Professional skills elearning

Develop your professional skills in housing advice and casework with free elearning courses from Shelter.

Online professional skills training available now

Get an introduction to useful resources for your role or learn how to develop your writing and casework skills.

Each course takes 10 to 60 minutes to complete, so you can learn at a pace that suits you.

Who can access Shelter elearning?

You can access most of our elearning for free if you work for an eligible organisation.

Thank you to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for funding these courses. Find out how our work is funded.

If you don't qualify, you can still access our paid courses.

Find out if you qualify for free training

Entry (Level 1)

You don't need any prior knowledge for these courses.

Online elearning and webinars, available free to eligible organisations only.

Funded by the UK Government's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

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

Join now

Useful resources for housing advisers

Identify key resources to help you provide effective housing and homelessness advice.

What this session covers

This recorded session includes:

how to use legislation
how to use statutory and non-statutory guidance
how to use government local authority policies and procedures
where you can get practical advice, including Shelter resources

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.

Length: 45 minutes

Level: Entry (Level 1)

Topic: Professional skills

Join now

Fundamental (Level 2)

You'll need some prior knowledge for these courses.

Online elearning and webinars, available free to eligible organisations only.

Funded by the UK Government's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

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

Join now

Introductory (Level 3)

You'll find it useful to have some prior knowledge for these courses.

Webinars, elearning and in person training to develop your understanding.

Available to book and buy now.

Casework skills and client interaction

Get an overview of casework skills and good practice when advising on housing and homelessness, including interacting with clients and customers.

What this session covers

This recorded session covers:

pre-client interactions
during client interactions
post client interactions

What you'll learn

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

identify what casework is and the important role of caseworkers
understand key factors of effective client interviews
recognise good practice in working with other agencies
value the importance of good record keeping

This session does not cover case recording systems or requirements of any contracts such as the legal aid framework.

Who this session is for

You do not need any prior knowledge for this session.

You might work for a local authority in housing options, or work in an advice or support role.

Rate: £20+VAT per person

Length: 15 minutes

Level: Introductory (Level 3)

Topic: Professional skills

Join now