Emmaus’ new standards come at a crucial time for supported housing nationally, with the Supported Housing Act set to be implemented.
The introduction of the Emmaus Quality Standards (EQS) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of supported housing in the UK, aligning with recent legislative changes brought about by The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. This new quality framework establishes high standards for supported housing providers, ensuring that individuals who access supported housing receive safe, dignified, and person-centred support. The EQS responds to national concerns regarding the exploitation and mistreatment of residents in supported housing by unscrupulous landlords, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reform in the sector.
In a 2022 report, MPs from the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee warned that vulnerable people in supported housing are becoming “victims of terrible crimes” by rogue landlords. The Committee called for the government to urgently regulate the sector and bring forward a series of reforms to address these failings. The Committee’s recommendations included enforceable national standards, compulsory registration, and other reforms to ensure a safer and more supportive sector.
In a significant step forward, The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 was passed, paving the way for new national standards in the supported exempt accommodation sector. The Act, which came into force on 29 August 2023, will allow the government to create National Supported Housing Standards to raise the bar for providers. Whilst there are many high-quality providers already operating within the sector, these measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents in supported housing.
The government is set to launch two public consultations as part of the implementation of the Act. The first consultation will seek input on the overarching principles and national standards, while a second, more detailed consultation will focus on the specific regulations. Although these consultations were delayed by the General Election, the first is now expected to commence by late 2024 or early 2025. These consultations are essential steps toward shaping the final regulatory framework, ensuring that the voices of key stakeholders are heard and that the standards reflect the needs of people in supported housing.
Emmaus UK leads the way with a new quality framework
As a provider of supported exempt accommodation in the UK, Emmaus UK (EUK) has responded proactively to these changes. In partnership with federation members, EUK has developed The Emmaus Quality Standards (EQS), to set out the benchmarks of quality that providers of supported housing will be expected to meet, and to represent a collective commitment to best practice in the sector. The EQS provides a comprehensive framework for providers to meet and exceed the upcoming national regulatory requirements, and deliver safe, dignified and person-centred care to the people they support.
The EQS framework has been designed to ensure that everyone living, working, or contributing to an Emmaus community is protected and supported. The framework consists of two key components: Essential Practice Requirements and Good Practice Guidance. The Essential Practice Requirements are grounded in current national regulations and anticipated future standards, while the Good Practice Guidance is informed by robust research, sector best practices, and a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.
The standards address critical areas including safeguarding, support provision, complaints management, companion move-on strategies, staff wellbeing, living conditions, health and safety, and governance, providing a comprehensive blueprint for excellence in supported housing.
Support for Emmaus communities
To support the rollout of the EQS, a Self-Assessment Tool has been developed to enable Emmaus communities to evaluate their performance against the standards, identify areas for improvement, and monitor progress. Over the next 12 months, Emmaus UK will collaborate with its federation members to interpret and embed these standards nationwide, building a national picture of compliance.
Complementing The EQS, a Support Development and Safety (SDS) Toolkit has been designed to assist staff in working with companions using a holistic, asset-based, and relational approach. This toolkit empowers staff to support individuals in achieving their goals and aspirations, fostering personal growth and independence.
To enhance consistency across the Emmaus federation, a shared CRM system has also been introduced. This system standardises data collection and evidence gathering across all Emmaus communities, ensuring a unified approach to tracking outcomes and improving the quality of support services.
A model for national reform
The EQS framework has been shared with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), and sector leaders Homeless Link. The framework has been well received, with confirmation that the content and approach align with the anticipated national regulatory requirements under the new Act.
The framework and toolkits have also been trialled in collaboration with a Supported Housing Act pilot scheme and a Local Authority. The Local Authority provided assurance that, if fully implemented, The EQS and associated tools would not only meet but exceed the requirements of the pilot scheme.
The EQS will remain dynamic, undergoing periodic updates to incorporate new regulatory requirements and emerging best practices. This approach enables Emmaus to maintain its position at the forefront of delivering high quality supported housing for those who need it most.
Ellis Burgin, Development Manager at Emmaus UK, said:
“We are proud to be leading the way in shaping a more secure, compassionate, and effective supported housing sector thanks to collaboration with and the continued commitment of Emmaus communities across the UK.
“As the government finalises its national standards, providers across the country must be ready to follow Emmaus’ example, working to meet and exceed these critical new benchmarks.
“The Supported Housing Act 2023 and initiatives like the Emmaus Quality Standards framework mark the beginning of a new era for supported housing. As these reforms take shape, the emphasis must remain on protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that all providers meet the high standards required to support their dignity, safety, and wellbeing.
“With the right framework in place, we can ensure that supported housing is a pathway to a brighter, more stable future for everyone who relies on it.”
If you would like to know more about The EQS and our work on The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, you can contact:
Ellis Burgin, Development Manager: [email protected]
(Image: Support worker and companion at Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire)