Pheonix Community Housing - HHSRS Training

Phoenix Community Housing (Phoenix) is a not-for-profit resident-led housing association based in south London. They own and manage more than 7,600 homes in the Lewisham wards of Bellingham, Catford South, Downham, and Grove Park.  

Project Overview

Phoenix appointed Pennington Choices to deliver two sessions of Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) training. Each online course lasts one day, and we recommend a maximum of 12 people per course. Having smaller groups on each course ensures interactive participation and ample opportunity for questions. Our Head of Consultancy – Assets and Compliance ran both training sessions, which were divided into four manageable modules over the day.  

As it is a legal requirement to ensure that any Category 1 hazard under HHSRS is addressed, Phoenix sought to gain expert insight into the rating system through our training. They aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of the HHSRS, assessment methods, and its application to their properties. This knowledge enables them to ensure their buildings are safe and continue to remain so.   

Phoenix approached us because of the strong working relationship we had already developed through the delivery of other services, including asbestos awareness training and asbestos surveys. Phoenix trusts our expert knowledge and practices and so reached out to us regarding the delivery of their HHSRS training.   

Our Approach

To deliver the training course, we divided the day into four different modules:  

 •    Understanding the HHSRS.
 •    How to assess conditions using the HHSRS. 
 •    Assessing conditions in practice and recording inspections.
 •    Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act and other enforcement/regulatory routes and staying compliant. 

These modules are bolstered by real-world examples and lessons learnt to provide a comprehensive overview of the HHSRS. Using structured modules also provided intervals to check in with the client to ensure that they had a robust understanding at each stage and allowed us to cover all the content on time.    

Following the completion of the course, each individual received an accredited CPD certificate. As there is no formal qualification for the HHSRS, we ensured the client understood that to achieve competence, they would require practical experience in addition to the training.   

Our Achievements

The online format of the training ensured accessibility from any location and minimised travel time for the client. Regular check-ins during the course ensured that the client had a robust understanding of the essential components of the HHSRS, enabling them to identify and address any issues within their buildings.  

Following the training, we hosted a catch-up meeting with Phoenix, giving them the opportunity to ask any further questions and provide feedback, fostering our ongoing working relationship. With a history of successful collaborations, we anticipate further opportunities to work together in the future.  

Client testimonial

“This training programme offers a hands-on approach to calculation methodology, in-depth assessment, and practical operational guidance. It stands out as the best HHSRS training I’ve ever experienced, thanks to its exceptional relevance and continuous updates, which shed light on current and emerging hazards in the sector.” – Head of Strategic Asset Management at Phoenix Community Housing