From October 2026, the new Competence and Conduct Standard will come into force, with a three-year transition window given to large providers.
Housing providers must ensure relevant staff have the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to deliver good quality services and take steps to secure the same in service providers' staff.
The new standard sets a clear expectation for qualifications that must be held by relevant senior managers. Senior housing managers and executives will be required to hold or be working towards a relevant housing qualification.
Executive-level staff will require a Level 5 Certificate or Diploma and managers will require a Level 4 Certificate or Diploma.
When you’re juggling compliance, customer expectations, and constant change, you need teams who are confident, capable, and clear on what good looks like. That’s exactly what the Competence and Conduct Standard is about - raising the bar across the board.
Who will this affect?
These changes will affect executive-level staff and social housing managers responsible for the management and delivery of housing and property-related services. This could include:
- Neighbourhood housing manager
- Neighbourhood investment manager
- Property manager
- Voids and lettings manager
- Assets manager
- Income manager
- Resident involvement manager
- Supported housing manager
- Leasehold manager.
Our approach
At The Learning Foundry, we do not just see this change as a compliance requirement, but as a chance to upskill sector colleagues, embed quality across services, and drive real, lasting change.
We’re here to help you navigate this change and meet the new requirements.
Our Chartered Institute of Housing accredited programmes come in all shapes and sizes to suit your organisation - from apprenticeship levy-funded courses to commercial programmes and top up units.
We're here to help you navigate the Competence and Conduct Standard
Our programmes are:
- Flexible – tailored to your organisation’s needs
- Practical – built by housing professionals, for housing professionals
- Proven – with a 99% pass rate and 75% distinction rate
Download our Housing Qualifications Brochure or speak to our friendly team who will guide your through the range of options.
The qualifications
Use the drop downs below to see the qualifications we offer across different funding options, study periods and subjects.
Commercial CIH qualifications
Our standalone CIH programmes help you complete your organisation’s outstanding training quickly.
CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing
This qualification will provide individuals with a strong foundation to meet the professional standards required plus additional specialist content to support you in your own role.
Who this is for:
You should be working in housing or a housing related industry, preferably at a management or supervisory level.
The course will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills essential for effective management within the housing sector. As with all of our programmes, the Level 4 Certificate in Housing brings together formal training with best practice, delivered by industry experts who understand the challenges you face day-to-day.
Duration: 12 months
Course dates:
We have a number of intakes for our commercial courses starting throughout the year. Fill in an enquiry form to register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch.
Units of study:
- Professional practice skills for housing
- Customer focus in housing
- Occupancy, tenure and lettings
- Dealing with anti-social behaviour in housing
- Rental income management
- Regulation of the industry
Delivery:
- Online workshops.
- Assignment based.
- 1-2-1 as and when requested by learner.
You will also receive a recognised professional standard and be eligible for Certified Practitioner membership (CertCIH). Known as the 'industry standard' for housing professionals, this grade shows employers that you have achieved a certain level of skills and knowledge needed to be a housing professional.
CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing
This qualification will provide individuals with a strong foundation to meet the professional standards required plus additional specialist content to support you in your own role.
The Level 4 Certificate in Housing is a one-year vocational qualification and is at the same level of learning as the first year of an undergraduate degree.
Who this is for:
You should be working in housing or a housing related industry, preferably at a management or supervisory level.
The course will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills essential for effective management within the housing sector. As with all of our programmes, the Level 4 Certificate in Housing brings together formal training with best practice, delivered by industry experts who understand the challenges you face day-to-day.
Duration: 12 months
Course dates:
We have a number of intakes for our commercial courses starting throughout the year. Fill in an enquiry form to register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch.
Units of study:
- Induction - last Monday of every month 10am for 1 hour
- Housing law and regulation
- Housing Policy
- Customer focus in housing
- Professionalism in housing
- Finance in housing
- Managing people, teams and change
Delivery:
- Online workshops.
- Assignment based.
- 1-2-1 as and when requested by learner.
You will also receive a recognised professional standard and be eligible for Certified Practitioner membership (CertCIH). Known as the 'industry standard' for housing professionals, this grade shows employers that you have achieved a certain level of skills and knowledge needed to be a housing professional.
CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing
The CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing aims to provide housing professionals with the knowledge, understanding and skills in housing practice required to deliver effective housing services at a strategic management and executive level.
Who this is for:
The CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing is for aspiring professionals, supervisors and managers who wish to achieve CIH chartered membership (CIHCM) and have 2 years’ experience of working in a housing or housing related industry at a management or supervisory level.
As with all of our programmes, the Level 5 Diploma in Housing brings together formal training with best-practice, delivered by industry experts who understand the challenges you face day-to-day. The course covers key areas of housing policy and professional practice skills for the housing sector in 12 months so you can get back to delivering the best tenant services as quickly as possible.
