The Chartered Institute of Housing – An Introduction Dr Paul Griseri (former CIH Chief Moderator)

This presentation Outline of nature of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Activities and services Benefits for the housing profession

What is the Chartered Institute of Housing? The professional body for all those working in housing Membership organisation – members in UK and over 20 other countries CIH 3 objectives: Learn, Improve, Influence  CIH provides opportunities for learning and professional development  CIH are housing champions - influencing UK policy at all levels

Origins and development Octavia Hill – late 19th century philanthropist Poor state of housing in Victorian UK Growth of role of local authorities in 20 th century Predecessor institutes and societies 1916, 1931, 1948 Institute of Housing Managers1965, renamed Institute of Housing 1974 Royal Charter 1984

CIH today Over 22,000 members National Business Units in Scotland, N Ireland, Wales Consultancy arm, ConsultCIH International membership from 2006

Mission “We exist to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities, working to transform the lives of the most vulnerable in society” (CIH website) “Our vision is to be the first point of contact for – and credible voice of – anyone involved or interested in housing” (2012 consultation paper)

Key values Contribution of housing professionals to communities as places to live and work An organisation in which everybody can participate Promoting equality and diversity across the housing sector Managing in a socially and environmentally responsible way Promoting green issues across the sector

Stated goals “Our goal is simple – we want to transform lives. We want everyone to have a decent, affordable home in a thriving, safe community” “We passionately believe that our contribution as housing professionals is vital to making communities great places to live” “Our purpose is to provide everyone involved in housing with the advice, support and knowledge they need to be brilliant”

How the Institute is governed Governing Board – trustees appointed by a recruitment panel and approved by membership at AGM Chair of Board Elected President – ‘ambassador’ Executive team – CEO, Regional Directors, Functional Directors

Membership Levels/grades depending on qualifications and experience Member benefits : essential resources to practice; information relevant to role; professional advice and access to forums; support for career development; access to conferences and workshops

Educational qualifications CIH is the main awarding organisation for housing qualifications in the UK CIH courses are nationally recognised by employers and the UK government Qualifications range from the entry-level Certificate through membership level courses to postgraduate qualifications

Influencing activities Response to consultations – involving membership Collaborates with Shelter and National Housing Federation on the Housing All-Party Parliamentary group Research – statistical reports, annual housing review, report on government progress Summary/commentary on current and planned government policies

Partnership activities Examples – Housing and Ageing Alliance, Home Adaptations Consortium, Rural Services Network, ‘Opening Doors’ project Increases impact, shares resources Builds on synergies with like minded organisations Helps bring the CIH values and mission to wider audiences

Role and impact of a professional housing institute Provides a voice and identity for the housing industry Defines professional competence and excellence Brings together professionals in a range of related areas Direct channel of communication with policy makers and other key decision making bodies Develops practice by –bringing professionals together to share experiences –publishing guides on areas of practice –creating a structure of educational qualifications that define career paths

Key issues for a professional housing institute Membership involvement and rights of approval Identifying and addressing key needs for local housing professionals Provision of range of services – with the prospect of further development Government/policy access Support for careers

Finding out more about the CIH (comprehensive website)