What will delegates learn?

Delegates will learn how to carry out structured and effective communal area and block inspections, including what to look for, how to record concerns, and when to escalate issues. The course will help staff understand their role in supporting compliance, maintaining safer neighbourhoods and improving the resident experience.

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the purpose, importance and benefits of regular estate and block inspections
• Recognise key landlord responsibilities, including relevant health and safety and fire safety duties
• Understand the role of housing officers, caretakers, property services teams and other non-technical staff in the inspection process
• Prepare effectively before carrying out an inspection
• Follow a clear inspection routine and know what checks should be included
• Identify common defects, hazards and potential problems in communal areas
• Recognise health and safety risks that could affect residents, contractors or visitors
• Report, record, monitor and follow up issues effectively.

This course will cover

• Why communal area and block inspections matter
• Landlord obligations, policies and procedures
• The role of non-technical staff in identifying and reporting concerns
• Preparing for an inspection, including information, equipment and documentation
• What to check during an inspection, including entrances, stairwells, corridors, lifts, bin stores, lighting, doors, signage and external areas
• Fire safety considerations, including escape routes, fire doors, combustible materials, storage in communal areas and reporting concerns
• Common building defects and maintenance issues
• Health and safety hazards, including slips, trips, falls, security concerns, waste, vandalism and access issues
• Recording findings clearly and consistently
• Escalation, feedback, monitoring and follow-up action.

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for non-technical staff who are responsible for, involved in, or expected to contribute to communal area, estate or block inspections.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Housing officers and neighbourhood officers
• Housing management staff
• Caretakers and estate-based teams
• Property services and repairs staff
• Scheme managers and supported housing staff
• Resident safety, compliance or customer-facing teams
• Anyone who needs to identify, record or report communal area risks and defects confidently.

Nancy Witham has more than 30 years experience within the Social Housing Sector. She delivers innovative, engaging interactive training to operational staff in Repairs & Maintenance, Neighbourhood, Customer Service and Business IT systems. Nancy’s style of training makes learning enjoyable and relevant and her training programmes receive consistently excellent feedback.

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.