The Government recently announced that the new Competence and Conduct Standard will come into force in October 2026. In a bid to raise professional standards in the housing sector, the standard aims to introduce a national framework to ensure that staff have the qualifications and skills to deliver high-quality services to tenants.
It was also confirmed that a three-year transition period will be in place for large registered providers (over 1,000 units) and a four-year transition period for smaller associations (less than 1,000 units).
It’s hoped this extended timeframe gives providers additional time to comply with qualification requirements for senior housing managers and executives and implement change effectively.
Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, stated that the Government will direct the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) this autumn to set new standards for the competence and conduct of social housing employees.
He said: “The new requirements will improve professionalism within the sector, ensuring tenants receive a good service and are always listened to and treated with respect and dignity.”
Other announcements included the proposed introduction of new Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) for registered providers of social housing to enable residents to request information about their housing management.
From October 2026, providers will be required to proactively publish information about the management of their homes. From April 2027, they will be expected to provide tenants with access to information on request. (Source: UK Parliament).
More details and guidance are set to be announced in the upcoming months.
“An important industry development”
Commenting on this announcement, Peter Luck, Business and Operations Director, ROCC, said: “We fully welcome the Government’s introduction of the Competence and Conduct Standard coming into effect in October 2026.
“Raising professional standards across the housing sector is essential, and this new framework marks a positive step towards ensuring consistency, quality and accountability in service delivery.
“At ROCC, we’re committed to supporting our clients by equipping their teams with the technology, training, and tools needed to meet—and exceed—these new expectations.”
Start getting ready now
Even though the standard doesn’t come into effect until October 2026, there are some steps social housing providers can start to take for a smooth transition.
- Review and assess your current position: How well is your organisation currently performing, and what areas need improvement? Which individuals will need further qualifications and training, and who needs to upskill? How effective are your current code of conduct practices?
- Create a plan of action: Consider budgets and resources, and how you will effectively use the transition period. Planning ahead means you can implement changes without disrupting your service delivery. You should also begin building relationships with training providers.
- Start engaging with your employees: Make sure everybody is aware of the Competence and Conduct Standard, and when it launches, from senior managers to mobile-based operatives. Demonstrate the benefits of the new qualifications and skills needed.
- Develop a culture for learning and development: Make sure your employees are engaged and ready to learn. It’s important they buy into what the new framework is trying to achieve. Encourage coaching and mentoring, and use examples of where upskilling has benefited staff and tenants.
The Competence and Conduct Standard has the potential to be a huge force for good, helping to build a social housing workforce that’s well-equipped to provide a better service to tenants.
By getting ahead and preparing now, your organisation is likely to hit the ground running when the transition period begins in October 2026.
