Our housing teams are so often the face of Notting Hill Genesis to our residents, and we’re committed to ensuring they are best placed to meet and exceed the expectations of tenants and leaseholders.
We have begun putting our housing managers through and exciting and challenging new qualification that allows them to put what they have learned into practice quickly so they can provide the best possible service.
Our cohort are among the first in the country to complete the Innovate Level 4 Certificate in Housing and Property Management, which is a work-based qualification focused on how learning is applied to the candidate’s day-to-day work. Coursework is based on active projects and workload, creating a virtuous circle of greater knowledge and higher quality services.
Explaining why NHG has chosen this approach, Craig Wilcockson, Chief Corporate and People Officer, said: “The biggest motivation for trying out the new qualification was to expand the choices we offer colleagues so they can find a course that works for them. We are fully behind the professionalisation of housing, but while traditional academic approaches can work for some, we need different options.
“The Innovate qualification covers similar content to the CIH and is recognised by Ofqual, and we feel it’s more achievable alongside the busy day job of a housing officer. It focuses on the application of learning so participants can put what they have learned into action straight away.”
Feedback from the first cohort includes:
"The best thing about the course was the teacher. Dawn was wonderfully patient, supportive and flexible as we navigated a very new course and encountered the inevitable bumps in the road. What I found great about the course itself was that it used our existing knowledge an experience as evidence to illustrate our competencies. I also became very familiar with housing legislation spanning 40 years, which was interesting and not something we deal with in too much detail day-to-day."
Lumi Westerlund, Senior Housing Officer
“I found the course really enjoyable. It was exciting to learn more about the housing industry, the rules we follow and why they are in place. I liked that the course was hands-on and easy to keep up with, which was perfect while working full-time. It showed me the different options I could explore as I progress in housing and I’m looking forward to using this qualification to further my career.”
Karis Barrow, Interim Senior Housing Officer
“One of the key benefits was being able to apply what I learned directly to my day-to-day role. The qualification has strengthened my understanding of best practice within the sector and improved my ability to manage complex situations more effectively and professionally. My main take-aways were the importance of effective communication, accountability and always maintaining a resident-focused approach. It was both informative and empowering, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to develop their career in housing management.”
Sadrine Charlemagne, Housing Officer
The Innovate Level 4 Certificate, delivered by Kingdom Academy, is a recognised qualification designed to equip senior housing and property professionals with the skills and expertise to manage services, ensure compliance and drive organisational success. The course is ideally aimed at those working within the sector who want to advance into senior roles and formalise their experience.
A Level 4 qualification is also necessary to meet the requirements of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023.
The programme offers blended learning, combining practical assessments with expert-led online workshops. Learners gain essential skills in legislation, business planning, customer service and financial management, with a focus on applying knowledge into real-world scenarios.
Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Academy, said: “Ensuring the next generation of colleagues meets the new standard of professionalisation is a mission we’ve been striving to achieve for some time now in housing, and the delivery of this programme is a key step in that journey.
“I want to congratulate all the learners who have undertaken this qualification for their hard work and commitment. It’s a monumental achievement and speaks to every colleague’s desire to build a better sector that excels day-in and day-out, right across the country.”
You can find out more about the course, qualification and how to express your interest at https://kingdom-academy.co.uk/programmes/level-4-senior-housing/.
