Raising the Bar in Social Housing: What the New Competence & Conduct Standard Means for Our Organisation
- sarahchaudhry0
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The social housing sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Following the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and the lessons from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the UK Government has introduced the Competence and Conduct Standard (2025), aimed at ensuring that housing management staff are not only qualified but also professional, accountable, and capable of delivering high-quality services to residents.
What the Standard Requires
The Competence and Conduct Standard sets out clear expectations for social housing providers:
Competence: Staff must have the skills, knowledge, and experience to manage housing effectively.
Qualifications: Senior Housing Executives and Housing Managers must hold—or be working towards—relevant housing-related qualifications. Transition periods apply: larger providers (1,000+ homes) have until October 2029, smaller providers until October 2030.
Workforce Development: Providers must maintain a written policy outlining training, performance management, and ongoing development.
Code of Conduct: A formal framework defining expected behaviours and ethical standards.
How Professional Qualifications Fit In
Professional qualifications play a key role in meeting these standards. For example, RICS qualifications (such as MRICS) are highly relevant for roles focused on:
Asset management
Building safety and compliance
Repairs and maintenance
Property strategy and development
However, for roles dealing with tenancy management, resident engagement, or housing law, additional housing-specific qualifications, like those from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), may be more appropriate.
Why This Matters
The Competence and Conduct Standard isn’t just about compliance; it’s about professionalising the sector and ensuring residents receive safe, high-quality services. By embedding ethical conduct, workforce development, and recognised qualifications into our operations, our organisation demonstrates a clear commitment to excellence, accountability, and resident focus.
Our Commitment
We are here to support providers and staff to:
Invest in development and qualifications
Maintain high professional standards
Ensure robust governance and accountability
Deliver safe, responsive, and high-quality services to residents
This standard marks a pivotal step forward for social housing, and we are pleased to be supporting the change.
For development and professional qualifications
For training, staff development, or support with RICS professional qualifications, contact us.
Sarah Chaudhry MBA FRICS
Director
Surveyor Store Ltd
07521 085400
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