Monica Ziegler
Deputy Care Manager · Bristol, Avon
TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care
“I chose learndirect because of the convenience and because the entire application process was friendly, professional, and thorough. Studying online is the only realistic way I can invest in my future at this stage of my life – and that investment is already paying off.”
The Challenge
Monica had been working in adult social care in Bristol for nine years, progressing from a care worker to deputy manager at a residential care home. She was already performing many of the functions of a registered manager – managing rotas, overseeing care planning, handling safeguarding referrals – but without a Level 5 qualification, the care home's owner was reluctant to appoint her formally as Registered Manager. CQC regulations expect registered managers to hold a relevant Level 5 credential, and the absence of a formal qualification was the one thing holding Monica back from the role she had been effectively doing for two years.
Why learndirect
Monica had looked at college-based programmes but found the timetables impossible to reconcile with her management responsibilities. “As deputy manager, I can't just disappear for a day course every two weeks – the home needs someone senior on site,” she said. The learndirect online model was the only realistic option. “The application was straightforward and the customer service was exceptional – friendly, professional, and they clearly knew their subject.” She enrolled on the TQUK Level 5 Diploma with her employer funding the course as part of a succession planning arrangement.
The Outcome
Monica is currently in the final quarter of her TQUK Level 5 Diploma. Her employer has confirmed in writing that she will be appointed Registered Manager upon completion – a move that will increase her salary from £32,000 to £40,000. She has already begun the CQC registered manager application process with support from her employer. “This qualification is the last piece of the puzzle,” Monica said. “Everything I'm studying, I'm applying directly the next day at work – it doesn't feel like homework, it feels like professional development I'm actually using.”