Key summary pointsAimTo identify care home manager’s experiences of working within and across organisational and regulatory boundaries of practice during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsManagers continued to experience challenges to resources which were predominantly system-led setbacks across the care home sector and external organisations. Managers deployed highly pragmatic and reflexive practices to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and staff.MessageIt is essential that key lessons, including expertise, respect, recognition and meaningful collaboration with the care home sectors are embedded across the statutory and regulatory organisations to maximise and build on previous gains for effective future workings.