Competence and conduct standard will ‘drive culture change to eradicate unprofessional attitudes’ says MHCLG

The government has formally issued a direction to the Regulator of Social Housing to bring in its new competence and conduct standard.

The new rules will require senior housing managers to hold a level four qualification. Senior housing executives will be required to hold a level 5 qualification or foundation degree.

The standard will come into force in October 2026, with a transition period before all relevant staff must have, or be working towards, an appropriate qualification.

The transition period is three years for large registered providers of 1,000 homes or more and four years for smaller registered providers. The qualifications requirement will apply only to individuals who have a “substantive role” in managing delivery of housing management services.

The direction from MHCLG also confirms the standard will require social landlords to have a written policy setting out their approach to managing and developing the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours of staff.

The proposals have been updated with additional requirements following a consultation. Providers will be required to give tenants “meaningful opportunities to influence and scrutinise the development of the policy” and will also have to ensure that the policy and code of conduct is made accessible to tenants.

MHCLG In its consultation response said: ”The standard will play a pivotal role in the wider work taking place across government to improve the quality of social housing, and it is an important step in professionalising the sector. It will drive the culture change necessary to eradicate unprofessional attitudes and stigma.”

Gavin Smart, CIH chief executive, said: “CIH and the sector have been gearing up for the Competence and Conduct Standard to go live next October for some time, so we welcome the additional clarity that today’s publication brings. We’ll continue to work with the government and with the Regulator to help housing professionals, and the organisations they work for, respond to the new requirements.

>>See also: What is the social housing sector doing to get ready for mandatory qualifications?

“Professionalisation goes beyond qualifications. It’s about culture, values and behaviours. The standard sets a clear framework for growth and excellence across housing. With the right support, we can build a housing profession that’s more skilled, confident and valued, delivering better outcomes for tenants.”

The government also formally issued a direction to bring in its new Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements Standard.

This will require providers to provide information to tenants on request about the housing and services they provide.

From 1 October 2026 providers will be required to proactively publish information about governance and decision making, spending, stock management, performance and housing services. From 1 October 2027 they will have to respond to tenants’ information requests where the information is related to the management of the providers social housing.