The Regulator of Social Housing introduced (Oct 25) a new Competence and Conduct Standard. This comprises an outcomes-based framework for those working in social housing (England) to ensure tenants have safe and decent homes, receive high quality services, and have a strong voice. It also requires housing professionals to be qualified – senior housing executives a Level 5 qualification; senior housing managers a Level 4.
Outside these mandatory qualifications, providers must ensure ALL staff have the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to provide good quality, professional services which meet high standards. Providers must also review staff performance, manage poor performance and provide learning and development opportunities. It is essential therefore that not only service managers are appropriately qualified, but staff outside of the scope of mandatory qualifications e.g. scheme managers, are professionally equipped to maintain a safe and attractive environment and deliver good quality services to residents and service users. Providers should also be thinking about providing independent living staff the opportunity to prepare for the mandatory qualifications by achieving the Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice. Erosh now offers a unique Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Pathway) in partnership with Kingdom Academy. The first cohort starts 28th January 2026. The qualification will be delivered through a mixture of online ‘live’ tutor led workshops and self-directed learning. We will also launch a Level 4 qualification in 2026.
Ensuring scheme staff are qualified to at least Level 3 will also help you achieve one of our Independent Living Standards (ILS): Qualified and Trained Staff. This Standard requires a planned approach to staff training and professional development and opportunities to achieve a vocational qualification. Through independent assessment, the ILS enable you to demonstrate the quality of your accommodation and services against nationally recognised standards and measure positive outcomes for customers. It provides a cost-effective framework for reviewing policies and procedures; ensuring staff are knowledgeable, trained and supported; and for identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Having staff professionally qualified and your independent living services accredited will provide you with comprehensive evidence that you deliver quality independent living accommodation and services with the best outcomes for residents and service users and meet the needs of the Regulator of Social Housing.
Find out more about our Independent Living Standards here.
Find out more about our Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Pathway) here.