CIH introduces new professionalism standards

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has introduced a set of new professional standards aimed at supporting the work of housing professionals.

The new standards identify seven professional characteristics that people working in the housing sector should adhere to. The CIH says the standards should be used to encourage individuals to reflect on their professional development needs and identify where they can make positive changes.

The CIH has worked with hundreds of members, tenants and residents, housing organisations and other professional bodies to develop the new standards and said that they should be able to be used by all housing professionals, regardless of specialism.

The seven characteristics are as follows:

• Integrity: A housing professional has a clear understanding of their values and acts in accordance with them – they will do the right thing, for the right reasons, based on the best evidence and without partiality.
• Inclusive: A housing professional acts transparently and fairly; builds good relationships; and works collaboratively with partners, customers and communities to achieve better outcomes.
• Ethical: A housing professional acts fairly and makes choices and decisions by applying principles and values consistently. They understand the impact that poor decisions can have both on people’s lives and the reputation of their organisation and they challenge unethical practice in a fair and considered way.
• Knowledgeable: A housing professional has relevant and up-to-date practical and specialist knowledge as required by their job role, understands the bigger picture and has a passion for continuous learning.
• Skilled: A housing professional equips themselves with the relevant skills to deliver effective services to tenants, customers, colleagues and partners.
• Advocate: A housing professional acts as an ambassador for the wider housing sector and an advocate for the housing profession.
• Leadership: Housing professionals at all levels should demonstrate leadership, be forward-thinking and create opportunities. They find solutions to improve outcomes for their organisation, tenants and communities and demonstrate their ability to adapt to the latest ideas, situations and change.The CIH said that by upholding the standards, individuals demonstrate their dedication to the sector, develop new and existing behaviours and champion the role housing professionals play in making a difference to the residents and communities they work with.Gavin Smart, chief executive at the CIH, said: “We’re delighted to introduce this first phase of our professionalism work, the CIH professional standards.“We want every housing professional to be recognised for their knowledge, behaviours, resilience and dedication to the sector. I believe that by applying the characteristics and standards, the housing profession will gain a higher degree of trust and credibility. It’s from this position of trust that we can best achieve our purpose – to create a future in which everyone has a place to call home.”

  In the coming months, the CIH will introduce new tools and materials that work alongside the professional standards to further support individuals and organisations on their professionalism journey.

  This will include a self-assessment function to score against each of the standards, new training and development content, and evolving materials to boost housing professionals’ knowledge and skills.