Duration: 12 months
Course dates:
We have a number of intakes for our commercial courses starting throughout the year. Fill in an enquiry form to register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch.
Units of study:
- Induction - last Monday of every month 10am for 1 hour
- Ethical practice in housing
- Leadership and management in housing
- Strategic and business planning for housing organisations
- Housing in context
- Managing partner relationships in housing
- Customer focused housing services and communication
- Professionalism in housing
Delivery:
- Online workshops
- Assignment based
- 1-2-1 as and when requested by learner
CIH Level 4 Certificate in Managing Housing Maintenance
The Level 4 Certificate in Managing Housing Maintenance is a vocational qualification for housing professionals who want to take charge of maintenance, not just manage it.
Delivered online or in-person as requested, this qualification explores areas of housing law, policy and regulation and professional practice.
Successful completion of this qualification will make you eligible for CIH chartered membership (CIHCM).
Units of study:
- Professionalism in housing
- Customer focus in housing
- Law, policy and regulation for repairs and maintenance
- Managing people, teams and change
- Financial management for repairs and maintenance
Duration: 9 -12 months
Course dates: We have a number of intakes for our commercial courses starting throughout the year. Fill in an enquiry form to register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch.
Level 4 Certificate in Housing Management & Service Delivery (Accelerated Programme)
Level 4 Certificate in Housing Management & Service Delivery (Accelerated Programme)
Duration: 6 months
Delivered as either self-directed learning or tutor-led learning – both with a final discussion
Study units:
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Policy, law and regulation in housing
-
Customer focus in housing
-
Professionalism in housing
-
Delivering a housing service
Entry requirements:
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In a senior management position (5+ years’ experience)
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Hold either:
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A non-regulated housing qualification (minimum level 4)
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Chartered Membership of CIH, or membership of another related professional body
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A regulated qualification or degree at a minimum level 4 in a housing related subject
All learners are eligible for Chartered Membership status after completion.
Level 4 Top-Up Units
For those who need to complete specific modules to meet the standard.
- Professionalism in housing
- Customer focus in housing
- Domestic Energy Assessment
- Law, policy and regulation for repairs and maintenance
- Managing people, teams and change
- The delivery of housing services
- Financial management for repairs and maintenance
All of the above options are available as individually certified units.
Level 5 Top-Up Units
For senior housing executives requiring additional knowledge to fill any identified gaps.
- Professionalism in housing
- Customer focus in housing
- Domestic Energy Assessment
- Law, policy and regulation for repairs and maintenance
- Managing people, teams and change
- The delivery of housing services
- Financial management for repairs and maintenance
All of the above options are available as individually certified units.
Housing apprenticeships
Use your apprenticeship levy to fund our housing apprenticeship programmes which bring together formal training with best-practice, delivered by industry experts who understand the challenges you face day-to-day.
Housing and Property Management Assistant Level 2
Aim:
This is ideal for those working in an entry level role in either the social or private housing sector (e.g. Customer Services Assistant, Housing Assistant, Lettings Assistant) dealing with customers on a regular basis and helping to support them with their tenancies.
Results for the individual:
- A good understanding of legislation and regulation in the housing sector
- A clear understanding of the organisation’s policies, values and range of services
- Customer service skills including how to respond to vulnerable customers
Content includes:
- Assets, Repairs and Maintenance
- Customer Service for Housing (inc Equality and Diversity)
- Housing Provision and Housing Organisations
- Professional Development in Housing
Duration: 9 months plus End Point Assessment.
Delivery:
A range of tutorial workshops alongside monthly 1 -1 visits from your dedicated Development Coach. Learners will be required to showcase a work related case study as part of the programme.
Housing and Property Management Level 3
Aim:
To provide the technical knowledge and understanding across a broad range of frontline housing practices at an operational level. This programme is aimed at people in an operational role, (e.g. Housing Officer, Lettings Officer, Supported Housing Officer).
Results for the individual:
- Understanding of legislation and regulation in the property management sector
- Knowledge of the principles, policiesand values of the organisation
- Ability to resolve defects, common problems, health and safety issues and repairs
- Improved customer service skills and the ability to respond to the needs of vulnerable customers
- A thorough understanding of housing services, including allocations, lettings, tenancy sustainment, and financial and social inclusion
Content includes:
- Professional Practice Skills for Housing
- The Housing System
- Customer Service in Housing
- Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour in Housing
- Housing Policy
- Involving Housing Service Users
- Occupancy, Tenure and Lettings
- Rental Income Management
Duration: 18 months
Delivery:
A range of tutorial workshops alongside monthly 1 -1 visits from your dedicated Development Coach. Learners will be required to work on workbased project as part of the programme.
Senior Housing and Property Management Level 4
Aim:
This apprenticeship is aimed at senior housing professionals in the social or private housing sector who are responsible for the delivery and management of housing or property related services (e.g. Neighbourhood Manager, Housing Manager, Income Manager).
