[Tina Pearson]

we are using Utility Aid for the first time this year. it was the cheapest price. They quoted last year but their prices were not so competitive then

[Tina Pearson]

it’s a good idea to get a fresh report when properties become vacant.
It appears the EICR reports need to be issued to residents & any hazards identified on the reports should be addressed

[Tina Pearson]

I am not sure its usual to carry out fire risk assessments of individual dwellings? Hoarding might be considered a safeguarding issue which needs to be reported to social services.

[Tina Pearson]

We have a Tunstall system. BT have said we dont need to do anything as the wires going into the main building will still be copper and therefore compatible with the existing system.

If we want WIFI in the building we’d have to fully upgrade- as the digital lines would be going into the building. Tunstall quoted around £3000 for a new interface and an annual fee of around £600 to maintian the system

[Tina Pearson]

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 Pearson]

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 Pearson]

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 Pearson]

No chance of an opt out.

[Tina Pearson]

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 Pearson]

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.

[Tina Pearson]

Having spent last year completing the level 4 qualification I would recommend that small registered providers where financially affordable get some extra admin help whilst their clerks and scheme managers complete the required qualifications.

[Tina Pearson]

Hi Nick,

Can you ask if the qualification for smaller providers could be completed on a modular basis (ie pay for a module at a time until the requisite number of module have been completed) or the current year long courses could be completed over 2 years rather than 1 year?

Do we know if the level 5 applies to both Clerks and Trustees?

(I am dreading starting the level 5 course. The level 4 course impacted on the quality of my work last year for the charity and I wouldn’t want to be working at the same pace again given likely inspections from the Regulator for Social Housing on the cards)

Tina

[Tina Pearson]

I enrolled myslef on the CIH level 4 qualification last year with out doing level 2 and 3 qualifications

[Tina Pearson]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/social-housing-managers-must-be-qualified-under-new-laws-to-protect-residents

[Tina Pearson]

Someone in each registered almshouse charity will need to have a miniumum level 4 housing qualification. not sure about level 5 qualification. Just waiting on the results of the level 4 qualification

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