CIH and Homeless Link roll out Level 3 Qualification in Providing Homelessness Services

Following three successful pilot cohorts, the new qualification developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Homeless Link will soon be rolled out to homelessness organisations across the country.

Taken over 20 weeks, the Level 3 Qualification aims to give frontline staff the skills to practically support someone who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness whilst understanding their needs and focusing on their strengths and personal goals.

This qualification was developed after the influential cross party Kerslake Commission into rough sleeping recommended in its report ‘A new way of working: ending rough sleeping together’ from September 2021 that Homeless Link should “convene a consultation on professional accreditation” for frontline homelessness workers, stating that “staff in the homelessness sector support very vulnerable people, often with complex needs and it is essential that they have the right competencies to do this job.”

To date, 26 homelessness professionals across six organisations have completed the qualification, with feedback extremely positive.

Homeless Link will be providing delivery of the sessions that make up the qualification, and CIH will be acting as the registered centre, providing assessment and feedback to learners.

Rick Henderson, CEO at the national homelessness membership charity Homeless Link, said: 

“Our members have told us that they are struggling to recruit quality staff in the current climate, and this qualification aims to help address this issue.

“Following the three successful pilot cohorts, we are delighted to roll the accredited course out across the country to enable the sector to offer a high, consistent standard of support to people experiencing homelessness and promote staff learning and development, while empowering professionals with crucial knowledge and skills.

“Our partnership with CIH ensures that the qualification will represent high professional standards that are recognised and respected across homelessness and neighbouring sectors.”

Sarah Dunkerley, director of professional development at the Chartered Institute of Housing said:

“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.”

“By partnering with Homeless Link, the content in this qualification will be relevant, up-to-date and provide learners with the understanding to support people experiencing homelessness.”

You can now register your interest for the next cohort of the Level 3 Qualification. To find out more about course requirements and information on what you will cover, please visit homeless.org.uk/accredited-training