Preparing for the Competence and Conduct Standard
What housing providers need to know
The Competence and Conduct Standard is coming – are you ready?
The government has now published its final direction to the Regulator of Social Housing, setting out how the Competence and Conduct Standard will be implemented.
From October 2026, registered housing providers must meet new regulatory expectations around staff competence, contractor accountability, and tenant involvement. The government’s final direction now gives clarity on what’s required – and when.
The government has now published its final direction to the Regulator of Social Housing, setting out how the Competence and Conduct Standard will be implemented.
From October 2026, registered housing providers must meet new regulatory expectations around staff competence, contractor accountability, and tenant involvement. The government’s final direction now gives clarity on what’s required – and when.
What’s changing?
The new standard sets out six key requirements:
Staff competence: All relevant staff must show they have the right skills, behaviours, and values – not just qualifications.
Qualifications: Senior housing managers and executives must hold (or be working towards) an approved qualification.
Contractor standards: Contractors must meet the same expectations as directly employed staff.
Workforce policy: Providers need a live, embedded policy that supports development, manages performance, and addresses poor conduct.
Code of Conduct: A clear, accessible code must be in place and actively used.
Tenant voice: Tenants must help shape and review both the competence policy and code of conduct.
Staff competence: All relevant staff must show they have the right skills, behaviours, and values – not just qualifications.
Qualifications: Senior housing managers and executives must hold (or be working towards) an approved qualification.
Contractor standards: Contractors must meet the same expectations as directly employed staff.
Workforce policy: Providers need a live, embedded policy that supports development, manages performance, and addresses poor conduct.
Code of Conduct: A clear, accessible code must be in place and actively used.
Tenant voice: Tenants must help shape and review both the competence policy and code of conduct.
Timescales for compliance
Large providers (1,000+ homes): 3 years from October 2026
Smaller providers (<1,000 homes): 4 years
But don’t wait. Preparing now means avoiding future pressure and positioning your organisation as a leader in professional standards.
Smaller providers (<1,000 homes): 4 years
But don’t wait. Preparing now means avoiding future pressure and positioning your organisation as a leader in professional standards.
Access Training qualifications that meet the standard
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Why choose Access Training?
We support housing providers with practical, sector-relevant training and development solutions.
We understand the pressures housing providers face, and we’re here to make compliance achievable, not overwhelming.
- We deliver flexible qualification pathways for senior leaders.
- Real-world expertise in housing and compliance – we’re co-owned by two housing associations.
- Established in 1983, we’re a trusted training provider with over 40 years’ experience
- We’re graded Ofsted Good and are an approved study centre for the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
We understand the pressures housing providers face, and we’re here to make compliance achievable, not overwhelming.
Let’s talk about your next steps
The new standards officially come into force in just 12 months. If you’d like to explore how Access Training can support your team, with our Engagement team today.
What our learners say
Colin
“The support from Access Training has been incredible. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and excited for what’s next.”
Emma
“The course was practical and insightful, helping me understand how different areas of housing connect to support our customers.”
Suzanne
“The course was practical and flexible, fitting around my work schedule while deepening my understanding of the sector.”
Marisa
“The support from Access Training was incredible, and the experience has truly transformed my career path.”
“The support from Access Training has been incredible. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and excited for what’s next.”
Emma
“The course was practical and insightful, helping me understand how different areas of housing connect to support our customers.”
Suzanne
“The course was practical and flexible, fitting around my work schedule while deepening my understanding of the sector.”
Marisa
“The support from Access Training was incredible, and the experience has truly transformed my career path.”
