Government proposes new professional requirements for social housing managers
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced yesterday (26 February) that social housing managers must gain professional qualifications under new rules to “protect residents and raise standards in the sector”.
The move comes as part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill which will give the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) new powers to hold landlords to account, including the ability to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs, the Government said.
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 1 March.
Under the measures, around 25,000 managers across the sector will 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, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
DLUHC claimed the changes will “professionalise and drive the culture change needed in the sector” and ensure that all managers have the skills and qualifications they need.
It noted that any landlord who fails to meet the requirements of the new standards could receive an unlimited fine from the regulator.
The new requirements follow ‘Awaab’s Law’, introduced after the death of a two-year-old due to damp and mould exposure, which will force social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould within “strict new time limits”.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove 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.”
Responding to the announcement, Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “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.
“Today’s announcement complements work already underway following recommendations set out by the Better Social Housing Review in late 2022, highlighting the need for skilled and experienced staff members in key roles.
“We look forward to working with government, the regulator and with the sector to support organisations and individuals in achieving the qualifications needed under these new requirements.”
RSH has called on landlords to “act now” to ensure they comply with the standards - including on issues relating to damp and mould - before the legislation is enacted.
Lottie Winson
