William Eichler 24 January 2023

First ever qualification for homelessness workforce launched

First ever qualification for homelessness workforce launched image
Image: Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com.

The first ever accredited qualification for the homelessness workforce has been launched to help frontline staff develop their skills.

Launched by Homeless Link, the membership body for homelessness organisations, and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the Level 3 qualification in Providing Homelessness Services is the result of a consultation by Homeless Link on professional accreditation following a recommendation of the Kerslake Commission.

Homeless Link subsequently developed and ran a successful pilot in collaboration with CIH, which saw 26 staff from six homelessness services complete the qualification.

Taken over 20 weeks, the new qualification aims to give frontline staff the comprehensive skills and knowledge to practically support someone who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, while understanding their needs and focusing on their strengths.

Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, said: ‘Until now, there has been no professional qualification for the homelessness sector – as there has been for the social care sector – which recognises the complexity of the work carried out by frontline staff. Our members have told us that they are struggling to recruit quality staff in the current climate, and this new qualification aims to address this issue.

‘Following the successful pilot, we are delighted to roll this course out nationwide to support our members and the sector to enhance staff learning and development and offer a high, consistent standard of support to people experiencing homelessness.’

Sarah Dunkerley, director of professional development at the Chartered Institute of Housing, commented: ‘We’re extremely excited that, following the success of the qualification pilot, we’re able to open this course up to the wider housing and homelessness sector. Completing a qualification is a fantastic way of establishing yourself as a professional, ensuring you have the theoretical knowledge, key skills and learning to perform your day job at the highest level.’

Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of Norwich-based homelessness charity, St Martins, said: ‘Putting our team members on an accredited course that properly reflects the work they do is really important. We must recognise the professionalism, the knowledge, the skills and the experience of our workforce and ensure they receive the recognition they truly deserve. A qualification will also help to bring people into the sector, which we need to do as well in terms of recruitment and retention.’

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner