module specification

The module aims to:
1. Place changes in housing management in the context of wider social, economic and organisational changes;
2. Introduce the key practical issues facing housing professionals, and good practice in addressing these issues;
3. Identify ways in which housing service users and community workers can challenge poor performance and get involved in service improvement;
4. Examine the benefits and challenges of partnership working in dealing with housing issues;
5. Explain current discussions on the balance of rights and responsibilities for social housing tenants and other local residents.

1. affordability and welfare benefits; (LO1, LO4, L05)
2. allocating homes; (LO1, LO4)
3. housing rights and resident involvement in decision making; (LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)
4. disrepair and housing improvement; (LO1, LO4, LO5)
5. services to residents with diverse needs; (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4)
6. housing ‘rights’ and ‘obligations’, particularly in relation to anti-social behaviour; (LO1, LO5)
7. identifying and implementing good practice. (LO4)

Teaching and learning takes place in lectures, seminars and workshops. Students are encouraged to link subject-related materials and employability skills, and reflect on professional standards. Students learn independently through a wide range of materials on weblearn, including interactive tests. The module is informed by the professional requirements of the CIH, encouraging the development of professional skills and up-to-date knowledge of housing issues. Students reflect on progress through structured employment-related activities

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Critically assess key practical issues that face housing professionals in providing good services to residents; (L01)
2. Analyse ways in which housing, community and other professionals can work together to resolve these issues; (L02)
3. Critically explore how social housing tenants and other local residents can be involved in decision making; (L03)
4. Evaluate current practice in social housing management, and implementation of good practice (L04); and
5. Examine and explain the interrelationship between residents’ rights and obligations. (L05)

There are two parts to the assessment. The first is a multiple choice questionnaire that requires students to find relevant good practice materials. The second is an report (2800 words), linking housing practice to theory.

Core reading
Arnstein, S. 1969. A Ladder of Participation. Journal of the American Planning Association Vol 35 (4) pp.216-224
Audit Commission. 2002. Learning from inspection: repairs and maintenance. London: Audit Commission.
Audit Commission. 2005. Housing: improving service through resident participation. London: Audit Commission
Chartered Institute of Housing. 2009. Equality, Diversity and Good Relations in Housing. Chartered Institute of Housing.

Additional texts
Chartered Institute of Housing ‘How to..’ series
Chartered Institute of Housing. 2014. Frontline futures: new era, changing role for housing officers. Edinburgh: CIH
Communities and Local Government. 2009. Empowering Communities to Influence Local Decision Making: Evidence-based lessons for Policy Makers and Practitioners. London: CLG Publications. 
Family Mosaic. 2015. Changing places: how can we make resident participation relevant? London: Family Mosaic
Tenant Services Authority. 2010. Taking action against anti-social behaviour. London: TSA

Website
Reports and relevant good practice is provided on Weblearn
The Chartered Institute of Housing website has information relevant to this module: www.cih.org

Journals
Housing Studies
Housing Practice
Inside Housing