By Debbie Gardiner MBE, Managing Director, AKG Learning
A Turning Point for Professional Competence in Housing
The confirmation that the Level 4 Senior Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship does meet the Competence and Conduct Standard, effective from October 2025, marks a major milestone for the housing sector.
For housing associations, local councils, and ALMOs, this is more than a policy update, but a more practical, affordable, and fully compliant route to developing confident, capable housing professionals who meet new regulatory expectations.
What the Change Means
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Regulator of Social Housing have confirmed that:
Learners completing the Level 4 Senior Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship meet the requirements of the Competence and Conduct Standard without needing any additional qualification.
This announcement gives housing providers a single, integrated learning pathway that combines workplace learning with formal assessment and is fully recognised by the regulator.
Why This Is Good News for Employers
For employers, the benefits are immediate:
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A clear, compliant pathway for Senior Housing Managers to meet regulatory requirements.
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A streamlined process that reduces duplication and administrative complexity.
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A cost-effective training route that can be funded through the Skills and Growth Levy (formerly the Apprenticeship Levy).
A Cost-Effective Route to Compliance
Debbie Gardiner MBE, Managing Director at AKG Learning, welcomed the announcement.
“This is a really positive development for the sector. It means housing associations and local councils can upskill their staff to meet the new Competence and Conduct Standard without increasing training budgets.
By using their existing Skills and Growth Levy funding, organisations can invest in a nationally recognised qualification that meets regulatory requirements, builds real-world capability and supports long-term workforce growth. It’s a win-win for both employers and learners.”
She added:
“We’ve been waiting for this announcement for some time and have already expanded our team to manage the increased demand for these apprenticeships. This gives housing associations and other in-scope organisations more choice and puts them in control of the approach that works best for them.”
What About Senior Leaders?
While this update provides a clear route for Senior Housing Managers through the Level 4 apprenticeship, there is currently no Level 5 apprenticeship.
However, professional qualifications such as the CIH Diploma in Housing remain available through approved centres including AKG Learning.
This means Senior Housing Executives and those in strategic leadership roles will still need to complete an approved qualification at Level 5 or above.
As outlined in section 3.3 of the Competence and Conduct Standard policy statement, equivalent or higher-level qualifications or apprenticeships can also meet requirements if they align with the specified course content criteria.
How to Prepare
With the Competence and Conduct Standard now live, housing providers should:
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Map staff roles against the Standard to identify who is in scope at Levels 4 and 5.
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Develop a workforce competence plan that integrates apprenticeship delivery.
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Partner with trusted training providers such as AKG Learning to ensure programmes are aligned, flexible and focused on both compliance and culture.
In Summary
The approval of the Level 4 Senior Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship as a recognised route under the Competence and Conduct Standard is significant for the housing sector.
It makes compliance simpler, more accessible and more affordable. It also helps organisations meet the regulator’s expectations while fostering a skilled, professional and tenant-focused workforce.
At AKG Learning, we are proud to help housing providers across the UK strengthen both competence and culture, supporting a professional workforce ready to deliver the highest standards in housing.
Related articles:
- Future-Proofing Housing: Why Workforce Development Matters Now
- Apprenticeships Recognised As Part Of The New Competency And Conduct Framework
- The Countdown to Competence and Conduct: What Housing Professionals Must Do AKG UK – AKG UK
Interested in upskilling your housing teams?
Find out more about our Housing Apprenticeships or contact our team to discuss your workforce development goals.
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