Chartered Institute of Housing – Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (QCF)

Programme Information

Level 3 Housing is offered by Chartered Institute of Housing. (A Level equivalent).

Course Aims

• Develop skills and knowledge necessary to participate in housing practice
• Provide learners with a detailed understanding of a specialist area of housing practice
• Prepare for study at Level 4

Who should do this course?

The CIH Level 3 Award and Certificate in Housing Practice is a vocationally related qualification for the housing sector.

It is suitable for:

• Anyone working in a Generic Housing Environment, Hostel and Foyer staff, Sheltered Housing Staff
• Housing Staff who wish to increase their knowledge and awareness of the housing environment, especially if they are aiming to work in this area
• Individual Private Sector Landlords – who wish to gain knowledge and awareness of the housing environment

What is needed to join the course?

• No academic entry requirements
• Candidates should be working in a housing environment
• Applicants not currently working in a housing environment or in a related field should provide evidence of a placement, or the availability of voluntary work within a housing related organisation for the duration of the course
• Admission is by interview and individual guidance will be given in relation to ensuring it is the right level and award.

About the course

• The Certificate in Housing Practice includes 3 Core Modules that must be completed (see below for details). 3 Mandatory Units depending on the selected pathway, and a further 2 Optional Units are also to be completed (selected from a choice). 8 units in total for the Award and Certificate
• These sessions are delivered as Blended Learning – with regular, 3 hourly workshop sessions, arranged to meet the requirements of each organisation (these dates and sessions are agreed with each organisation prior to the course starting).
• These are usually delivered in the workplace; but may be delivered in the College: arranged to meet the needs and requirements of each organisation.
• These sessions cover the underpinning knowledge needed to complete the Certificate.
• In order to successfully complete the course, candidates are required to complete one written assignment from each of the 8 modules; the final assignment is set by the Chartered Institute of Housing; all assignments need to be completed successfully to achieve the full award.
• This Certificate can be linked with the QCF Level 3 Certificate in Housing

How are the sessions delivered?

• Course materials in the way of module booklets and handouts are issued at the start of each unit.
• Candidates are expected to complete some research themselves in order to benefit fully from the course.
• The sessions are usually delivered in a structured, but informal way, with candidates being expected to contribute to discussions around each topic within the unit.
• Candidates are encouraged to participate in these discussions, in order to share their own knowledge and awareness of housing issues with others within the group, whilst learning from others themselves.
• Candidates are encouraged to relate their learning back to their working environment / organisation, in order to make it more meaningful to them

The three modules are:-

• 3M1 – Delivery of Affordable Housing Services
• 3M2 – Equality and Diversity in Housing
• 3M3 – Professional Practice skills for Housing

What is included in each module?

• Unit 3M1 – Delivery of Affordable Housing Services

This unit aims to introduce learners to affordable housing organisations and the services they deliver. This includes the key themes of partnership working, resident participation and regulation

• Unit 3M2 – Equality and Diversity in Housing

This unit introduces learners to equality and diversity legislation in a housing context. It also looks at the diversity of communities and how organisations respond to diversity in order to provide effective services

• Unit 3M3 – Professional Practice Skills for Housing

This unit enables candidates to develop and reflect on professional practice skills for housing. It explores in breadth, communication skills, organisational skills, team working and basic supervision, customer service skills; and introduces candidates to professional development planning

Mandatory Pathway Units

Depending in which pathway taken, will determine the 3 Mandatory Units to be completed, these are discussed and agreed prior to enrolment

Optional Units

A Further 2 optional units need to be selected by candidates, in order to complete the Certificate

These are usually discussed and agreed with the candidates as a group. Once agreed, they are delivered to the whole group (not different units for each candidate).

The units to select from include:

• UNIT 302 Dealing with Anti Social Behaviour in Housing
• UNIT 308 The Framework for Housing Advice
• UNIT 310 Homelessness Services and Prevention
• UNIT 314 Involving Service Users
• UNIT 320 Occupancy Tenure and Lettings
• UNIT 321 Personalisation and Delivering Support for Independent Living
• UNIT 323 Planning Support for Independent Living
• UNIT 326 The Role of the Support Worker in Independent Living
• UNIT 332 The Legal Framework for Housing
• UNIT 336 Housing and Older People
• UNIT 335 Housing and Young People

What happens on completion?

Candidates may progress to Level 4, or a foundation Degree in Housing Studies at Blackburn University Centre.

Who can tell me more?

Programme Manager Carol Taylor Tel 01254 292485

Course Tutor Liz Walker Tel 10254 292485