latest news

Up to 20 staff from two leading housing associations will this week (9 Nov) be presented with housing certificates after completing an innovative online training course.

The staff from Bradford Community Housing Trust (BCHT) and Sadeh Lok Housing Group have been studying for their Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Level II Certificate using a combination of classroom based college learning and e-learning using the internet.

The course is the first of its kind in the country and has been praised by both the students and CIH assessors who described the course as ‘excellent’.

It has been developed in a partnership between BCHT and Ilkley-based housing consultants Dutton Dodd who together with Virtual College, also based in Ilkley, set up the Housing e-Academy to bring e-learning to other housing associations. Horton Housing Association in Bradford is the latest organisation to sign up to this innovative training for their staff.

The pilot has been supported by Bradford College and on Friday (9 Nov) the first students to take part will gather at the awards event at the McMillan Building (Room A41).

Geraldine Howley, BCHT Group Chief Executive said: “As founder members of the e-Academy we are delighted to be celebrating the success of everybody here today.

“The innovative blend of high quality college-based learning and online study is an important way forward in supporting training and personal development for housing staff.

BCHT in particular see e-learning as a key development tool.

“Our recent Audit Commission assessment (July 2007) recognised our progressive work with housing consultants Dutton Dodd and the Virtual College to develop the e-Academy.

Paul Dutton, Director and housing consultant of Dutton Dodd said: “The course pilot has been a resounding success and the contribution of staff, BCHT and Bradford College has been a major factor.

“There is enormous scope for developing e-learning tailored to the needs of social housing providers, their staff and the housing agenda of today. We are now working with Leeds Metropolitan University, colleges and housing associations to roll out the project to other areas.”

Representatives from BCHT, Sadeh Lok Housing Group, Bradford College, Chartered Institute of Housing, Leeds Metropolitan University, the Virtual College and West Yorkshire and Lancashire based social housing landlords will be at the presentation event.  

07.11.07