In health and social care, the role of a Registered Manager is well known. But what happens when one person is responsible for more than one service? That’s where the role of a Dual Registered Manager comes in. This is a senior leadership role. It involves being registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage two or more regulated services. These services might be the same type, such as two children’s homes, or different, such as a supported living service and a nursing home.
It’s a role that requires experience, structure, and a steady hand.
What Is a Dual Registered Manager?
The term refers to managing two separate CQC or Ofsted-registered homes under one personal registration. For example, SNG is hiring:
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A London-based Dual Registered Manager for two children’s homes, salary up to £95,000 a year plus bonuses
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A Colchester Home Manager overseeing both residential and nursing services in the same building, dual-registered with CQC, at £65,000 plus bonuses
The services may be on the same site or in different locations. What matters is that the manager has the skills, capacity, and systems in place to lead both services safely and effectively.
The CQC will only approve dual registration if the provider can show that the manager can meet the needs of both services without compromising quality. You can read more about the requirements in Regulation 7.
Responsibilities of a Dual Registered Manager
The responsibilities are broad and require a high level of organisation. They include:
1. Regulatory Compliance
You must ensure both services meet the CQC’s five key questions: Are they safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led? This involves regular audits, inspections, and quality checks.
2. Safeguarding
You are the Designated Safeguarding Lead for both services. This includes protecting children under the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and safeguarding adults under the Care Act 2014.
3. Staff Leadership
You lead two teams. Each may have different training needs, depending on the service. You are responsible for recruitment, supervision, and performance management.
4. Care Planning
You oversee care plans for all individuals in your services. These must be person-centred, regularly reviewed, and compliant with legislation.
5. Budget and Resources
You manage budgets, rotas, and staffing levels across both services. This includes ensuring safe staffing and making best use of available resources.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
You work with families, social workers, commissioners, and health professionals. Clear and timely communication is essential.
A View from the Role
We spoke with Sarah, a Dual Registered Manager in the South of England. She manages two children’s homes in Hampshire.
“The key is having strong deputies and clear systems. I visit both homes every week and stay in touch with the teams daily. It’s a big responsibility, but I enjoy the variety and the chance to lead two services that support young people in different ways.”
Skills and Qualities
To succeed in this role, you need:
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills
- A calm and confident approach
- A good understanding of the regulations for each service
- The ability to manage time and priorities
- Clear communication with staff, families, and professionals
You also need to be resilient. The role can be demanding, especially when managing safeguarding concerns or staffing pressures.
Qualifications and Experience
Most Dual Registered Managers have:
- Level 5 Leadership & Management (Children’s or Health & Social Care as relevant)
- At least two years’ experience as a Registered Manager
- Strong grasp of Ofsted or CQC standards
- Experience in budgeting, team leadership, and safeguarding
- For nursing homes: active NMC PIN preferred
Some may also hold qualifications in nursing, social work, or psychology, depending on the needs of the service.
Salary and Benefits
Salaries vary depending on the size and complexity of the services. As of 2025:
- Most roles offer between £45,000 and £60,000
- Larger or multi-site roles may offer £65,000 or more
- Some providers offer bonuses, private healthcare, or enhanced leave
These figures reflect the level of responsibility and the need for specialist knowledge.
Is This the Right Role for You?
If you are already a Registered Manager and looking for your next step, dual registration may be worth considering. It offers the chance to grow your leadership skills and broaden your impact.
Before applying, think carefully about your capacity. The CQC will expect you to show how you will manage both services without compromising quality. You will need to explain how you delegate, how you structure your time, and how you maintain oversight.
Further Reading
- CQC Guidance on Registered Managers
- Regulation 7: Requirements for Registered Managers
- Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
- Care Act 2014
- National Careers Service – Care Home Manager
We work with providers across the UK to find the right leaders for complex roles like this. We understand the pressures of dual registration and the qualities needed to succeed. If you are considering this path, we are here to support you.
