IRCM’s definition of case management is,

“a collaborative process which assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet an individual’s health, wellbeing, social care, education and/or occupational needs, using communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective and safe outcomes”.

Find out more here.

Information about raising a concern, what happens next and how we consider a registrant’s fitness to practise and professional conduct can be found here.

Anyone can call themselves a case manager regardless of whether they have appropriate skills and experience for the role.  The Register of Case Managers  is a voluntary register for case managers who meet our eligibility requirements and commit to working in line with our standards.  The Pre-Registrant Pathway is for those actively working towards Registration within an IRCM framework. IRCM will consider concerns raised about case managers on our Register and the Pre-Registrant Pathway and where appropriate take action.

IRCM is not a statutory regulator but the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is the body that oversees health and social care regulators and  they also run an accredited register scheme. We will be applying to the PSA for the Register of Case Managers because being accredited by them will demonstrate our commitment to high standards and public protection.

“Accredited Registers help people get better care by ensuring that the health practitioners they register are competent and trustworthy. They set standards for people working in unregulated health and care occupations, encourage them to meet them and take action to protect the public when necessary. They ensure that the information they and their registrants provide is clear and helps you to make informed choices about the practitioner you want to see and about the treatments, therapies, care and products they offer.”  The PSA

Becoming a Registered Case Manager or Pre-Registrant demonstrates a clear commitment to public protection, professional standards, meaningful continuing professional development, and accountability through independent oversight. These principles underpin safe, ethical and high-quality case management practice, and are widely recognised as essential to the future of the profession.

Whilst case managers may initially train in other regulated areas of health and social care, IRCM is the only regulatory body that is specific to case management in the UK.  IRCM is a voluntary regulator. Registrants and Pre-Registrants are encouraged to share their status with referrers, commissioners and service users, and to support this receive a certificate and logo. They are also included in a searchable directory on the IRCM website.

Applications are submitted via the IRCM portal and payment is taken at this time. When an application is submitted it will be reviewed by the Operations Team who will be in touch generally within 15 working days.  They may have queries that need a response and if not they will advise whether your application has been approved or not.

Further details about applying and using the Registration Portal can be found here.

Applications are submitted via the IRCM portal and payment is taken at this time. When an application is submitted it will be reviewed by the Operations Team who will be in touch generally within 15 working days.  They may have queries that need a response and if not they will advise whether your application has been approved or not.

Further details about applying and using the Registration Portal can be found here.

Please read the relevant Registration and Renewal Policy and guidance for applicants.  Our guidance is detailed and preparation is needed prior to starting an application to collate the necessary information and including liaising with third parties for documentation. These can be found along with lots of other helpful information on our applicants page.

Please join our mailing list to keep up to date.

If  you work in the UK (support service users based in the UK)  then you may apply to the Register or Pre-Registrant Pathway even if you are not based in the UK. Please note that the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (the Crown Dependencies) and overseas territories are not part of the UK. The Professional Standards Authority is only able to accredit registers of those working within the UK and it is our intention to apply to them for the Register of Case Managers under their Accredited Register scheme.

The Standards of Proficiency in Case Management include Standards of Moral and Ethical Conduct.

Where a Case Manager is registered with a statutory health and social care regulator overseen by the PSA such as NMC or HCPC experience in that profession overseas can count towards qualifying experience for eligibility for the Register of Case Managers in the same way experience gained within that profession in the UK would.  

Please note that registration is only open to case managers working in the UK.

This is not simple to answer because the term is not standardised and may be used differently in different contexts or organisations.  You will need to review our Registration and Renewal Policies and consider your experience in relation to this.  If you are currently working as a case manager or case manager in training then if you lack sufficient experience to apply to the Register of Case Managers you may be eligible to apply to the Pre-Registrant Pathway.  The policy and other useful guidance are on our applicants page.

No qualifications are required to join the Register or Pre-Registrant Pathway. Further details about the eligibility criteria can be found in the relevant Registration and Renewal Policies here. 

Applications are assessed by the Operations Team who may seek input from a Registration and Conduct Panel Member if needed. A reason for refusal will be given if an application is rejected and the applicant may choose to appeal.  Details about the basis for appeals is included in our Registration and Renewal Policies which can be viewed on our documents page.

