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Social Housing: Preparing for the Competence and Conduct Standard – Six Steps to Readiness

In a major move to raise professional standards, the housing sector will see the new Competence and Conduct Standard take effect in October 2026.

This outcome-based framework applies to all social housing staff in England, setting clear expectations for their qualifications, behaviour, and organisational culture.

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) will focus its scrutiny heavily on the efficacy of your systems and the quality of your evidence. They will demand tangible proof that training and development activities translate directly into measurable improvements in competence, service delivery, and positive tenant outcomes. This must be supported by comprehensive records detailing staff competence gaps and clear, actionable plans to address them.

In our latest guide, we offer a comprehensive review of the steps required to prepare for the new Standard. It serves as a vital resource for C-suite executives and senior leaders across various functions, including:

  • Customer Service and Operations
  • Compliance and Risk
  • HR and Learning & Development (L&D)
  • Housing and Neighbourhood Management

Key Themes Explored:

  • The “Need-to-Know” Changes: How the new requirements could impact your day-to-day operations.
  • Regulatory Expectations: How the Standard will likely be regulated and the specific types of evidence required for compliance.
  • Roadmap to Readiness: Six recommended steps your organisation should take now to ensure a smooth transition.

Access the guide here

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