Following the Grenfell tragedy and growing calls to professionalise the social housing sector, the government has now introduced mandatory qualification requirements for senior staff in housing management roles.
These changes, enabled through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, are now supported by the Competence and Conduct Standard, with a 24-month Transition Period beginning from the date the standard comes into force.
If you haven’t already, now is the time for local authorities and registered providers to act.
🔗 Read the full Government Policy Statement here
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Who Must Hold Qualifications?
The requirement applies to:
• Senior Housing Managers
• Senior Housing Executives
• Relevant Managers of Service Providers (e.g. ALMOs, TMOs, private contractors)
These individuals must either:
• Hold a relevant housing management qualification or
• Be working towards one
What Qualifications Are Required?
As set out in Chapter 3 of the policy:
• Senior Housing Managers must hold a Level 4 qualification (Ofqual-regulated) in housing management
• Senior Housing Executives must hold a foundation degree or Level 5 qualification (also Ofqual-regulated)
Qualifications must include key content areas such as:
• Housing law
• Customer service and tenant engagement
• Professional practice and ethics
• Strategic planning and leadership (Executives only)
Higher qualifications may be accepted if they meet the course content requirements. Older qualifications regulated by predecessor bodies (pre-2008) may also be valid.
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Key Transition Timelines
From the date the Competence and Conduct Standard comes into force:
• Within 12 months, 50% of existing senior staff must either be qualified or working towards qualification
• Within 18 months, newly appointed senior staff must be on the qualification pathway
• All staff must comply by the end of the 24-month transition period
Smaller providers (those managing fewer than 50 social housing units) benefit from double the transition time but are still strongly encouraged to begin now.
[Reference: Chapter 4, Policy Statement on Qualification Requirements]
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Build for the Future: Apprenticeships & Succession Planning
This isn’t just a compliance exercise - it’s a crucial opportunity to strengthen your workforce and plan for sustainable, professional service delivery.
We urge local authorities to:
✅ Conduct an audit of current qualifications
✅ Ensure current senior staff are enrolled on compliant courses
✅ Invest in future leadership by enrolling new talent on apprenticeships now
Apprenticeships that include the required qualifications are recognised pathways under this policy.
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Need Help?
SEATS is here to help you navigate these changes.
For guidance on course content, enrolment options or compliance queries, please contact our team
📧 hello@seats.org.uk
📞 01268 204102
🌐 https://seats.org.uk/news
Let’s raise standards in social housing - together.
📘 Official Policy Statement:
Qualifications Requirements for Social Housing Staff – GOV.UK