Chartered Institute Of Housing

CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing (Independent Living Services)

A nationally recognised qualification designed for experienced housing professionals leading or managing independent living, sheltered housing and housing with care services, helping organisations build the capability required to meet the Competence and Conduct Standard.

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Lead the Future of Independent Living Services with the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing Independent Living Services pathway

Invest In Your Future With Kingdom Academy's Trusted Programmes with the Chartered Institute Of Housing

The CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing (Independent Living Services) has been designed for experienced housing professionals responsible for leading, managing and developing independent living services. It provides the advanced knowledge, strategic understanding and leadership skills needed to deliver high-quality services that enable older people to live independently while responding to the changing demands facing the housing sector.

At Kingdom Academy, we deliver this programme through a practical, flexible learning approach that combines expert tutor support with real-world application. Learners will strengthen their expertise in housing policy, legislation, customer experience and strategic service delivery while developing the specialist knowledge required to design, lead and continuously improve independent living services.

Individual Enrolment Investment: £2394+ VAT

For groups of 12 or more, we offer an exclusive in-house training programme tailored to your organisation’s needs. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quotation.

Key benefits of the programme include:

  • Complete the qualification in approximately twelve months.
  • Flexible roll-on, roll-off start dates
  • Delivered by experts with extensive experience across housing and independent living services.
  • Achievement rates exceeding the national average
  • A recognised qualification from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)

Why You Should Choose
Kingdom Academy...

Fast-track your career. Build your expertise. Make a difference with Kingdom Academy.

Who Is This Programme For?

The CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing (Independent Living Services) is designed for experienced housing professionals who are responsible for leading, managing or developing services that support older people to live independently. It builds on existing housing knowledge while developing the strategic thinking, leadership capability and specialist expertise required to deliver high-quality independent living services.

Whether you’re an Independent Living Manager, Retirement Living Manager, Sheltered Housing Manager, Housing Manager, Team Leader or service lead responsible for independent living provision, this qualification will help you strengthen your leadership skills, improve service delivery and confidently respond to the challenges facing an ageing population. It is also ideal for professionals preparing to move into senior management roles within independent living and specialist housing services.

Through a practical, real-world approach to learning, you’ll develop the knowledge and confidence to lead teams, shape services and drive continuous improvement while delivering better outcomes for residents and communities.

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Your Learning Journey...

Stage One

Eligibility & Enrolment

Starting your journey right

  • Complete your enrolment process and receive all the necessary course materials.
  • Attend an induction session to understand the course structure, learning objectives, and assessment requirements.
  • Meet your dedicated Kingdom Academy tutor who will support you throughout the programme.

🔑 Key Outcome: Clear understanding of the programme and your pathway to success.

Stage One

Stage Two

Pre-Course Preparation

Setting yourself up for success

  • Access pre-course materials to familiarise yourself with key concepts.
  • Reflect on your current knowledge and experience to identify areas for development.
  • Set personal learning goals to maximise the impact of your studies.

🔑 Key Outcome: Prepared and ready to engage in your learning journey.

Stage Two

Stage Three

Core Learning Workshops

Throughout the programme, learners will take part in interactive workshops and tutorials covering the advanced knowledge required to lead high-performing independent living services. Learning combines legislation, strategic thinking and best practice, enabling learners to apply their knowledge immediately within their organisation.

📋 Key Topics Covered:

  • Professionalism in Housing
  • Housing Law & Regulation
  • Housing Policy
  • Customer Focus in Housing
  • Resident Involvement in Housing
  • Strategies for Delivering Independent Living Services

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will develop the strategic knowledge and leadership skills needed to lead independent living services, improve customer outcomes and drive continuous service improvement.

Stage Three

Stage Four

Application in Practice

Learners will be encouraged to apply their learning directly in their roles. This stage focuses on practical application by leading service improvements, developing independent living strategies, improving customer outcomes and supporting teams to deliver person-centred services.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Applying new knowledge to workplace tasks
  • Leading housing-related projects and initiatives
  • Receiving feedback from mentors and colleagues

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will build confidence in managing housing services and see the impact of their learning in real-world situations.

Stage Four

Stage Five

Assignments & Portfolio Development

Throughout the programme, learners will complete written assignments and build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their competency across the qualification standards. Assignments are designed to be practical and relevant to housing roles.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Completing written assignments for each module
  • Collecting evidence of practical application
  • Documenting achievements and progress

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will have a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their expertise and readiness for assessment.

Stage Five

Stage Six

Progress Reviews & Mentoring

Regular progress reviews with a Kingdom Academy tutor ensure learners stay on track and meet key milestones. These sessions provide personalised guidance and support.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Regular meetings with a mentor
  • Reviewing progress and setting next steps
  • Addressing challenges and identifying solutions

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will feel fully supported throughout their learning journey, with clear guidance to help them succeed.

