Phoenix Academy: the school of social housing

The Phoenix Academy is our 'school of social housing', accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

The academy was set up in 2014 to encourage more residents to become involved with Phoenix and potentially take up future positions on our resident-led Board. 

The academy now offers both in person and virtual courses, from Level 1 to Level 4, for anyone involved in the housing sector. The introductory Level 1 course is popular for staff new to housing, board members, involved residents and contractors new to working in the housing environment. There have been almost 400 graduates to date. 

The Phoenix Academy class of 2019 outside The Barn at The Green Man, 355 Bromley Road, London SE6 2RP

Level 1: Introduction to social housing

The Level 1 course is where the Phoenix Academy, our school of social housing, began. In 2018, it became the first of its kind to be officially recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

This course will give you a broad and engaging introduction into how housing works. 

Course information

The in-person course takes place weekly at our headquarters and community building The Green Man in Lewisham, London. Sessions are delivered by Phoenix managers and residents in a friendly and informal classroom setting, with opportunities for interaction, questions and debate.

Online presentations are pre-recorded and delivered by managers at Phoenix who are experts in their field and based on best practice. Learners will need to be able to access MS Teams.

The presentations, each between 60 and 90 minutes in duration, are made available each Tuesday from noon. After watching the presentation the learner is required to complete a fun quiz to check their understanding of the presentation and complete an evaluation form.

The learner must attend at least 6 of the 9 sessions to receive a certificate of attendance which is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). There is no exam.

This course can start at a time suitable to you and a separate class can be set up with a minimum 10 learners.

This next scheduled courses will start in April 2024. The course fee is £350 per learner.

Current programme

  • Week 1: History of social housing and registered social landlords
  • Week 2: Governance
  • Week 3: Sustainable development and energy
  • Week 4: Communications
  • Week 5: Antisocial behaviour, equality and diversity, safeguarding
  • Week 6: Understanding your property, damp and mould, safety and compliance
  • Week 7: Tenancy management, mediation
  • Week 8: Building safety
  • Week 9: Resident involvement and wellbeing

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Testimonials

"What a brilliant introductory course. I enjoyed learning about the different aspects including mould (it helped me stop mine growing in the bathroom!). What surprised me was the amount of planning that goes into making a system work. Each weekly part was delivered clearly and concisely. I've kept the paperwork (even the quizzes) so when I review it I can quickly come up to speed again. It was a lovely crowd of people and we were welcomed generously and treated with respect. I so enjoyed the course and regret it's finished."

- Jacqueline Cook (resident)

"I have found this course very insightful. It has given me the opportunity to learn the governing processes and regulations of housing and afforded me the opportunity to map out my journey of progression. Very excited at the heights I will reach and the differences I could make." 

- Cleopatra Akbulut (staff member)

"“ I'm glad to have an opportunity to further my knowledge in housing through Phoenix Academy, which has changed my life tremendously. I am now on Level 3 and look forward to embarking new information along my journey in housing, which wouldn't be possible without such good mentorship.”

- Nadine Wallen (resident)

Level 2: Certificate in Housing Practice

This is a five-month course consisting of four full day tutorials and one half-day tutorial delivered by our in-house trainer in person or via Microsoft Teams.

It's an ideal stepping stone for students who have completed the Level 1 course, or for new board members, staff and residents who would like to build on their wider understanding of housing.

You will need a minimum GCSE English language qualification or equivalent to enrol on the course. We recommend a maximum of eight hours per week is set aside for study time.

Learners must submit a 1,500-word assignment within four weeks of each tutorial, with a catch-up session available for each module if you have any further questions about the assignment. Tutorials are recorded and available to learners should they need to recap their understanding. There is no exam.

This course can also be studied on a module only basis for convenience provided there are a minimum of 10 learners in a class.

The next Level 2 course is scheduled to start in April 2024. The course fee is £895 per learner.

Current modules

  • Housing provision
  • Customer services for housing
  • Asset repairs and maintenance
  • Professional development in housing

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Level 3: Certificate in Housing Practice

This is a six-month course, consisting of four full day tutorials and one half-day tutorial delivered by our in-house trainer in person or via Microsoft Teams.

This course is ideal for Level 2 graduate and for housing officers looking to progress in their career, as well as involved residents looking for roles in formal governance.

You will need a minimum ‘A’ Level standard of education or equivalent to enrol on the course. We recommend a maximum of eight hours per week is set aside for study time.

Learners must submit a 1,500- or 3,000-word assignment within five weeks of each tutorial, with a catch-up session available for each module if you have any further questions about the assignment. Tutorials are recorded and available to learners should they need to recap their understanding. There is no exam.

This course can be studied on a module only basis for convenience provided there are a minimum of 10 learners in a class.

Our next Level 3 course is scheduled to start in April 2024. The course fee is £1,700 per learner.

Current modules

  • Housing system
  • Customer services for housing
  • Occupancy tenure and lettings
  • Professional practice in housing

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Level 4: Certificate in Housing Practice

This is a 12-month course delivered remotely by lecturers from Southbank University and London Metropolitan University over 12 months and consisting of six modules.

The course is aimed at staff, board members or residents who have CIH Level 3 and managers or directors who lead a team.

You will need a minimum ‘A’ Level standard of education or equivalent to enrol on the course. We recommend a maximum of eight hours per week are set aside for study time.

Learners must submit a 3,000-word assignment within seven weeks of each tutorial, with further one-to-one tutorial support available. Tutorials are recorded and available to learners should they need to recap their understanding. There is no exam.

This course can be studied on a module only basis for convenience provided there are a minimum of 10 learners in a class.

Our next Level 4 course is due to start in January 2024. The course fee is £2,500 per learner.

Current modules

  • Housing law   
  • Resident involvement in housing services
  • Financing for housing   
  • Housing policy
  • Partnership working in housing   
  • Professional practice

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Contact us to find out more.