Professionalisation of the social housing sector

Background

In May to June 2023, the LGA’s Research and Information Team circulated an online survey to Directors of Housing at English local authorities which own housing stock. The purpose of the survey was to assess the potential impact of the introduction of new standards being introduced for the professionalisation of the housing sector, which will require senior housing officers to be qualified to a certain level. Of the 259 applicable local authorities, a total of 42 replied – a response rate of 16 per cent.

Key messages and findings

• A total of 66 per cent of senior housing managers at respondent councils were not yet sufficiently qualified to meet the new requirements, and 54 per cent of senior housing executives likewise require further qualifications.
• A total of 62 per cent of respondents reported that they would not feasibly be able to ensure 100 per cent compliance with the required level of qualifications within a two-year period, given their current resources.
• Based on financial figures provided by the respondents, English councils are likely to face £17.9 million in additional costs resulting directly from these requirements for the first two years, and £3.7 million per annum on an ongoing basis after the end of the first two years.
• A total of 80 per cent of respondents anticipated great or moderate disruptive impacts on their recruitment and retention of housing officers as a result of the requirements.
• A total of 68 per cent of respondents anticipated a disruptive impact on their service provision as a result of the requirements.