[Tina LL]

I suppose it will depend on previous case law for licences. There are probably very few cases that have been pursued, because the costs incurred are likely to be higher that the wmc for a month.

[Tina LL]

Hi Nick, yes I do feel more confident in my work practice since completing the level 4 course. I have a better undertanding of the history behind social housing.
I am more inclined now to research housing law and fact check information. I have a better understanding of difference between tenancies and licences.

Tina

[Tina LL]

Sian.
I expect several small almshouses will struggle with recuitment in the future on a cost front- I am guessing they’ll have to merge with other housing providers.
I wonder if making ‘Housing’ a profession like ‘social work’- new younger people will be attracted to this field of work.

[Tina LL]

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/competence-and-conduct-standard-for-social-housing-consultation/outcome/competence-and-conduct-standard-for-social-housing-government-response.

Hi there, it looks as if smaller providers get an extra year to get the required qualifications.

Nick Phillips is checking if we’ll need a level 4 or 5 qualifications (cant do level 5 without level 4). It would be nice if the chartered institute tailored their courses to almshouses- at least to provide some info around licences and not only tenancies.

I did the level 4 last year. If affordable individual almshouses would need to either increase the hours for staff or pay for some extra cover.

TinaX

[Tina LL]

No chance of an opt out.

[Tina LL]

gov.uk has a free insolvency register:

http://www.gov.uk/search-bankruptcy-insolvency-register

[Tina LL]

It sounds complicated to vary charges on that basis & other residents who pay higher wmcs might request their wmcs are reduced too.

[Tina LL]

Awaab’s Law applies to temporary and supported accommodation occupied under a tenancy that is social housing let by a registered provider. Awaab’s Law does not apply to temporary accommodation, supported accommodation, or other housing that is occupied under a licence.

[Tina LL]

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awaabs-law-guidance-for-social-landlords/awaabs-law-guidance-for-social-landlords-timeframes-for-repairs-in-the-social-rented-sector

[Tina LL]

The Housing Ombudsman will be looking for carpets in flats (except ground floor) to cut noise between flats. (Applies to registered providers). The HO seems to favour mats/ pads under washing machines too to reduce noise travelling too.

We aim to either provide new carpets or have older carpets cleaned

[Tina LL]

You probably need to seek legal advice

[Tina LL]

A core part of the new Competency & Conduct standard is the
requirement for certain senior roles to hold,
or be working towards, a relevant housing
qualification. This is intended to raise
professional standards, ensure consistency
across the sector, and give tenants confidence
that those leading and managing housing
services have the right knowledge and
expertise.
The government has now confirmed the specific
qualifications that will meet the requirement,
along with rules on equivalents, apprenticeships
and minimum course standards:
• Senior housing managers: Ofqual-regulated
Level 4 in housing management (or
equivalent).
• Senior housing executives: Ofqual-regulated
Level 5 in housing/foundation degree (or
equivalent).
• Equivalent or higher qualifications (e.g.
degrees, CIH PQ, DipHE, HND) recognised if
they meet content criteria.
• Partially compliant qualifications: can be
“topped up” with additional accredited
training modules.
• Apprenticeships: now explicitly recognised
where they meet content and assessment
requirements.
• All qualifications must meet coursecontent
criteria and a minimum TQT (Total qualification time of 120 hours)

I am the only employee of an almshouse- does that make me a senior housing manager or senior housing executive? PLease can someone from the Almshouses Association clarify this please?

[Tina LL]

Experienced it once. the local council arranged everything including the clearance and funeral

[Tina LL]

Have you spoke to family/ support services connected with the resident and explained the financial position re. Universal credit. They might have savings to pay the wmc for a few months?

if you set aside an appointment who would clear the property? There would be associated legal costs and it might not be good publicity for the charity to evict someone who is in hospital.

[Tina LL]

lastest info from the CIH:

The government has published its final direction to the Regulator of Social Housing, requiring it to set a Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing providers, to commence in October 2026. Alongside this, it has published an updated policy statement on qualification requirements. A ‘what you need to know’ CIH member briefing will be published shortly. Members can also sign up for a webinar on 18 November.

[Author]

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