Competence and Conduct Standard: policy, code of conduct and qualifications
The Regulator of Social Housing's Competence and Conduct Standard applies to all registered providers from 1 October 2026. You need a written policy on staff skills and development, a code of conduct, and a way for tenants to influence both. Paid senior housing staff also need a housing qualification, or to be working towards one, by October 2030 if you have fewer than 1,000 homes.
What the standard asks of you
- A written policy on developing the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours your staff need, including how you check the staff of organisations that work for you.
- A code of conduct, developed or adopted, and embedded.
- Both kept up to date and accessible to tenants, with meaningful chances for tenants to influence and scrutinise them.
- Qualifications for paid senior housing managers (level 4) and executives (level 5 or a foundation degree).
What you get
See the sample: Competence and conduct policy template · Code of conduct template · Have your say notice
Related guides
- The Competence and Conduct Standard for small providers
- Housing qualifications: who needs one, and what about volunteers?
Questions
Who counts as a senior housing manager or executive?
Paid staff whose main job, or an important and substantial part of it, is managing housing services, once they've been in the role for more than 12 months. Our guide explains the detail.
Do we have to write our own code of conduct?
You can develop your own or adopt one. Ours is ready to adopt, and you can edit the Word version.
How do tenants influence the policy?
Through the routes you choose, such as residents' meetings, surveys or a residents' panel. The Have your say notice invites their views.