It is important for you to be aware of the roles and responsibilities that individuals in your organization, as well as in the wider context with respect to governance and the inspection process. If you can identify roles and responsibilities within your organization it will add to the understanding of the processes that should be undertaken by each member of staff. Some of these key roles are discussed below.

The Registered Manager

The registered manager is responsible for the management of the service and ensuring that it complies with the regulatory requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations. The registered manager is also responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of service users. They must ensure that the service is run in accordance with the providers statement of purpose and that all staff is properly trained and supervised.

Regulation 7 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 places a legal duty on the registered manager to ensure that:

• The provider is suitable for managing, controlling, and directing the service
• All staff employed in delivering services (including himself or herself) are suitable and properly trained
• Appropriate management arrangements are in place for the service and staff
• Any equipment used in the service complies with any legal requirements and is safe and in good working order

The registered manager should be aware that they are accountable to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the services that are being delivered. They will have to demonstrate compliance with standards set out by CQC, including demonstrating how they have an effective management system in place.

The Nominated Individual (And Who May Be Appointed To This Role)

The nominated individual is responsible for safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults who use the service. They have a key role in ensuring that the service is safe so that everyone can live as independently as possible. The nominated individual will be involved in any situations where there is a concern about the safety or welfare of a person using the service.

Under Regulation 6 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, the nominated individual must:

• be a director, manager, or secretary of the organization
• be of good character
• be able to properly perform tasks that are intrinsic to their role
• have the necessary qualifications, training, and experience to enable them to carry out the role
• be able to take decisions in relation to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults
• ensure that arrangements are in place for reporting any concerns about the safety or welfare of a person using the service
• have supplied the provider with documents that confirm their suitability

The Registered Manager may also have the role of Nominated Individual, however, often the two roles are separate.

The Registered Provider

The registered provider is responsible for the overall quality of the service. They are usually responsible for employing staff, providing training, and managing resources. The role of the registered provider is to provide a good-quality service that meets the needs of people who use it.

You should be aware that they may also have to ensure that providers are fit to deliver the service and that they comply with the regulations set out by the CQC.

The Board Of Directors

The board of directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization. They ensure that the registered provider is meeting the required standards and that they are complying with all relevant legislation. The board of directors should have a good knowledge of the service and your quality assurance systems.

The board of directors should also ensure that the registered provider has an effective management system in place. They should understand the risks involved with delivering the service and how these are being managed.