Results for the individual:
- A thorough understanding of legislation and regulation in the housing and property management sector
- Ability to effectively undertake business planning, financial and risk management, and monitor performance through management systems
- Confidence to develop effective customer and stakeholder relationships
- The knowledge required to provide advice on housing services such as repairs and maintenance
- Effective people management, decision making and time management skills.
Content includes:
- Customer Service in Housing
- Financing for Housing
- Housing Law
- Housing Policy
- Managing People and Change
- Professional Practice Skills for Housing
Duration:
18 Months
Delivery:
A range of tutorial workshops alongside monthly 1 -1 visits from your dedicated Development Coach. Learners will be required to lead on a workbased project as part of the programme.
Further support for the housing sector
Alongside housing qualifications, we offer a range of programmes to help you easily invest in staff development.
Team Leader / Supervisor Level 3
Aim:
Ideal for professionals taking their first step into line management, or those with some experience of managing a team or project. To provide those working in an organisation with the leadership and management knowledge and skills required to progress in their career.
Results for the individual:
- Develop a range of essential management skills applied and refined in a real working environment.
- Build the leadership capability to motivate teams and influence with confidence.
- Gain a broad understanding of key management and leadership theories to underpin and support growth and performance.
Content includes:
- Leading people
- Managing people
- Building relationships
- Communication
- Organisational performance - delivering results
- Operational management
- Project management
- Finance
Duration: 18 Months
Delivery:
A range of tutorial workshops alongside monthly 1 -1 visits from your dedicated Development Coach. Project management will also form part of this programme.
Business Administrator Level 3
Aim:
To provide valuable skills such as project management, coaching skills and business administration skills. This is an advanced apprenticeship that will emower staff to influence business improvement practices and gain a wide range of skills, knowledge and behaviours to be effective in a business administration role.
Results for the individual:
- Business skills
- Coaching skills
- Project management skills
Content includes:
- Professional development
- Logistics planning
- Legislation, regulations and policies
- Health and safety and GDPR
Duration: 15 months
Delivery:
A range of tutorial workshops alongside monthly 1 -1 visits from your dedicated Development Coach. Learners will be required to present a work based project they have led on as part of the programme.
Property Maintenance Operative Level 2
Aim:
To provide those working in an organisation with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to conduct the general day-to-day maintenance required to keep a range of properties in a good state of repair. This apprenticeship ensures the individual is able to carry out work that is carried out is compliant with health and safety requirements and meets building safety regulations and legislation.
Results for the individual:
- Develop a range of essential maintenance and repair skills.
- Gain a broad understanding of key building regulations and maintenance requirements.
- An ability to provide maximum satisfaction to customers, clients, staff or residents
Content includes:
- Fundamental trade skills including:
- Carpentry
- Joinery
- Plumbing
- Plastering
- Brick and work
- Tilings
- Painting and decorating
- Plumbing
- Building maintenance systems including:
- Water hygiene
- Drainage
- Energy management
- Electrical systems
- Emergency systems
- Environmental protection
- Repairs planning
- Building safety and key regulatory and legislative requirements
- Record keeping and reporting
- Customer service
- Health and safety
- Sustainable working practices
Duration: 24 months
Delivery:
The apprentice will complement their work experience with trade workshops with their Development Coach one day per week, made up of practical and theoretical training. They will also develop e-portfolio of work-based evidence.
Short courses and workshops
At The Learning Foundry we provide fully-funded short courses designed to help you develop your team.
These programmes are funded by the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) - a government-funded programme that can be accessed by employers to fund a range of training at no cost to your organisation.
Including:
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Team leadership
-
Safeguarding and Prevent
-
Construction
-
Maths and English Functional Skills
Why choose The Learning Foundry?
- The Learning Foundry has been upskilling staff and supporting housing providers for more than 35 years.
- We’ve worked with over 75 housing organisations across the UK, delivering Ofqual-approved, CIH accredited qualifications from Level 2 to Level 5.
- We're one of only a small number of training providers in the country to deliver Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications in this area.
- Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted for our apprenticeship programmes, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for learners, and our leadership and management.
- Employers and learners rate us ‘excellent’ - the highest possible rating in the most recent Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) apprenticeships survey.
- We help individuals and organisations to showcase their dedication to customer excellence and professional integrity.
- As part of The Regenda Group, we understand housing and our CIH accredited qualifications have been developed by the sector, for the sector.
- Flexible, tailored commercial options alongside apprenticeship programmes funded using your Apprenticeship Levy — helping you build a workforce ready for the future of housing.
Find out more — download our full housing brochure.
By the sector, for the sector
Part of The Regenda Group
We are housing experts. As part of The Regenda Group, we understand housing and we are a training provider with social value at the core. Our programmes are developed by the sector, for the sector and are delivered by industry experts who understand the challenges you face day-to-day.
We are proud to support the sector to navigate the new requirements and to ensure that you comply with the new laws when they come in.