Awaab's Law: Social housing bosses will need professional qualifications

Social housing bosses will be required to study for qualifications as part of a drive to professionalise the sector in the wake Awaab Ishak's tragic death in a mouldy flat in Rochdale. Housing Secretary Michael Gove has announced the changes after recognising that social housing residents were being 'inexcusably let down'.

The Cabinet minister said the shift would 'drive up standards' across the board after Awaab's death. The toddler died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould at his home on the Freehold estate.

The Manchester Evening News began campaigning for Awaab's Law, following the inquest into the two-year-old's death. Social landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing knew of the mould problem for several months before he died, but failed to act.

In response to his death, ministers have proposed that landlords will have to investigate and fix damp and mould in social housing within strict time limits under what would be known as Awaab's Law. On top of those reforms, Mr Gove on Sunday announced new rules that will mean around 25,000 managers across the sector will be required to have an appropriate level housing management qualification.

Managers must have a qualification that comes from a provider regulated by exams watchdog Ofqual and that is equivalent to a level 4 or 5 certificate or diploma in housing. Alternatively, they can have a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

The changes will be made through amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Officials said the new requirements will professionalise and drive the 'culture change needed' in the sector.

They said ensuring managers have