This was sent out today for the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) – relevant only for registered providers:
CIH welcomes confirmation of Competence and Conduct Standard with three-year transition period
CIH has today welcomed the government’s confirmation that the Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing will be implemented from October 2026 with a three-year transition period for most providers, as recommended in our consultation response.
The standard will help ensure that housing professionals have the qualifications, skills, and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality services to tenants and residents, with the extended timeframe giving landlords, study centres, and the wider sector the capacity to prepare and implement the change effectively.
‘An important moment’
On the news, Gavin Smart, CIH chief executive, said: “This is an important moment for the housing profession. We strongly welcome the government’s decision to adopt a three-year transition period, which reflects the practical realities housing providers face and aligns with the recommendations set out in our consultation response.
“This approach will give landlords time to invest in their workforce and build capacity without compromising service delivery while we make this important shift.”
CIH’s consultation response, informed by extensive engagement with members and partners, highlighted the need for a transition period long enough to ensure smooth implementation and minimise disruption. The three-year timeframe (with four years for smaller providers) also supports the recruitment and retention of experienced professionals, many of whom are critical to the delivery of safe and secure homes.
Sarah Dunkerley, CIH director of membership and professional development, added: “Professionalisation is about more than just qualifications – it’s about culture, values, and behaviours. The new standard provides a framework for professional growth and service excellence across the housing sector.
“With the right support and resources, this is an opportunity to build a workforce that is better equipped, more confident, and more valued – which in turn leads to better outcomes for tenants. We’re proud to be a trusted delivery partner for qualifications and training, and we look forward to supporting the sector through this transition.”
CIH has long championed the importance of professionalism in housing, arguing that it is essential for improving services, supporting staff development, and attracting the next generation of housing professionals.