09 Jul 2026
Regulator confirms competency and conduct requirements as a separate standard
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has confirmed the upcoming competence and conduct requirements will be introduced as a distinct standard, and not as part of the revised Transparency, Influence and Accountability (TIA) Standard.
In December 2025 the Regulator published a consultation which consulted on placing competence and conduct requirements within the TIA Standard. CIH raised concerns during the consultation about the change, advocating that a separate Competence and Conduct Standard was essential to increase visibility and clarity for tenants and landlords.
The decision by the Regulator to introduce a separate Competence and Conduct Standard, rather than incorporating it into another consumer standard, is significant. It highlights the importance of the consultation feedback and, the confirmation that it will be a separate standard, demonstrates the importance of housing as a profession.
Gavin Smart, CIH's chief executive, echoed this, stating "CIH welcomes the RSH’s announcement on changes to the consumer standards, including the introduction of a standalone Competence and Conduct Standard. This sends a strong signal to the sector about the centrality of competence and professional conduct to service quality and resident safety.
“CIH raised concerns during the consultation that folding competence and conduct into the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard could risk signalling a downgrading of its significance. We're pleased the RSH has listened and made it a distinct standard.
“With the revised Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard including new access to information requirements, the new Competence and Conduct Standard and the updated Code taking effect from 1 October 2026, today's announcement provides the certainty housing organisations need to prepare for implementation."
The standalone standard will sit alongside the revised consumer standards and will come into force in October 2026, with transition periods for qualification requirements.
