Three-year transition period for larger providers to meet the competence and conduct standard

Larger social landlords will have three years to meet the new competence and conduct standard which will come into force in October.

Matthew Pennycook today confirmed the transitional period for the new regulation, which requires social housing managers to hold qualifications.

Larger registered providers that own 1,000 or more units of social housing will have three years, while smaller providers with less than 1,000 homes will have four years.

Pennycook said: “The new requirements will improve professionalism within the sector, ensuring tenants receive a good service and are always listened to and treated with respect and dignity.”

The government has previously suggested the requirement should be a level four or five certificate or diploma in housing.

Gavin Smart, chief executive of Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), said: “This is an important moment for the housing profession. We strongly welcome the government’s decision to adopt a three-year transition period, which reflects the practical realities housing providers face and aligns with the recommendations set out in our consultation response.

“This approach will give landlords time to invest in their workforce and build capacity without compromising service delivery while we make this important shift.”

CIH announced last month that it is launching ‘top-up’ learning units to help professionals with partially-aligned qualifications meet the requirements without having to start a fresh qualification from scratch.