Digital leadership in adult social care
Highfield Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership in Adult Social Care
Develop the knowledge and confidence to lead digital change, make informed decisions about technology and data, and use digital solutions to improve the quality of care and outcomes for people.
Learning & Development Support Scheme funded LDSS
Funding is subject to employer eligibility, the qualification and current scheme requirements. Eligible adult social care employers in England may be able to claim reimbursement.
Check LDSS eligibility and funding guidance
Lead digital change with confidence
The Highfield Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership in Adult Social Care is designed for people in leadership and senior roles who want to understand how technology and data can support safe, effective and person-centred care.
Digital systems are changing the way care is planned, delivered and reviewed. This award helps learners consider the opportunities and risks, identify technology that meets the needs of the people they support, and lead their teams through change.
Why choose the Digital Leadership Award?
Build the understanding needed to make technology work for people, staff and services — not simply introduce new systems for their own sake.
Improve care and outcomes
Explore how digital tools and better use of information can support person-centred care, independence, safety and quality of life.
Lead digital transformation
Develop the knowledge to consider, plan and implement appropriate technology and support colleagues through change.
Build a confident workforce
Learn how to encourage staff to develop their digital skills and create a positive culture of learning and improvement.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is aimed at people working directly in, or supporting, adult social care at a senior level within their organisation.
Registered and service managers
Managers responsible for the day-to-day running, quality and development of adult social care services.
Deputy managers and team leaders
Leaders who support staff, coordinate service delivery and contribute to decisions about digital systems and practice.
Senior practitioners and wider sector roles
Experienced practitioners and professionals who can influence the use of technology and improvement in adult social care.
Learners should be able to study at Level 5 and have a good understanding of the adult social care sector. A Level 3 qualification or equivalent capability is a sensible starting point; suitability and any centre-specific entry requirements should be confirmed before enrolment.
Course content
The award covers three mandatory areas of learning. Together, they develop understanding of digital practice, implementation and leadership for improvement.
1. The use of technology and data in adult social care
Explore the role of technology and data in care services, including how digital approaches can improve practice and outcomes.
- Digital technology and its use in adult social care
- Benefits, limitations and potential risks
- Using information and data to inform decisions
- Privacy, confidentiality, security and safe digital practice
2. Implementing technology in adult social care
Consider how to identify appropriate technology and introduce it in a way that meets service needs and supports people receiving care.
- Identifying needs and opportunities for digital solutions
- Considering suitability, impact and implementation
- Supporting staff and stakeholders through change
- Embedding technology into everyday care practice
3. Leading change, learning and improvement in adult social care
Develop the knowledge to lead improvement, build workforce confidence and review the impact of digital change.
- Leading and managing change
- Developing staff digital skills and confidence
- Creating a culture of learning and improvement
- Reviewing impact and identifying further development
Flexible learning
Learning should be relevant to the learner’s role and the needs of their organisation. Discuss the available study and support arrangements with A1 Training before enrolment.
Flexible study
Plan your learning around your professional responsibilities and the demands of your service.
Work-related learning
Use examples, reflection and improvement activities linked to real issues and opportunities in adult social care.
Tutor support
Receive guidance on developing and presenting evidence to meet the qualification requirements. Confirm the support model with the training team.
Assessment
This is a knowledge-based qualification. Learners build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that they have met the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Evidence should relate to the adult social care working environment.
Portfolio of evidence
Evidence may include written responses, research, reflective accounts, professional discussion and work-related activities, as appropriate to the assessment requirements.
Applied digital improvement
Learners are encouraged to connect their learning to a relevant workplace issue or opportunity, such as reviewing a digital process or planning how a technology could improve service delivery.
The precise assessment tasks and evidence requirements will be confirmed by your assessor.
Qualification details
Total Qualification Time is an estimate of the overall time a learner may need for learning and assessment. It is not a guaranteed course duration or a promise of weekly tutor contact.
Funding support
The Highfield Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership in Adult Social Care is listed as an eligible qualification under the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). Eligible adult social care employers in England may be able to claim reimbursement for qualifying training costs.
Career development and service improvement
Completing the award can support professional development for people with responsibility for digital practice and service improvement in adult social care.
Digital leadership
Build knowledge to guide decisions about digital systems and support their effective use across a service.
Workforce development
Help colleagues develop confidence and capability to use technology safely and effectively.
Continuous improvement
Use learning to identify opportunities to improve processes, care quality and outcomes for people drawing on support.
Digital Leadership Award FAQs
What is the Highfield Level 5 Award in Understanding Digital Leadership?
It is a regulated Level 5 qualification for people working in or supporting adult social care. It develops understanding of technology and data, implementing technology, and leading change, learning and improvement.
Who should complete this qualification?
It is particularly relevant to adult social care managers, supervisors and senior practitioners who have an opportunity to influence digital practice and service improvement.
How long does the qualification take?
The qualification has a Total Qualification Time of 120 hours. The time an individual takes to complete it will depend on their experience, study pattern and assessment progress. Confirm the expected timetable with A1 Training before enrolling.
How is the award assessed?
Assessment is knowledge-based and completed through a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that the learner has met the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The assessor will confirm the evidence methods and tasks.
Are there any formal exams?
The qualification is assessed through a portfolio rather than a traditional final examination. Your assessor will explain the assessment process before you begin.
Can my organisation receive funding?
The qualification is listed for the Learning and Development Support Scheme. Funding is not automatic: employers must meet the current scheme’s eligibility and claim requirements. Check the latest official guidance before booking.
What is the qualification number?
The Highfield qualification number is 610/5276/0.
Is this the same as the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care?
No. This is a separate, smaller award focused specifically on understanding digital leadership in adult social care. It is not the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care.
Ready to develop your digital leadership?
Take the next step towards leading confident, effective use of technology in adult social care. Contact A1 Training to discuss suitability, delivery arrangements, assessment and potential funding.
Enquire todayEnquire about the award
Complete the enquiry form and a member of the A1 Training team can contact you to discuss the qualification and next steps.
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