Social housing managers must gain professional qualifications
under new rules to protect residents and raise standards in the
sector, Housing Secretary announced today (Sunday 26
February).
Around 25,000 managers across the sector will now be required to
have an appropriate level housing management qualification
regulated by OfQual equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or
Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered
Institute of Housing.
The changes will be made through amendments to the Social Housing
(Regulation) Bill which will drive up standards in the sector and
hold landlords to account over the service they provide to their
tenants. The Bill will also give the Regulator tough new powers –
allowing them to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and
make emergency repairs with landlords footing the bill.
It follows Awaab’s Law, introduced earlier this year in the wake
of the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, which will force
social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits.
Today’s new requirements will professionalise and drive the
culture change needed in the sector, ensuring residents receive a
high level of service and are treated with respect at all times.
While many managers already provide a high quality professional
service, not all do. This will ensure that all managers have the
skills and qualifications they need.
This will bring social housing more closely into line with other
sectors providing front line services, including social work,
teaching, and health and care services. Any landlord who fails to
meet the requirements of the new standards could receive an
unlimited fine from the regulator.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and
Communities
said:
“The Grenfell Tower tragedy and, more recently, the death of
Awaab Ishak showed the devastating consequences of residents
inexcusably being let down by poor performing landlords who
consistently failed to listen to them.
“We know that many social housing residents are not receiving the
service or respect they deserve.
“The changes we are delivering today will make sure social
housing managers across the country have the right skills and
experience to deliver an excellent service and drive up standards
across the board.”
The Bill is the latest step in response to the Grenfell Tower
fire, following on from the Fire Safety Act and last year’s
Building Safety Act. It will return to Parliament on the 1
March.
Gavin Smart, CEO Chartered Institute of Housing,
said:
“We welcome the government’s focus on and support for
professionalism in housing. We believe housing professionals
should do all they can to ensure that tenants and residents have
access to good quality, affordable homes; that they are treated
with dignity and respect; and that their voices and views are
heard and taken account of in decisions that affect them, their
homes and the communities they live in and that the vast majority
of housing professionals and organisations share this
belief. We look forward to working with government to
support organisations and individuals in achieving the
qualifications needed under these new requirements.”