Stage Six

Stage Seven

Final Submission & Qualification Award

Once learners have completed all assignments and their portfolio, they will make their final submission for review. Upon successful completion, learners will be awarded the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing (Independent Living Services), a recognised qualification from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Final submission of assignments and portfolio
  • Review by Kingdom Academy tutors
  • Official awarding of the qualification

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will achieve a recognised qualification that supports career progression and further study opportunities in housing.

Stage Seven

Stage Eight

Post-Completion & Progression

What’s next?

  • Celebrate your achievement and reflect on your learning journey.
  • Explore opportunities for further development, such as progression to additional leadership training.
  • Apply your new skills to continue driving positive change in your organisation and the housing sector.

🔑 Key Outcome: Continued personal and professional growth beyond the qualification.

Stage Eight
CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing (Independent Living Services)

Enhance your housing expertise, lead with confidence, and drive positive change in your community

Designed for experienced housing professionals, this qualification develops the advanced knowledge and leadership skills needed to manage and improve independent living services. Learners gain the expertise to lead teams, influence service delivery and respond strategically to the changing needs of older people and the wider housing sector.

The six core modules include:

  • Professionalism in Housing
  • Housing Law & Regulation
  • Housing Policy
  • Customer Focus in Housing
  • Resident Involvement in Housing
  • Strategies for Delivering Independent Living Services

These specialist modules help learners develop the strategic thinking, leadership capability and sector knowledge needed to lead high-performing independent living services. With a strong emphasis on practical application, the programme enables professionals to improve service quality, support their teams effectively and deliver better outcomes for residents while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

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Testimonials

Ready to take on more responsibility...

"I feel I am ready to take on more responsibility within the team as I have developed a wide range of understanding of the business function within the housing sector. My decision making is far more confident within my role and my leadership skills have progressed significantly.

Level 3 provided classes were as covid and changes to how we work meant I had to complete most of my course online. The learning experience shook me slightly and I don't feel I was fully prepared for this although, it was highlighted before we began the course. If I am going to be honest my first experience in my own cohort was not the best and I just didn't feel like I was on the same wavelength as my tutor whatsoever which set me back a little. I did advocate this to Jade Dixon who listened and supported me through this and in the end due to personal reasons, I needed a break in learning and was then added to a different cohort where I felt I connected more with that tutor and completed my course. There was nothing this lady could not do..."
Paula Durcan
2024

Essential Information

All the important information you need to move forward with confidence.

The CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing (Independent Living Services) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for experienced professionals responsible for leading or managing independent living, sheltered housing and housing with care services. It develops advanced knowledge in housing practice alongside specialist expertise in designing, leading and continuously improving independent living services.

This programme is ideal for experienced housing professionals who are already leading or managing independent living, sheltered housing, retirement living or housing with care services, as well as those preparing to step into more strategic leadership roles. It is particularly suited to:

  • Independent Living Managers
  • Sheltered Housing Managers
  • Retirement Living Managers
  • Housing Managers
  • Team Leaders
  • Senior Housing Officers
  • Service Managers responsible for independent living services

The qualification supports the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected under the Competence and Conduct Standard, helping professionals strengthen their leadership capability, improve service delivery and drive positive outcomes for residents and their organisation.

The course is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining:

  • Interactive workshops
  • Self-directed study
  • One-to-one mentoring

Workshops are typically delivered at regular intervals to keep learners engaged and on track. The course also includes written assignments and practical activities to reinforce learning.

There are no formal entry requirements for the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing Practice. However, it is recommended that learners have some experience working in housing or a related field to benefit fully from the course content.

The programme covers advanced housing practice, housing law, policy development, customer experience, resident involvement and the strategic planning and delivery of independent living services for older people.

The six core topics include: 

  • Professionalism in Housing
  • Housing Law & Regulation
  • Housing Policy
  • Customer Focus in Housing
  • Resident Involvement in Housing
  • Strategies for Delivering Independent Living Services

The qualification typically takes 12 months to complete. However, the timeline can vary based on the learner’s pace and availability to complete assignments.

Yes, this is a CIH-accredited qualification that is widely recognised across the housing sector. 

Learners are encouraged to apply their learning directly within their current role. The qualification focuses on real organisational challenges, helping learners develop practical leadership skills that create meaningful improvements for residents, colleagues and services.

Yes, Kingdom Academy offers in-house cohorts for organisations that wish to enrol multiple employees. This option can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the organisation.

After completing the Level 4 qualification, learners can progress to:

  • CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing
  • Senior housing roles within the sector
  • Further leadership and management qualifications

These progression routes help learners build their careers and take on more responsibility in housing management.

To apply for the course or learn more about upcoming start dates, please click the enrol button or  complete the enrolment enquiry form below, and a member of our team will get in touch with you to discuss your options and next steps.

Ready To Enrol?

To apply for the course or learn more about upcoming start dates, complete the enrolment enquiry form below, and a member of our team will get in touch with you to discuss your options and next steps.