New Technical Qualifications in Housing Maintenance

In October 2004, the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB) developed the concept of introducing new qualifications for maintenance professionals operating within the social housing sector. At this time, several major reviews and surveys into public sector and property/housing-related skills were either underway or being concluded. These were:

• Public Sector Occupational Skills Shortages - Reed Recruitment Survey 2003;
• A Review of Skills Needs in the Property & Housing Sectors - PSNTO & Housing Potential 2002 - commissioned by Department for Education and Skills;
• Built Environment Professional Skills Survey - CITB-CS 2004;
• Skills Needs Assessment Report - Asset Skills 2005.

The CIOB found, both through existing knowledge of sector requirements and emerging research, that the industry was suffering from both a decline in ability to recruit/retain staff and a shortage in generic skills such as Communications, Technical Knowledge, Management, Customer Care and ICT. The conclusions of the prevailing research were that such issues were continuing to have a profound affect on the sector and undermining its future ability to meet demand.

As professions have developed over the years, becoming more distinct, qualifications have necessarily been modified to meet occupational needs and requirements. During the evolution of RSL's over the past 40-50 years, Housing Maintenance has emerged as a defined profession, similar to that of Facilities Management which was virtually unknown until the mid 80's. CIOB examination of current qualifications has shown that, as yet, no programmes have been established which meet sector requirements. In addition, Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council for Housing has identified the following from their 2005 survey:

• Current NVQ's not responding to sector need and poor take up;
• Revision of existing qualifications needed to reflect job roles;
• Development required of more mandatory units related to technical skills in Housing;
• Potential need for vocational qualifications in Surveying to meet skills needs;
• Requirement for Level 2 qualification on 'Introduction to the Housing Sector'

In 2005, the CIOB and CIH entered a joint development partnership and began initial work on qualification structures. A steering group comprising professional members of both institutes and representative of the social housing sector met during 2005 and led on the technical input and framework of the qualifications. During this period, the CIOB and CIH conducted a UK-wide survey which also included co-operation from Sector Skills Councils, Housing Association Federations for Wales and Scotland and other representative organisations.

Around 260 responses were received endorsing the proposals and supporting future development work.

From the outset, the purpose of the qualifications has been clear - to provide a coherent programme of education for Housing Maintenance professionals, to support development and to underpin progression and ultimately, assist with staff retention.

The qualifications range from a Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to a Level 4 Certificate/Diploma programme (HNC equivalent) covering Maintenance Management or Development. The will enable non-technical staff from either a customer services or housing management background to qualify, progress and become recognised as a distinct professional.

Development work is almost complete after 2 years. The qualifications are structured as follows and will proceed to Qualification and Curriculum Authority registration in 2007:

The CIOB and CIH are intending to provide professional recognition of these qualifications through their respective membership structures. They are also assembling marketing information providing further information for prospective candidates and employers.

Download pdf for more information (PDF: 1.15 MB)

If you require any additional information on these proposed qualifications please contact the Chartered Institute of Housing on 024 7685 1700 or go to www.ciob.org.uk

CIOB/CIH Awarding Body Information for Centres

If you have any questions regarding the accreditation process then please contact the Chartered Institute of Housing on 024 7685 1776 or email us at accreditation@cih.org