Regulator of Social Housing unveils plans for separate Competence and Conduct standard

The rollout of the new measures will also include transition periods for elements of the STAIRs and C&C requirements.

The Regulator had originally consulted on the C&C requirements being part of the Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, but decided to create a separate C&C standard to increase its visibility for tenants and landlords.

Among the requirements of the new standard will be a mandate for senior housing managers and executives to hold, or be working towards, a housing management qualification.

RSH Chief Executive Jonathan Walters said: “Greater transparency, stronger accountability and a stronger tenant voice are at the heart of these changes. They represent an important step towards improving outcomes for social housing tenants, helping residents better see and influence the services they receive.

“By supporting better engagement and consistent delivery of standards, these changes will help create a culture where tenant voices are heard, trust is strengthened, and the factors that can contribute to stigma are reduced.”

Gavin Smart, the Chartered Institute of Housing’s chief executive, welcomed the RSH’s announcement.

On the introduction of a standalone Competence and Conduct Standard, he said: “This sends a strong signal to the sector about the centrality of competence and professional conduct to service quality and resident safety.”

He continued: “CIH raised concerns during the consultation that folding competence and conduct into the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard could risk signalling a downgrading of its significance. We're pleased the RSH has listened and made it a distinct standard.
 
“With the revised Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard including new access to information requirements, the new Competence and Conduct Standard and the updated Code taking effect from 1 October 2026, today's announcement provides the certainty housing organisations need to prepare for implementation."

Harry Rodd