Overview

This bill amends the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, introducing mandatory qualifications for senior housing management personnel. It aims to improve the quality of management within social housing by setting minimum qualification standards for senior roles.

Description

The bill mandates qualifications for senior housing executives and managers within social housing providers. It specifies that senior housing executives must hold at least a foundation degree or a level 5 qualification in housing management (or be working towards one), while senior housing managers require at least a level 4 qualification (or be working towards one). These qualifications are defined by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. The bill also extends these requirements to senior managers working for organisations contracted to manage social housing, including stipulations on the type of contract and consultation processes.

Specifics of the Qualification Requirements:

• Senior Housing Executives: Foundation degree or Level 5 qualification (or working towards it).
• Senior Housing Managers: Level 4 qualification (or working towards it).

Inclusion of Contractors:

The amendments extend the qualification requirements to senior managers employed by organisations contracted by social housing providers to manage their properties. New terms will be implied into such management contracts to ensure compliance.

Consultation Requirements:

The bill introduces mandatory consultation requirements with relevant bodies representing the interests of services providers before implementing new standards.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The cost will likely relate to regulatory oversight and enforcement of the new qualification requirements, and potential support for training and qualifications among existing staff to meet the new requirements. No specific figures are provided in the text.

Groups Affected

• Registered Social Housing Providers: Will be required to ensure their senior housing executives and managers meet the new qualification standards. This may involve additional training costs and recruitment challenges.
• Senior Housing Executives and Managers: Will need to obtain the specified qualifications or demonstrate progress towards them to retain their roles. This may necessitate further education and training.
• Organisations Contracting with Social Housing Providers: Will be subject to the new qualification requirements for their senior staff involved in the management of social housing, impacting their staffing and contract terms.
• The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation: Will play a significant role in defining and overseeing the relevant qualifications.

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