October has been a month of both reflection and progress across the sector. With updates to the Competence & Conduct Standard confirmed at the end of September, and World Mental Health Day shining a spotlight on wellbeing, this has been a time to focus on the foundations that shape a healthy, skilled and confident workforce.
At Kingdom Academy, we’ve been busy updating our resources to support you – from refreshed guidance in our Competence & Conduct Employer Toolkit, to the launch of our comprehensive Mental Health Toolkit. We were also proud to sponsor the Rising Star of the Year category at this year’s Housing Executive Awards, celebrating the next generation of sector leaders.
Here’s what’s inside this month’s newsletter:
- Competence & Conduct Standard – Updated Employer Toolkit
- Inside the new Mental Health Toolkit: Supporting Wellbeing in Learning and Work
- Thought Leadership: Sara Roberts on Why Mental Health Conversations Must Go Beyond Awareness Days
- Featured Programme: Level 3 Housing & Property Management Apprenticeship
- CITB Site Safety Courses – Check Out Our Latest Dates…
- Celebrating Excellence: Housing Executive Awards – Rising Star of the Year
Competence & Conduct Standard Update
Your Toolkit Updated Following 30 September Announcement
Following the regulator’s announcements on 30 September, we’ve updated the Competence & Conduct Employer Toolkit to help organisations plan confidently for compliance.
The toolkit now includes revised guidance on qualification pathways, leadership accountability, and the three-stage action plan to help you move from reflection to implementation. Whether you’re auditing your workforce, updating conduct frameworks, or mapping training needs, this resource gives you a clear roadmap to prepare for October 2026.
Key updates include:
- Clarified qualification timelines and role definitions
- Expanded self-assessment and audit templates
- Guidance on embedding competence within leadership and governance structures
The message remains clear: don’t wait until 2026 to act. Preparation needs to begin now, and this toolkit gives you the structure to start.
Introducing the Mental Health Toolkit
Supporting Wellbeing in Learning and Work
Our brand-new Mental Health Toolkit has been designed to help learners and staff thrive – at work, in study, and in life.
It brings together practical resources, self-help tools, and clear signposting, making it easier to manage wellbeing day to day. Inside you’ll find:
- Wellbeing check-in templates to build self-awareness
- Stress management and mindfulness tools
- Time management and study guides
- Sector-specific support directories for housing and construction professionals
- Reflective practice activities for both learners and staff
The toolkit is available exclusively to Kingdom Academy learners and team members through the Learner Hub, with password-protected access for ongoing support.
As CSO Sara Roberts explains in her welcome message:
“Mental health affects everyone. No matter your role or background, we all experience times when life feels challenging. This toolkit gives you the confidence to talk openly, seek support when you need it, and build positive habits for the future.”
Thought Leadership: Why Mental Health Needs to Be Talked About More Than Just on Awareness Days
Earlier this month, our Chief Services Officer Sara Roberts shared her reflections on World Mental Health Day – and why wellbeing in the training sector needs to be more than a once-a-year conversation.
“Awareness days matter. They open the door to conversation, but they don’t build the daily systems and confidence that keep those conversations going.”
In her latest thought leadership article, Sara explores how learning and wellbeing are intertwined, why emotional safety underpins achievement, and how providers can embed mental health into the structure of training itself.
The piece also highlights Kingdom Academy’s proactive approach through the Mental Health & Wellbeing Toolkit – ensuring support is practical, accessible, and part of everyday culture.
Read the full article here:
Why mental health needs to be talked about more than just on awareness days in the training sector
Featured Programme: Level 3 Housing & Property Management Apprenticeship
Next cohort starts 25 November 2025 – now enrolling
Advance your career in housing with a programme designed to develop skilled, confident professionals who can manage tenancies, tackle community challenges, and drive positive change across both social and private housing sectors.
The Level 3 Housing & Property Management Apprenticeship, which includes an embedded CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice, equips learners with the knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality housing services. From tenancy management and rental income to customer engagement and anti-social behaviour, every element of the course is focused on real-world impact.
What the programme covers:
- Professional practice skills for housing
- Delivery of housing services and customer engagement
- The housing system and legal framework
- Occupancy, tenure and lettings
- Managing rental income and addressing anti-social behaviour
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in housing practice
Who it’s for:
- Housing officers, income management officers and neighbourhood officers
- Those working in customer service or lettings roles within housing organisations
- Professionals looking to formalise experience with a recognised qualification
Why it matters:
This apprenticeship blends structured off-the-job training with practical in-role coaching, helping learners build confidence and competence from day one. Guided by experienced housing professionals, participants gain a deep understanding of the sector and develop the practical skills needed to support tenants, manage services and strengthen communities.
Start date: 25 November 2025
Duration: 18 months (including End Point Assessment)
Delivery: Blended learning – interactive workshops, online resources and one-to-one mentoring
If you’re ready to progress your housing career or upskill your team, now is the time to secure your places. If the November enrolment date isn’t right for you then don’t worry -we have start dates every month. Check out our Housing & Leadership Course Calendar for dates.
Upcoming CITB Safety Courses
Supporting safe, skilled and confident construction teams
Our latest CITB-accredited courses in Cumbernauld and Livingston are designed to help site teams strengthen safety awareness and build the confidence to lead effectively on site.
Whether you’re stepping into supervision or progressing to management, these courses provide the knowledge and practical understanding needed to maintain high standards across every project.
Upcoming dates:
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme – 21 October (Cumbernauld)
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme – 30 October (Livingston)
- Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme – 15 October (Cumbernauld)
- Health and Safety Awareness – 23 October (Cumbernauld)
- Health and Safety Awareness – 7 November (Cumbernauld)
Each course is delivered by experienced tutors with a focus on real-world application, helping professionals stay compliant, capable and confident in their roles.
Celebrating Excellence: Housing Executive Awards 2025
Recognising the Rising Stars of the Sector
We were proud to sponsor the Rising Star of the Year award at this year’s Housing Executive Awards, recognising new professionals making a real difference in housing and community development.
Congratulations to Chloe Sykes from Morgan Sindall Property Services, who took home the award for her outstanding contribution and commitment to continuous learning. Chloe’s success is a reminder that talent grows when it’s nurtured through the right training, support and culture of encouragement.
As a training provider, Kingdom Academy is passionate about celebrating achievements like Chloe’s – because they show what happens when potential meets opportunity.
Developing People. Strengthening Standards. Supporting Wellbeing.
From sector-wide regulatory change to individual learner growth, everything we do at Kingdom Academy comes back to one goal: helping people and organisations thrive.
If your organisation is looking for a training partner who can support both professional development and wellbeing, we’d love to start that conversation.
Get in touch with our team to explore how Kingdom Academy can help your organisation while building a culture that supports mental health and professional excellence.