Homelessness elearning

Basic introduction to eligibility for assistance 

Learn how to identify who is eligible for housing and homelessness assistance based on their nationality or immigration status. 

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• how to identify who is eligible for housing and homelessness assistance

• who is eligible for social housing and homelessness assistance 

• who is and is not subject to immigration control and how this impacts eligibility 

Who this session is for 

You might be new to a role where you give homelessness advice to people in housing need. 

You might be a homelessness officer, housing adviser, lawyer, or work with private and social sector tenants.

Length: 30 minutes 

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Basic introduction to the habitual residence test

Learn about the habitual residence test for housing and benefits and how it applies to people returning to the UK from abroad.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is the habitual residence test 

• who the habitual residence test applies to

• when the habitual residence test applies to homelessness applications

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 20 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Finding your way around the Homelessness Code of Guidance

Learn what the Homelessness Code of Guidance is and how to use it.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is the Homelessness Code of Guidance

• how to use the Homelessness Code of Guidance

• examples of good practice when using the Homelessness Code of Guidance

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 15 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Housing or homeless application: the difference

Learn the difference between a homeless application and making an application to join the housing register, and how each process works.

What this session covers

This elearning session includes:

• how to tell the difference between a homeless application and a housing register application

• when and how a homeless application can be made

• how someone can apply for social housing

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 60 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

CPD points: 1

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Introduction to homelessness

Get an overview of how homelessness is defined and its causes and effects.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is homelessness

• the causes and effects of homelessness

• what support is available for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 25 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Introduction to local connection

Learn about local connection and how the rules apply to a homelessness application.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is local connection

• when a person has a local connection

• when local connection is relevant to a homelessness application

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Introduction to personalised housing plans

Learn when and how a local authority should create a personalised housing plan (PHP) for a homeless applicant.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is a personalised housing plan and how a local authority should create one

• the steps required in a personalised housing plan

• what are reasonable steps and what local authorities should consider

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Introduction to public authorities duty to refer

Learn what the public authority duty to refer is, when this duty is triggered and the procedure for making a referral.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what the duty to refer is and why it was introduced

• who it applies to and when

• the process for referral

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Local authority homelessness duties

Learn about the different local authority homelessness duties and when these apply.

What this session covers

This elearning session includes:

• the tests a local authority must apply in homeless applications

• the duties a local authority has towards homeless people

• what questions to ask when advising on a homeless application

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 30 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

CPD points: 0.5

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Public authorities duty to refer

Get an overview of the public authority duty to refer for homelessness.

What this session covers

This elearning session includes:

• which public authorities have a duty to refer

• when the duty to refer is triggered

• how a public authority makes a referral

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 30 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

CPD points: 0.5

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Suitability of bed and breakfast accommodation 

Learn about the suitability rules for bed and breakfast accommodation provided under a homelessness application. 

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is classed as bed and breakfast accommodation

• when a local authority can offer a household bed and breakfast accommodation

• health and safety standards that apply to bed and breakfast accommodation 

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 15 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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The homeless prevention duty

Learn about a local authority's duties to prevent homelessness where a person is at risk of becoming homeless.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is the prevention duty and when it applies

• when the prevention duty can end

• legislation and guidance on the prevention duty

Who this session is for

You need a basic understanding of the homeless application process for this session.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 30 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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The homeless relief duty

Learn about a local authority's duties to take reasonable steps to relieve a person's homelessness.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is the relief duty and when it applies

• the aims of the relief duty and good practice

• legislation and guidance on the relief duty

Who this session is for

You need a basic understanding of the homeless application process for this session.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Understanding homelessness and housing: local authority duties

Get an overview of local authority homelessness duties, including the prevention, relief and main housing duties.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what duties a local authority might owe to a homeless applicant

• the five tests of homelessness, including priority need and eligibility

• when accommodation duties are triggered and what this means

Who this session is for

You might be new to your role or new to this topic. This session doesn't require any prior knowledge.

Maybe you work for a local authority or as a housing or generalist adviser. This session is also suitable if you don't specialise in housing but need to know the basics for your role.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Homelessness

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Affordability and intentional homelessness 

As the cost of living crisis continues to affect households, learn about affordability of accommodation and local authority intentional homelessness decisions. 

What this session covers

This recorded session includes: 

• the definition of intentional homelessness

• when a property is unreasonable to occupy due to affordability 

• what reasonable living expenses means during the cost of living crisis 

Who this session is for 

You're in a role where you advise people on housing and homelessness issues, or where you encounter enquiries about this topic.

You'll need some prior knowledge of the homeless application process for this session. You might work in housing options for a local authority, or be a housing caseworker for a voluntary agency.

Length: 40 minutes 

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Case law on s.189A assessments and personalised housing plans

Learn about legal concepts and the practical application of knowledge around s189A assessments and personalised housing plans case law.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what is required for a lawful assessment under s.189A Housing Act 1996

• how the assessment forms the basis of the personalised housing plan and subsequent local authority decisions

Who this session is for

You will have some knowledge of personalised housing plans and housing needs assessments.

