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CIOB/CIH Technical qualifications meeting the skills gap

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have started the process of developing a suite of new qualifications for technical staff operating within the Social Housing Sector. The joint venture will spearhead the start of an exciting and innovative project which will see the relationship between CIOB and CIH develop and strengthen.

In 2004, the CIOB completed an assessment of emerging reports highlighting both skills shortages and skills gaps affecting the public sector. A number of recent surveys, including the Skills Needs Assessment released by Asset Skills in 2005 revealed a need for a more comprehensive training and development strategy for communication, customer handling, ICT and technical operations.

Asset Skills, in common with other Sector Skills Councils have also identified through their recent research, the need for more transparent and progressive qualification routes which are both reflective of job roles and meet specific occupational skills requirements.

The proposals will include the development of vocationally-related qualifications from Levels 2 to 4 in accordance with the National Qualification Framework. These will translate to job functions in administration, technical supervision through to management. In addition to providing systematic progression, the aim will be to allow transferability to mainstream housing management disciplines and at Level 4 to develop pathways leading to qualifications in Asset Management and Housing Development.

The first of a series of joint CIOB/CIH steering group meetings took place in London last week with membership comprising practitioners and academics working within or allied to the social housing sector. The proposals were given overwhelming endorsement by the team enabling both professional bodies to move forward with the scheme.

Commenting on the proposals CIOB Director Saleem Akram said, “This is a unique venture between professional bodies in working together for the best interests of the sector. The qualifications will maximise the potential for social housing providers to train their staff and meet both statutory and regulatory obligations in providing a first class customer service. Housing Associations have undergone a significant transformation over the past 10 years through closer engagement qualifications with their stakeholders, which include both tenants and contractors. CIOB and CIH see the establishment of these as a positive step towards building on these partnerships and development closer integration of client side relations.”

CIH Director of Professional Development, Dr Martin Winn said, “The CIH welcomes the opportunity to work closely with another professional body. This collaboration demonstrates the positive and constructive approach both CIOB and the CIH have toward improving the skills needs of the sector. We expect the qualification development will evolve and develop into further areas of joint working which will provide the sector with improved and new services.”

The joint steering group is currently assembling a consultation document to extend the proposals to the industry to ensure that the qualification structures, content and application are fit for purpose. The results of this will be due in June 2006. It is planned to have the qualifications registered with Qualifications & Curriculum Authority and launched for delivery from September 2007.

The Chartered Institute of Building is the qualifying body for over 40,000 construction professionals in the UK and 94 countries worldwide. It has a Royal Charter to promote the science and practice of construction for public benefit, and has won recognition from Government, other professional bodies and the industry itself as being a central voice in construction.

Email: stownsend@ciob.org.uk