Birmingham City Council (BCC) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have entered into a long-term agreement to support the learning and development of hundreds of the Council's employees responsible for the city’s housing stock and services.

The partnership between England's landlord and the professional body for housing, initially for two years, will form a major part of the Council's plans to develop excellence in its housing teams.

The new partnership will provide free membership opportunities for 500 of Birmingham City Council's housing staff, who will form part of CIH's growing and influential network of 22,000 housing professionals. The Council will also be able to access a wide range of professional services from CIH, including qualifications, seconded in-house management support and specialist advice to support the management of Birmingham’s 65,000 housing stock.

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CIH Chief Executive, Sarah Webb, said: "We are absolutely delighted to sign this agreement with Birmingham City Council. Over the coming years, the agreement means that the residents of Birmingham will benefit from one of the most professional, skilled and up-to-date housing teams in the UK. We are also extremely pleased to support the individual professional development of hundreds of their employees in a profession that people rely upon, and which makes a huge difference everyday in and around Birmingham."

Birmingham City Council's Elaine Elkington - Strategic Director for Homes and Neighbourhoods said: "Retaining and developing our housing staff has never been more important. The first entrants into the Directorate sponsored membership will be staff who have either exceeded or achieved all their work objectives last year. The next stage is to offer professional development to highly motivated staff who are prepared to go the extra mile. I am delighted to have full support of the Cabinet Member for housing for this exciting initiative."

(CD/GK)