The government has confirmed the new Competence and Conduct Standard will come into force in October 2026. Large Registered Providers (over 1,000 units) will have a three-year transition period, while smaller associations will have four years to comply.

This autumn, the government will instruct the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) to set the new standards for the competence and conduct of employees working in social housing. This will cover both professional qualifications for senior staff and a broader requirement for all social housing staff to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours necessary to deliver high-quality, professional services to tenants.

The time to act is now. Join Debbie Larner (author of the HQN Competence and Conduct Toolkit) and Nikkie Pullen (Head of Organisational Development, Abri) for this practical session as they discuss the requirements and preparations for the newly announced Competence and Conduct Standard.

What will be covered:

• A step-by-step guide to the Competence and Conduct Standard
• Highlights from the HQN Competence and Conduct toolkit and how to use it
• Practical guidance on how best to prepare and what steps to take now
• Experience from landlords who are preparing already
• Top tips and advice on how to get staff on board.

Who should attend?

Essential for everyone responsible for implementing the requirements in the new Standard:

• HR
• Learning and development
• Organisational development
• Senior housing managers
• Senior housing executives
• Strategic service providers.

Essential for:

• Directors of housing
• Directors of asset management
• Heads of housing
• Housing management teams
• Heads of repairs and maintenance
• Heads of planned maintenance.

Debbie Larner, Associate, HQN

Debbie has been working in social housing for over 30 years – most of which was spent at CIH as Head of Practice. Debbie has led the sector’s work on professional standards and has also been focusing on building/fire safety since the Grenfell Tower disaster. She was a key member of the Industry Steering Group focusing on the role and the competency of the Building Safety Manager.

For HQN, Debbie has been focusing on building safety and disrepair as part of her lead associate role – hosting workshops on a range of topical issues, including health and safety compliance.

Nikkie Pullen, Head of Organisational Development, Abri

Nikkie has worked in the housing sector for more than five years and leads on professional development, performance and culture for Abri. With 15 years’ experience in People Development in renowned organisations such as John Lewis and Kingfisher, Nikkie is an EMCC qualified coach, Strengthscope and Insights practitioner.

She is dedicated to enabling colleagues to be the best that they can be, both for themselves and for the customer, and ultimately supporting Abri to achieve its strategic goals.

12:00pm Chair’s welcome and introduction

• Debbie Larner, Associate, HQN

12:10pm The Competence and Conduct Standard: what’s changed and what’s new?

• Debbie Larner, Associate, HQN

Debbie will provide an update on the Competence and Conduct Standard, focusing on the latest developments since its announcement. She will highlight the new information that organisations need to be aware of, including any updates to the requirements or expectations, and explain what has changed from the original guidance. Debbie will help clarify how these changes impact housing providers and what steps organisations should take to stay compliant and support their teams effectively.

12:40pm Getting ready for the Competency and Conduct Standard

• Debbie Larner, Associate, HQN

Debbie will focus on how organisations can best prepare for the introduction of the mandatory qualifications linked to the Competence and Conduct Standard. She will outline the key steps that housing providers should be taking now to ensure readiness, including assessing current workforce qualifications, identifying any skills gaps and planning appropriate training and development pathways. Debbie will provide practical guidance to help organisations implement these requirements smoothly and build a competent, well-qualified workforce for the future.

1:10pm A provider’s perspective

• Nikkie Pullen, Head of Organisational Development, Abri

Nikkie will outline the steps Abri has already taken to prepare for the mandatory qualifications and to align with the broader professional standard. She will then explore how Abri may need to adapt or expand its approach in light of the recently confirmed directive, ensuring compliance and continued professional development across the organisation. Finally, Nikkie will share her overall perspective on the standard—highlighting its importance for raising professionalism within the housing sector and what it means for housing providers moving forward.

1:40pm Questions and answers

• Debbie Larner, Associate, HQN

2:00pm Close

If you are unable to attend an event or public training course, please let us know in writing (email is fine) at least 48 hours before. Please email [email protected]

Otherwise, a cancellation fee of £60 plus VAT will be chargeable.

If you are using a package place to attend and do not inform us within the agreed time frame, then a place will be taken to cover your non-attendance.

Cancellations must be made in writing and will be acknowledged by HQN Limited.