The role of IRCM is to safeguard the public by setting and upholding standards for case managers. In line with this Registrants and Pre-Registrants have a responsibility to act with integrity, openness and transparency at all times as set out in the IRCM Standards of Proficiency in Case Management which they agree to abide by. Taking reasonable steps to ensure information that is relevant to their practise in the public domain is correct and therefore will not mislead the public is a part of meeting standards.  Whilst we appreciate that Applicants, Registrants and Pre-Registrants do not have control over third party websites or materials, we do expect them to take reasonable steps to have incorrect or misleading information rectified by contacting the relevant organisations and requesting they do so.

As part of the application process we review all websites to which links have been provided by the Applicant and materials included in an application, or on those sites for information about them and their practice and highlight where we feel changes may be needed.

Registration is for individuals. Becoming part of our community is a great way for organisations may show their support for IRCM;  find out more about our supporter and ally community here. We have very much appreciated the considerable amount of support for a Register of Case Managers there has been from the case management membership organisations, case management organisations, those that commission case management services, represent service users and other stakeholders.

To apply to be a Registered Case Manager, you must have experience as a case manager or case manager in training  and be able to evidence sufficient qualifying hours as set out in the Registration and Renewal Policy for Registered Case Managers. The criteria applied to an application will be those in place on the date the application is made. Further details about the eligibility criteria can be found in the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers.

If you do not yet have sufficient experience to apply to the Register then please consider applying to the Pre-Registrant Pathway to demonstrate that you are working towards Registration.  When you apply to the Register of Case Managers the fee for any outstanding time on your Pre-Registration will be offset against the cost of your application should it be approved. 

Qualifying experience is time spent as a case manager or case manager in training, Time spent as a case manager’s assistant, as a supervisor or manager of case managers or providing treatment does not count towards qualifying experience. Please review the eligibility criteria in the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers to assess whether you have sufificient qualifying experience. 

If you do not yet have sufficient experience to apply to the Register then please consider applying to the Pre-Registrant Pathway to demonstrate that you are working towards Registration. When you apply to the Register of Case Managers the fee for any outstanding time on your Pre-Registration will be offset against the cost of your application should it be approved. 

A Pre-Registrant Pathway has been established for case managers and case managers in training who do not yet have sufficient experience to become a Registered Case Manager. It allows you to demonstrate that you are actively working towards registration within a structured approach with appropriate support in place. When you apply to the Register of Case Managers the fee for any outstanding time on your Pre-Registration will be offset against the cost of your application should it be approved. 

Please join our mailing list to keep up to date.  

No, once sufficient experience has been gained an application can be made to become a Registered Case Manager. If you do not yet have sufficient experience to apply to the Register then please consider applying to the Pre-Registrant Pathway to demonstrate that you are working towards Registration.  The fee for any outstanding time on your Pre-Registration will be offset against the cost of your application to the Register should it be approved. 

There is no established educational programme or qualifications in case management in the UK.  A key part of acquiring the necessary skills and experience to work at the competent level as a case manager is working under the supervision of experienced case managers. For those in a regulated profession in addition to gaining a recognised qualification practical experience will also generally have been gained  through supervised placements.  

Once the Certificate of Proficiency is available, the experience required to become a Registered Case Manager will be the same regardless of whether an applicant is from a regulated/registered background or not.  Applicants will be required to pass the Certificate of Proficiency before they can register and existing Registrants will have 6 months to pass the certificate if they wish to remain on the Register of Case Managers. Pre-Registrants who apply to sit the certificate and join the Register will be able to offset any balance  of their Pre-Registration fee against the cost of their application to the Register should it be approved. 

To become a Pre-Registrant you must be a case manager or case in training but have insufficient experience to apply to the Register of Case Managers. As the Pathway is designed for those working towards Registration, applicants must either have insufficient experience or have only reached the required experience threshold within the previous six months. This additional period offers flexibility when applying to the Register which will also include completion of the Certificate of Proficiency in Case Management when it is launched later in 2026.

Further details about the eligibility criteria can be found in theRegistrant and Renewal Policy for Pre-Registrant Pathway here.

Being part of the pre-registrant pathway is optional and is not be a pre-requisite to becoming a Registered Case Manager.  However, the Pathway provides a clear way to demonstrate a commitment to Registration and to practising in line with the expectations placed on Registered Case Managers being held accountable, even prior to Registration.

