CIH Cymru has launched a survey to gauge demand for a competence and conduct framework in Wales, ahead of mandatory reforms coming into force in England this October. Thousands of housing professionals working in England will need to hold or work towards mandated qualifications; a similar framework does not exist in Wales.
The Competency and Conduct Standard is the latest in a number of measures aimed at tightening standards in the social housing sector, in response to a number of significant failings across safety standards and repairs & maintenance. October will also bring with it phase two of Awaab’s Law, meaning even more home safety hazards will need to be tackled within strict, legally binding timeframes. The regulator has also recently finalised it’s TSMs for the new electrical safety standards, following the implementation of mandatory five-year safety checks on electrical devices for the social sector.
READ MORE: The “Missing Middle” in Britain’s Housing System
CIH Cymru’s survey will seek to open the debate on the introduction of a similar competency standard, and launch discussion surrounding professionalism in Wales more widely. The survey specifically looks to establish:
- Whether qualifications should be mandated or whether the sector is already doing enough in this space
- If the workforce is confident in their levels of professionalism or are at risk of falling behind on this issue
- How the sector can demonstrate its professionalism – giving confidence to those who use its services and work alongside it.
CIH Cymru director Matt Dicks said: “The reforms in England on conduct and competence followed the tragedies of Grenfell and the death of Awaab Ishak. Wales cannot afford to fall behind. Now is the time to decide what the right approach looks like in a Welsh context.
“A strong housing sector needs more than day-to-day competence. It needs professionalism, critical thinking and a serious commitment to learning at every level. So, we need to ask: should qualifications and standards in Wales be voluntary, or should they be required across the sector?
“We want to hear from housing professionals across Wales. Take part in the survey and help shape the debate on what a professional housing workforce should look like for the future.”
The survey is open to all housing professionals working in Wales and can be found in English here and in Welsh here. Responses must be submitted by 31 July 2026.
