Engaging people with lived experience of homelessness — Chartered Institute of Housing Occupational Qualification Public Services Revision

    This element focuses on the principles and practicalities of involving individuals with direct experience of homelessness in service design, delivery, and

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on the principles and practicalities of involving individuals with direct experience of homelessness in service design, delivery, and evaluation. It emphasises the value of co-production and meaningful participation, ensuring that services are shaped by the expertise of those who have navigated the system. Learners will explore strategies to overcome barriers and apply engagement models in real-world contexts.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Engaging people with lived experience of homelessness

    CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF HOUSING
    vocational

    This element focuses on the principles and practicalities of involving individuals with direct experience of homelessness in service design, delivery, and evaluation. It emphasises the value of co-production and meaningful participation, ensuring that services are shaped by the expertise of those who have navigated the system. Learners will explore strategies to overcome barriers and apply engagement models in real-world contexts.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
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    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
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    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    CIH Level 3 Certificate in Providing Homelessness Services

    Topic Overview

    The CIH Level 3 Certificate in Providing Homelessness Services equips learners with the specialist knowledge and skills required to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This qualification covers the legal frameworks, policy contexts, and practical interventions needed to deliver effective homelessness services in the UK. Students explore the causes and consequences of homelessness, the rights of homeless individuals, and the roles of various agencies in prevention and relief.

    Understanding this topic is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in housing, social work, or public services. It directly addresses the current housing crisis and the government's commitment to reducing homelessness. By mastering this content, students learn how to assess needs, develop personalised support plans, and navigate the complex system of housing legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

    This qualification sits within the broader Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) professional pathway, providing a solid foundation for further study or direct practice. It emphasises person-centred approaches, multi-agency working, and the importance of early intervention. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical strategies to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable people.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: This key legislation places a duty on local authorities to prevent and relieve homelessness for all eligible applicants, regardless of priority need. It introduced a 56-day relief period and required personalised housing plans.
    • →Priority Need and Intentional Homelessness: Understanding who qualifies as having a priority need (e.g., families with children, pregnant women, vulnerable adults) and the implications of intentional homelessness (where a person deliberately does something that causes their homelessness) is essential for assessing eligibility.
    • →Prevention and Relief Duties: The prevention duty applies when someone is threatened with homelessness within 56 days; the relief duty applies when they are already homeless. Both require tailored support and a written personalised housing plan.
    • →Multi-Agency Working: Effective homelessness services rely on collaboration between housing authorities, social services, health providers, and voluntary sector organisations. Students must understand how to coordinate referrals and share information appropriately.
    • →Person-Centred Planning: This approach places the individual's needs, preferences, and strengths at the heart of support. It involves active listening, advocacy, and empowering clients to make informed choices about their housing options.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • 1. Understand the importance of engaging people with lived experience of homelessness.2. Understand the opportunities for engaging people with lived experience of homelessness.3. Understand how to apply engagement of people with lived experience of homelessness in a specific context.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating a clear rationale for involving people with lived experience, referencing benefits such as improved service outcomes, empowerment, and more accurate needs assessment.
    • Expect evidence that the learner has identified at least three distinct opportunities for engagement (e.g., advisory panels, peer support roles, involvement in policy review) and can outline the strengths of each.
    • Credit for applying engagement principles to a chosen context, showing how to recruit, support, and sustain participation, and addressing ethical considerations like tokenism and power imbalances.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When discussing importance, link engagement directly to the values of person-centred care and the reduction of repeat homelessness to strengthen your argument.
    • 💡In assessments, always illustrate your points with practical examples of how engagement has been implemented in homelessness services, even if hypothetical, showing you can adapt theory to practice.
    • 💡Always refer to specific legislation and case law in your answers. For example, mention the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and key cases like 'R v London Borough of Newham ex parte Ajayi' to demonstrate depth of knowledge.
    • 💡Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering scenario-based questions. This structure helps you systematically apply legal duties and practical interventions to real-world situations.
    • 💡Don't forget the importance of record-keeping and documentation. Examiners look for evidence that you understand the need for accurate case notes, risk assessments, and personalised housing plans as part of professional practice.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing engagement with simple consultation or tokenistic involvement, rather than genuine co-production that shares power and decision-making.
    • Overlooking practical support needs, such as expenses, training, and emotional support, which can prevent meaningful participation.
    • Assuming that all individuals with lived experience are ready or willing to engage, without considering the trauma and personal challenges involved.
    • Misconception: 'Only rough sleepers are considered homeless.' Correction: Homelessness includes those in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, or living in unsuitable housing (e.g., overcrowded or unsafe conditions). The legal definition is broader than street homelessness.
    • Misconception: 'Local authorities have no duty to help single, healthy adults.' Correction: Under the Homelessness Reduction Act, all eligible applicants (including single adults) are entitled to prevention and relief duties for at least 56 days, even if they are not in priority need. However, the main housing duty may not apply.
    • Misconception: 'If someone refuses an offer of accommodation, they lose all support.' Correction: Refusal may end the duty if the offer is suitable and reasonable, but the applicant must be given clear information about the consequences. Personalised plans should explore alternatives before discharge.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of the UK housing system and local authority structures.
    • •Familiarity with key housing legislation such as the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII) and the Homelessness Act 2002.
    • •Knowledge of safeguarding principles and equality legislation (Equality Act 2010) is helpful for understanding vulnerable client groups.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • 1. Understand the importance of engaging people with lived experience of homelessness.2. Understand the opportunities for engaging people with lived experience of homelessness.3. Understand how to apply engagement of people with lived experience of homelessness in a specific context.

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