The beginning of April marked a substantial shift in the way housing associations and local authorities are regulated. Not only have the consumer standards been revised, but the regulator will now monitor landlords on a proactive basis – the first time it has done so since 2012.

But an equally significant regulatory change is yet to come. Pending the results of another consultation, which closed on 5 April, the government will introduce a fifth consumer standard. The Competence and Conduct Standard will require senior managers and executives to have, or be working towards, a relevant professional qualification.

Given the number of workers potentially falling under its scope, this will be the biggest change to registered provider workforce planning in a generation. I believe there is much to be gained from a new focus on professionalism. But the final standard will need to shift from a one-size-fits-all to a tailored approach if it is to achieve the government’s desired policy outcomes.