellbeing
  • Carry out risk assessments confidently
  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Follow emergency procedures when needed

Unit 6: Equality and Inclusion

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 7: Personal Development

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 8: Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Promote emotional wellbeing in your care setting
  • Communicate supportively with those experiencing mental health challenges
  • Recognise and respond to changes in mental health

Unit 9: Nutrition and Hydration

  • Understand the principles of healthy eating
  • Follow hydration and nutrition plans
  • Support individuals with specific dietary needs

Unit 10: Infection Prevention and Control

  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Understand and apply infection control procedures
  • Contribute to a safer care environment

Unit 11: Supporting Complex Needs

  • Plan and coordinate complex, holistic support
  • Adapt care to meet varied and changing needs
  • Promote dignity and independence in complex care

Unit 12: Teamwork in Care

  • Communicate clearly within a team
  • Understand your role in achieving shared goals
  • Build trust and positive team dynamics

Unit 13: Mentoring and Buddying

  • Guide and mentor others as they settle into their roles
  • Develop coaching and feedback skills
  • Contribute to a positive learning culture

Unit 14: Pain and Discomfort Management

  • Recognise signs of pain and discomfort
  • Use assessment tools and non-clinical interventions
  • Provide compassionate, individualised support

Course Content

Unit 1: Communication in Care Settings

  • Use communication to build trust with individuals
  • Adapt your approach to meet diverse needs
  • Develop active listening and empathy in everyday care

Unit 2: Duty of Care

  • Recognise and respond to concerns or complaints
  • Act within your professional duty of care
  • Handle situations with accountability and integrity

Unit 3: Safeguarding and Protection

  • Identify different types of abuse
  • Follow reporting procedures with confidence
  • Apply safeguarding legislation in daily practice

Unit 4: Person-Centred Approaches

  • Provide care that reflects personal choices and preferences
  • Promote dignity, independence, and respect
  • Create and follow person-centred care plans
Unit 5: Health, Safety and Wellbeing
  • Carry out risk assessments confidently
  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Follow emergency procedures when needed

Unit 6: Equality and Inclusion

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 7: Personal Development

  • Challenge discrimination and promote fairness
  • Support people from diverse backgrounds
  • Understand the legal framework around inclusion

Unit 8: Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Promote emotional wellbeing in your care setting
  • Communicate supportively with those experiencing mental health challenges
  • Recognise and respond to changes in mental health

Unit 9: Nutrition and Hydration

  • Understand the principles of healthy eating
  • Follow hydration and nutrition plans
  • Support individuals with specific dietary needs

Unit 10: Infection Prevention and Control

  • Use PPE correctly and consistently
  • Understand and apply infection control procedures
  • Contribute to a safer care environment

Unit 11: Supporting Complex Needs

  • Plan and coordinate complex, holistic support
  • Adapt care to meet varied and changing needs
  • Promote dignity and independence in complex care

Unit 12: Teamwork in Care

  • Communicate clearly within a team
  • Understand your role in achieving shared goals
  • Build trust and positive team dynamics

Unit 13: Mentoring and Buddying

  • Guide and mentor others as they settle into their roles
  • Develop coaching and feedback skills
  • Contribute to a positive learning culture

Unit 14: Pain and Discomfort Management

  • Recognise signs of pain and discomfort
  • Use assessment tools and non-clinical interventions
  • Provide compassionate, individualised support

Fact Sheet

Qualification Specification

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