There will be a short annual renewal process which we anticipate taking just a few minutes for most Registrants and Pre-Registrants.  A renewal fee will need to be paid.  Pre-Registrants will also be required to submit a new and updated Development Plan as part of their renewal as set out in our CPD Policy which can be found here.

The renewal process for the Register of Case Managers and Pre-Registrant Pathway will be much simpler than registration and we anticipate will take around 5-10 minutes if no updates are needed.  For people who are setting up a payment method for the first time or updating information it may take a couple of minutes longer.

We will ask for some information to be confirmed as part of renewal, for example that there isn’t any new information that would impact fitness to practice and that IRCM policies are being complied with. No information from third parties such as employers will be required for Registrants. Pre-Registrants will be required to submit a new and updated Development Plan as part of their renewal as set out in our CPD Policy which can be found here.

We will share a more details of the process soon.

The registration and renewal fee for the Register of Case Managers will be £150pa and Pre-Registrant Pathway £125. Fees for the Certificate of Proficiency will be announced in due course. 

There are no current plans for these to increase. IRCM is a not-for-profit organisation and as the register grows, we will keep fees under review.  We are mindful of the costs of multiple registrations and memberships.

Our fees are slightly higher because as a smaller register in its early stages we are spreading some significant costs across a much lower number of people than statutory regulators.  Many of our core costs include a fixed base fee regardless of registrant numbers. As we have fewer Registrants and Pre-Registrants, that fixed fee is spread across a smaller group, making our per person costs higher at present.  However, as a not for profit organisation we endeavour to keep costs to a minimum and benefit considerably from voluntary support.

IRCM is a regulatory organisation not a membership organisation; it carries out different functions and its costs are different. It also does not run conferences and training so does not have the same additional revenue streams.  We are grateful to our supporter community who have and continue make a valuable contribution to supporting the organisation.

No, annual fees will need to be paid in full at the point of application or renewal.

Payments can be made by card or direct debit.

This is not possible, it would increase resource requirements and thus costs considerably so payments need to be made at the point of Registration or renewal. Registrants and Pre-Registrants will be able obtain a receipt for payments made.

IRCM’s relationship is with an individual not an organisation, in the same way as other regulators.  So it is not possible to arrange payment for a number of people as a group.

IRCM will not be providing training but an accreditation process for CPD is being established is likely to available in Spring 2026.  Accredited CPD will be listed on this website.

We have published our Competency Framework, and will be developing an education framework and a core curriculum.   The case management membership organisations are committed to supporting case managers’ training and development and providing CPD and CPD is also available through other providers. You can access the Competency Framework on our documents page.

Yes, we anticipate accreditation for CPD being available in Spring 2026 and are also working on the process for formal education programmes such as university courses.

This is a standardised assessment of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to be a Case Manager. It will use case studies with questions requiring specific responses that represent the minimum level of competence that service users have a right to expect. Applicants to the Register of Case Managers will need to pass this assessment before they can register once it is available. Where Registrants have joined the Register of Case Managers prior to the launch of the certificate they will be have  to pass the certificate within 6 months in order to maintain their Registration.  

The Certificate of Proficiency will be taken online in exam conditions using remote invigilation.  The Certificate is currently in development.

Registrants will normally only be required to sit the certificate once.  However, Registrants may be asked to sit the certificate again where registration has lapsed or as part of a sanction or request to be restored to the register following a strike off; the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers provides further information. In order to retain registration, case managers will be required to renew their registration annually and complete relevant continuing professional development as set out in our CPD policy.   Please see our Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers and CPD Policy and Guidance for further information, these can be found here. 

The Certificate of Proficiency is being created by a group made up primarily of case managers and including people with professional academic experience.  It will therefore be a standardised assessment.  The group includes people from a range of specialisms and people working within a variety of funding models including the NHS.

IRCM’s role is to protect the public by is focused on ensuring that case managers provide services safely, effectively, and consistently, in the interests of protecting the public.

BABICM, CMSUK and VRA are case management membership organisations (CMMOs) and their duty is to their members.  They support professional practice. professional development and promote the development of competency.  They also research, highlight and lobby on issues relevant to members.  They will support their members in their duties as registrants and those members working toward registration.

IRCM and the CMMOs all play important roles in supporting professionals in different and complementary ways.