You might be local authority housing options staff, a housing officer, homelessness officer, or homeless prevention staff who are required to give advice on housing options enquiries.

Also suitable for voluntary agency advisers who provide advice to homeless clients.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Fundamental (level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Challenging homeless decisions

Learn how to challenge homelessness decisions, including local authority gatekeeping and non-priority need decisions.

What this session covers

This elearning session includes:

• how to spot gatekeeping and how to challenge it

• which local authority decisions can be reviewed

• how the review process works, including time limits

Who this session is for

You're in a role where you advise people on housing options and homelessness issues, or where you encounter enquiries about this topic. You'll need some existing knowledge of homeless applications for this session.

You might work in housing options for a local authority, or be a housing adviser or caseworker. This session is also suitable if you offer casework assistance, including supporting generalist advisers.

Length: 60 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

CPD points: 1

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Ending the relief duty

Learn about how a local authority can end the relief duty to a homeless applicant under s189B of the Housing Act 1996.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• how and when a local authority can end the relief duty 

• accommodation offers during the relief duty 

Who this session is for

You're in a role where you advise people on housing and homelessness issues, or where you encounter enquiries about this topic.

You'll need some prior knowledge of the homeless application process for this session. You might work in housing options for a local authority, or be a housing caseworker for a voluntary agency.

Length: 50 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Helping clients not eligible for housing assistance

Learn what help is available for clients who are not eligible for local authority housing assistance.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what support is provided by social services, children's services and the Home Office

• what specialist, local and community support might be available

• relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Who this session is for

You're in a role where you advise people on housing and homelessness issues, or where you encounter enquiries about this topic.

You'll need some prior knowledge of eligibility for homeless assistance for this session. You might work in housing options for a local authority, or be a housing caseworker for a voluntary agency.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Homelessness applications: vulnerability and reason to believe priority need

Learn when there is a reason to believe a homeless applicant is vulnerable and has priority need.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• how to make a lawful assessment of whether there is reason to believe

• what key points to consider

• relevant case law and guidance, including the Homelessness Code of Guidance

Who this session is for

You're in a role where you advise people on housing and homelessness issues, or where you encounter enquiries about this topic.

You'll need some prior knowledge of the homeless application process for this session. You might work in housing options for a local authority, or be a housing caseworker for a voluntary agency.

Length: 30 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Intentional homelessness: an outline

Get an outline of intentional homeless and what this means.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• the definition of intentional homelessness

• inquiries into intentionality

• deliberate acts or omissions

Who this session is for

Local authority housing options staff including housing officers, homelessness officers and homeless prevention staff who are required to give advice on housing options enquiries.

Also suitable for voluntary agency advisers who provide housing advice and support

Length: 20 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Multiple and repeat homelessness applications

Develop your understanding of the law regarding multiple and repeat homelessness applications under Part 7 Housing Act 1996.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what happens when a person makes more than one application to different local authorities

• when a local authority must accept a repeat application

Who this session is for

Some knowledge of the homelessness application process is required.

Local authority housing options staff including housing officers, homelessness officers and homeless prevention staff who are required to give advice on housing options enquiries.

Also suitable for voluntary agency advisers who provide housing advice and support.

Length: 35 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Timeline of local authority homeless duties

Learn about what timescales a local authority should meet during a homeless application.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• timeframe for key duties, including the prevention, relief, and main duties

• legislation and guidance on the duties

Who this session is for

You're in a role where you advise people on housing and homelessness issues, or where you encounter enquiries about this topic.

You'll need some prior knowledge of the homeless application process for this session. You might work in housing options for a local authority, or be a housing caseworker for a voluntary agency.

Length: 40 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Writing decision letters: good practice

Learn good practice when writing section 184 decision letters under Part 7 Housing Act 1996.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

• what a decision letter is

• why decision letters are important

• what needs to be included in a decision letter

• writing the decision letter

Who this session is for

Some knowledge of the homelessness application process is required.

Local authority housing options staff including housing officers, homelessness officers and homeless prevention staff who are required to give advice on housing options enquiries.

Also suitable for voluntary agency advisers who provide housing advice and support.

Length: 30 minutes

Level: Fundamental (Level 2)

Topic: Homelessness

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Support with homeless applications

Learn about the homeless application process.

What this session covers

This elearning session includes:

• homelessness rights in England and how to make a homeless application

• how an applicant can ask for a review of local authority homelessness decisions

• how to support applicants with mental health conditions (priority need)

• practical tips and references to relevant case law and legislation

At the end of this session, you'll be able to:

• identify who can make a homeless application

• describe local authority homelessness duties

• understand the hierarchy of the court system

Who this session is for

You do not need any prior knowledge of the subject.

You might be new to a role as a housing advice worker or support worker.

Rate: £60+VAT per person

Length: 2 hours (4 x 30 minute modules)

Level: Introductory (Level 3)

Topic: Homelessness

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