RSH in drive to ensure it is ready for new regulatory regime next April

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) is advertising a host of senior roles as it looks to strengthen its workforce ahead of taking on significant powers under new legislation.

The RSH is currently advertising for up to four assistant directors of regulatory engagement, an assistant director of assessment and tenant engagement, and a tenant engagement manager. It is looking to recruit around 100 additional staff in total.

Jonathan Walters, deputy chief executive at the RSH, posted on Linked In: “These are exciting and important roles at the heart of our regulation.

“There has never been a better time to come and join the RSH and make an impact on the social housing sector.”

Under the Social Housing Regulation Bill, which became law last month, the RSH will be given the power to routinely inspect social landlords. It is gearing up to inspect every large social landlord, including local authorities on a rolling four-year basis.

Currently, the RSH can usually only intervene on a consumer issue where a ‘serious detriment’ test is passed – placing a high threshold on the regulator’s ability to use its powers. The bill removes this test, meaning RSH can intervene in more tenant complaint cases.

>>See also: Regulator to start piloting inspections as it gears up for new consumer role

>>See also: Social landlords required to physically inspect all properties under regulator’s plan

>>See also: Gove ‘shames’ major social landlords for letting down tenants

It gives RSH the power to set performance improvement plans backed up with penalties for landlords who do not deliver. The RSH will also have the power to issue unlimited fines, order emergency repairs and access homes at 48 hours’ notice.

New consumer standards to protect tenants will also be enforced by the regulator, with the regime due to go live next April.

The new regime, which will see RSH monitoring providers’ compliance against new consumer standards begins next April.

The legislation also makes it a legal requirement for around 25,000 ‘senior housing managers’ to hold specific qualifications.

 

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