The two are different. Registered Case Managers must meet minimum standards, the same as professionals registered with a statutory regulator must do. Specialisms within case management are not relevant.  The Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers sets out the eligibility requirements, including minimum levels of case management experience, working in line with the Standards of Proficiency and at the competent level described in the competency framework. Registrants are subject to ongoing requirements such as CPD and professional supervision. We operate a concerns process so that issues can be reported, investigated, and addressed where a Registered Case Manager may pose a risk to the public or to confidence in the profession. The policies can be found on our documents page. 

BABICM advanced practitioner requires people to have completed an evidence-based assessment process by submitting evidence of their ability to work at level 3 across all of the BABICM competencies to a peer-review process. To apply for this assessment, they must be able to demonstrate a minimum of 3500 hours of brain injury case management experience and show evidence of their CPD and supervision.

IRCM competencies are relevant for all case managers regardless of specialism. There are no plans to combine them with those of other organisations.  

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is about services not individual professionals and not all case managers provide services that are a CQC regulated activity. The Standards of Proficiency in Case Management require registered case managers to comply with regulation relevant to their practice and service users.

IRCM is keen to develop relationships with other registers and regulators and we have already been in contact with a number on various matters. Registers within the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register scheme have an established relationship between them and we will be applying for accreditation in the future.

Where an applicant holds or has previously held a registration we will check information made available publicly by regulators and registers for example fitness to practise proceedings.  Applicants must tell us about these even when not current.

In cases where we receive a concern that may be more appropriately dealt with by another regulator or register these may be referred on as set out in our Fitness to Practise Policy or Professional Conduct on our documents page. We will also be notifying relevant registers and regulators when we publish sanctions. 

Becoming a Registered Case Manager or Pre-Registrant is specific to this role. Registration with another organisation such as NMC or HCPC relates to the profession that you are registered for (e.g., Nurse, OT, Physiotherapist), not your case management role.

IRCM is not a statutory regulatory body; it is a voluntary register, and we will apply to the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for accreditation.  The PSA oversee many regulatory and registration bodies including HCPC and NMC.

It is a matter for an individual registrant whether they wish to retain other professional registrations except where they are required for their practice.  Registrants may also wish to consider any VAT implications of not being on a statutory register.

IRCM’s Board, Committees, working groups and panels are made up of both registrants and lay people all of whom volunteer their time. All of these people play a critical role in achieving our mission, contributing to our work of safeguarding the public.  We advertise vacancies from time to time through our mailing list and on this website. However, please do get in touch if this is something you would be interested in knowing more about.  You can also find the terms of reference for our committees on our documents page.

Organisations can join our supporter and ally community and play an important role in IRCM by showing their commitment to safeguarding users of case management services and the public. We have inclusive opportunities for organisations of all sizes to become supporters. Charities and not for profit organisations may join our ally community which is free of charge. Find out more about becoming a supporter or ally here.

You can find all of our published documents which include these, policies and guidance here, 

No, it won’t become a protected title; the government’s preference is for voluntary registration and a compelling case would have to be made for statutory regulation.  An extensive review of alternative mechanisms for accreditation, which included Chartership was held. Following this, it was agreed that seeking Professional Standards Authority approval for an accredited voluntary register was the most suitable route.

Instructing parties will still be able to commission whichever case manager they choose. However, feedback has been that many commissioners have been concerned about a perceived lack of quality assurance in the industry to date and welcome the opportunity and reassurance of being able to access case managers from an accredited register. Members of the IRCM Supporter and Ally Community have committed that “when commissioning, recommending or employing case managers, to endeavour to use the services of registered case managers or those working towards registration whilst being supervised by registered case managers;”

All case managers whether clinical or not are required to work within their scope of practice as set out in our Standards of Proficiency. We have provided guidance on scope of practice on our documents page. and will be testing understanding of scope of practise as part of the Certificate of Proficiency.

A concern about fitness to practise can be raised where someone believes a Registered Case Manager is not working in line with the Standards of Proficiency, including where they are believed to be working outside of their Scope of Practice.

Whilst there are roles in which it is required that a case manager have a clinical background, there are equally many roles where a clinical role is not required.  IRCM has liaised with both clinical and non-clinical groups and individuals to ensure that we are developing in an appropriately diverse way being inclusive and reflective.  In some specialist areas, having clinical training and experience alongside case management knowledge and skills is important, but the case management aspects of these roles are not currently regulated in the way that the clinical aspects are.

The Register of Case Managers is a professional pathway for all case managers and protects the public by providing a register of case managers working within recognised standards, regardless of whatever specialism they work in.