This is class of membership recognises highly experienced professionals who have made a significant contribution to the housing profession. It's the most senior membership grade offered by CIH.

Fellowship is recognised across the housing profession as an indicator of professional expertise, competence as a broad-skilled practitioner. Fellows have a commitment to both improving communities and enriching the housing profession.

We often see individuals who are senior leaders, aspiring leaders and experienced professionals, apply for this grade.

The benefits of becoming a fellow of CIH include:

  • Proof of your professionalism
  • Evidence that you have kept up-to-date with current housing issues
  • Demonstration of your commitment to housing as a profession
  • Ability to vote at CIH meetings and stand-in for governing board
  • Eligible to apply for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) professionally qualified person card
How we support you
Member-exclusive events

As a member you can attend all our events for free**, they cover a variety of topics, ranging from practical housing management, high-level policy discussions to webinars designed to support your professional development.

View our upcoming events

**Unfortunately due to the specific way these events are hosted, we are unable to include Manchester and live award ceremonies and dinners as part of the offer. Terms and conditions apply

Mentoring programme

Assist other CIH members to implement effective career development strategies at a time of rapid change in the housing world by becoming a Mentor.

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Opinion panel

Our CIH member opinion panel gives you the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas around housing-related issues from all across the UK. Join over 500 other housing professionals influencing CIH’s policy work.

CPD programme

We dedicate ourselves to support you in your continuous professional development (CPD). Being able to track, record and monitor your CPD is crucial as you progress through the membership grades, but also as evidence of your personal professional development to your employer.

Become a TILM member

We’ve partnered with The Institute of Leadership and Management (TILM) to offer an exclusive joint membership deal to current CIH members, giving access to a wealth of support to grow your leadership potential within the housing sector.

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Publications library
Our publications focus on the latest policy topics and practical advice that you need to be a housing professional. CIH members can access all our publication documents for free.

View our publications

Keeping you informed

Be the first to know about all the breaking news for the sector as and when it happens. With regular newsletters to keep you in the loop with everything that is going on in the housing sector.

We will also keep you informed about about upcoming events, training courses and more.

Adrian Huckin FCIH | Executive director of innovation, culture and improvement Merlin Homes

I have benefited from the professional training afforded to me by the CIH, whilst I was studying for my professional examinations and participating in the CPD programme. Exclusive discounts on courses, conferences, access to the webinar programme and wider professional guidance has ensured I have kept abreast of national, regional and local policy issues. I have also specifically benefitted from being a member of the CIH in Wales where access to our decision makers has been possible and actively encouraged.

John Keegan FCIH | Chief executive, Monmouthshire Housing Association

CIH membership is essential for promotion and a great way to network and meet like-minded people. Joining CIH is a sign of commitment to the profession. Joining CIH is a sign of commitment to your own development and it’s a way of promoting our profession as a fantastic career.

Jason Wroe FCIH | Chief executive, Newydd Group Ltd

Being part of CIH means you are in a club of like-minded individuals trying to achieve the same thing as you - whether that is career improvement, better outcomes & performance in your current role, or improving the provision of affordable housing and sustainable communities for everyone.

How to become a fellow FCIH

To become a fellow you will need to be a current Chartered member of CIH and be able to demonstrate how you have contributed to the profession. 

Assessment for fellowship is based on the following criteria:

  • Contribution to the profession and the community: the member has been actively engaged in developing and supporting other members of the profession and/or the community and can demonstrate they have made a difference

  • Leadership: the member will have shown leadership experience in their field, developing and delivering a vision, encouraging others and advancing the environment in the sector in which they operate

Sign up from £32 a month*

*Pay your £394 membership cost via Direct Debit across 12 months. 

Application checklist

As part of your application you will need to:

  1. Follow the link below and complete the application form
  2. Attach your curriculum vitae
  3. Include a personal statement (1000 words maximum)
  4. Include statements by two referees
  5. Show evidence of 20 hours CPD during the last 12 months
  6. Submit your application

All applications will be acknowledged and a timetable for reviews will be confirmed. Members can apply at any time and applications will be held until the next meeting of the panel.

Please note a non-refundable fee of £250 is due at the time of application. Applications will not go before the CIH Fellowship Admissions Panel until full payment has been received. 

Fellowship guide
Only existing chartered members can apply for fellowship. Applications can be made at any time and will be held until the next meeting of the panel.
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Become a volunteer
The various voluntary groups across CIH are an integral piece of our organisations puzzle. They help us to improve our services, develop relevant content, training, and products, as well as strengthen our voice in the housing profession.
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