There has been a 57% surge in newly registered managers over the past six months, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has reported.
A project run by the CQC from November 2013 to April 2014 was set up to improve the number of locations operating without a registered manager for a long period of time.
Figures released yesterday show that 1,395 out of 2,439 targeted organisations now have a registered manager in place.
A further 470 (20%) manager applications have been submitted to CQC for approval.
CQC also used enforcement powers across 590 locations that failed to appoint or submit an application for a registered manager. A high proportion responded without the need for the regulator to take further action but 42% have paid a Fixed Penalty Notice.
CQC will continue to work with providers to ensure all health and adult social care services that are required to have registered managers fill these positions.
Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of adult social care and corporate lead for registration said: “This is really positive news for people who are using services and I am very encouraged that providers have responded to our challenge and taken steps to ensure that registered managers are in post.
“We know the role of the registered manager is an important one in making a difference to people’s experiences of care. They are vital in helping to make sure people receive services that are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
“As part of our new approach to changing the way we inspect and regulate adult social care that we’re currently consulting on, we are proposing that any location providing adult social care services will not be able to achieve a rating higher than ‘requires improvement’ if it has been without a registered manager (where one is required) for more than 6 months without reasonable justification.”
