New mandatory qualifications will ‘drive up standards’ in social housing

A crackdown on unqualified social housing managers will see new rules being brought in to protect residents. 

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has announced that social housing managers must gain professional qualifications.

Around 25,000 social housing managers will now be required to have an appropriate level housing management qualification regulated by Ofqual, with these being the equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing.

‘Hold social housing landlords accountable for the service they provide’

The changes will be made through amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill which will raise standards and hold social housing landlords accountable for the service they provide.

The law will also give the Regulator tough new powers – allowing them to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs with the social landlord footing the bill.

This will bring social housing more closely into line with other front line sectors. Any social housing landlord who fails to meet the requirements of the new standards could receive an unlimited fine from the regulator.

After the death of toddler Awaab Ishak, who died of prolonged mould exposure while living in social housing, a new law was introduced which will force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits.

‘Drive-up standards across the board’

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “The Grenfell Tower tragedy and, 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.”

He added: “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.”

‘The vast majority of housing professionals and organisations share this belief ‘

Gavin Smart, the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “We welcome the government’s focus on and support for professionalism in housing.

“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.”