RICS and CIH Housing Academy collaboration: support for RICS UK members working in social housing
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10 November 2026
Overview
The Competence and Conduct Standard, which came into force on 1 October 2026, introduces a new sector-wide, outcome-based framework for professionals working in social housing in England. As part of the Standard, senior professionals delivering housing services will be required to hold, or be working towards, a recognised housing management qualification.
If you already have a housing-related qualification, you will need to review and map its content against the requirements of the Standard to assess your level of compliance. Where gaps are identified and you are deemed partially compliant, additional learning may be required to address those areas and ensure you fully meet the Standard’s expectations.
RICS has been engaging with stakeholders across the housing sector to understand the implications of the Competence and Conduct Standard for professionally qualified members working in social housing. Our review suggests that some of our members, particularly those in technical housing management roles, may find that their qualifications and experience do not fully cover all aspects of the Standard, including areas such as resident and tenant engagement. As a result, some individuals may be considered partially compliant and require additional learning to address competency gaps.
As compliance will vary depending on an individual's role, responsibilities, qualifications and professional experience, members should work with their employer to assess their position against the Standard and identify any development needs. To support this process, RICS has collaborated with the CIH Housing Academy to provide a range of targeted learning options. These learning products are designed to help members who have completed a self-assessment against the Standard build knowledge and competence in areas where further development may be beneficial, supporting their journey towards full compliance.
Important notice for eligible RICS members based in the UK
Further information is available through My Account. The member-only area contains additional guidance on available learning opportunities and how to access further support.
Benefits for RICS UK members
The RICS and CIH Housing Academy collaboration is designed to provide RICS members in the UK with additional support and greater choice when considering how to address any learning or competency gaps identified through their assessment against the Standard.
Benefits include:
- Targeted learning: members can select individual top-up units or broader qualifications according to the competency gaps they have identified.
- Recognised housing expertise: members can access learning provided through the CIH Housing Academy, including regulated qualifications where applicable.
- Flexible learning routes: depending on the qualification, options include online and online plus.
- Wide-ranging subjects: available learning covers areas including tenant engagement, customer focus, professionalism, ethics, housing regulation, leadership and management.
- Access to further information: eligible RICS members in the UK can access additional information about available learning pathways and resources through My Account.
Important information
The learning products available through this collaboration should be considered as a range of options that may address any competency gaps that have been identified.
Please note that RICS is not advising members that any individual product or qualification is a required solution for meeting the Standard.
Responsibility for mapping an individual's role, responsibilities, qualifications and experience against the Standard remains with the individual and their organisation.
Members should consider their own circumstances and work with their employer to determine whether additional learning is required and, where appropriate, which learning option is most suitable.
Please also note that
- registration onto CIH Housing Academy qualifications is subject to the relevant entry requirements and availability
- these qualifications are regulated products and both Awarding Organisation and Centre entry requirements must be met before registration can be accepted
- RICS UK members registering with the CIH Housing Academy will follow the same learning journey as other learners registering for the relevant course, and
- the usual CIH Housing Academy terms and conditions apply.
Learning opportunities
Through the collaboration, members may choose from a range of learning opportunities provided by CIH Housing Academy.
These include:
- top-up learning units
- housing qualifications, and
- online learning resources.
Learning opportunities cover a range of topics relevant to social housing, including regulation, customer focus, professionalism, ethics, leadership and service delivery.
Member access
Eligible RICS members in the UK will be able to access further information through My Account.
Members will be able to:
- learn more about the collaboration
- explore available learning opportunities, and
- access guidance on next steps
Course content is maintained by CIH Housing Academy to ensure it remains current and accurate.
Important reminder
The learning opportunities available through the RICS and CIH Housing Academy collaboration are intended to support RICS UK members who have identified potential development needs.
They do not determine whether an individual member is compliant with the Competence and Conduct Standard.
Members should work with their employer to assess the requirements relevant to their role, responsibilities, qualifications and experience and determine whether additional learning is required.
