Understanding Key Roles in CQC-Regulated Services: Nominated Individual vs. Registered Manager
In the regulated health and care sector in England, two key roles are pivotal to ensuring compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards: the Nominated Individual (NI) and the Registered Manager (RM). While both roles carry significant responsibilities for ensuring quality and safety in care services, they differ in scope, focus, and level of operational involvement.
In every CQC-regulated care service, two critical roles help ensure quality, compliance, and strong leadership: the Nominated Individual and the Registered Manager. While they often work closely together, their responsibilities and focus areas are distinct.
Let’s break down what each role involves and how they differ.
Nominated Individual: The Strategic Lead
The Nominated Individual (NI) is a senior figure—often a director—who takes overall responsibility for governance and compliance within a care organisation. This role acts as the bridge between the provider and the CQC.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensuring compliance across all regulated activities
- Supporting high-level governance and quality assurance
- Acting as the main point of contact with the CQC
- Promoting a culture of continuous improvement
- Overseeing risk management and safeguarding frameworks
Think of the NI as the strategic “overseer” ensuring everything runs according to regulation from the top down.
Registered Manager: The Operational Lead
The Registered Manager (RM) is responsible for the day-to-day running of the health or care service. They play a hands-on role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care and ensuring staff follow safe, effective practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing daily operations and service delivery
- Leading and developing staff teams
- Maintaining service user/patient/client safety and dignity
- Ensuring compliance with CQC’s five key questions
- Submitting notifications and maintaining accurate records
The RM is on the ground—making sure care is safe, effective, and well-led every single day.
Summary Table
| Nominated Individual | Registered Manager | |
| Level of Responsibility | Strategic and organisational oversight | Operational and service-level management |
| Position in Organisation | Often a director or senior executive | Service-level manager or team leader |
| Focus Area | Governance, compliance, and leadership | Direct service delivery, staff management, and safety |
| CQC Relationship | Main contact for corporate governance matters | Main contact for service delivery and operational compliance |
| Involvement in Care | Not directly involved in day-to-day care | Actively involved in managing daily service delivery provision |
| Registration Requirement | Not always required to be registered (depending on structure) | Must be registered with the CQC |
Both the Nominated Individual and Registered Manager play crucial roles in ensuring that health and care services meet the CQC's regulatory standards. While the Nominated Individual provides strategic oversight and ensures corporate responsibility, the Registered Manager ensures that care is delivered effectively and safely on a daily basis.
Their collaboration is essential to create a well-led, compliant, and person-centred care delivery environment. Understanding the distinction and complementarity of these roles is fundamental to achieving excellence in regulated health and social care services.
Understanding these roles is key to delivering excellent regulated health and social care services. Get in touch with us to find out more.
