Supported Housing Classification System (England)

Introduction

This resource presents a classification system for supported housing in England.  Overall, it offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and categorising the multifaceted nature of supported housing. 

100 Individuals & Needs

  • 110 Individual Characteristics
    • 110.1 Age Groups
    • 110.2 Protected Characteristics (Equality Act)
    • 110.3 Asylum Seekers and Refugees
    • 110.4 Looked after children
    • 110.5 Veterans
  • 120 Needs & Demand Factors
    • 120.1 Mental Health Needs
    • 120.2 Learning Disabilities
    • 120.3 Physical Disabilities
    • 120.4 Substance Misuse
    • 120.5 Homelessness
      • Cross-Ref: 530.9, 600
    • 120.6 Domestic Abuse
    • 120.7 Offending History/Risk
    • 120.8 Care Leaver Status
      • Cross-Ref: 130, 410.1.3.9.1
    • 120.9 Trauma History
    • 120.10 Multiple/Complex Needs
    • 120.11 Dual Diagnosis (Mental Health & Substance Misuse)
  • 130 Individual Rights & Entitlements
    • 130.1 Right to Housing
      • Cross-Ref: 530.1, 530.6, 600
    • 130.2 Right to Care & Support
      • Cross-Ref: 300, 530.2
    • 130.3 Right to Non-Discrimination
      • Cross-Ref: 110.2, 530.3
    • 130.4 Right to Data Protection
      • Cross-Ref: 530.7, 840.1
    • 130.5 Right to Advocacy
    • 130.6 Access to Legal Advice
      • Cross-Ref: 900

200 Supported Housing Provision

  • 200.1 History and Evolution of Supported Housing
  • 210 Types of Supported Housing
    • 210.1 Exempt Accommodation
      • Cross-Ref: 410.1.1, 520.2
    • 210.2 Specified Accommodation
      • Cross-Ref: 410.1.2, 520.2
    • 210.3 Floating Support
    • 210.4 Sheltered Housing
      • 210.4.1 Design Considerations for Sheltered Housing
    • 210.5 Extra Care Housing
      • 210.5.1 Design Considerations for Extra Care Housing
    • 210.6 Residential Care
    • 210.7 Short-Stay/Crisis Accommodation
    • 210.8 Move-On Accommodation
      • 210.8.1 Step-Down Accommodation
      • 210.8.2 General Needs Housing with Floating Support
    • 210.9 Specialist Supported Housing (by Client Group)
      • 210.9.1 Mental Health Supported Housing
        • 210.9.1.1 Design Considerations for Mental Health Supported Housing
      • 210.9.2 Learning Disability Supported Housing
        • 210.9.2.1 Design Considerations for Learning Disability Supported Housing
      • 210.9.3 Physical Disability Supported Housing
        • 210.9.3.1 Design Considerations for Physical Disability Supported Housing
      • 210.9.4 Substance Misuse Supported Housing
        • 210.9.4.1 Design Considerations – Substance Misuse Supported Housing
      • 210.9.5 Domestic Abuse Supported Housing (Refuges)
        • 210.9.5.1 Design Considerations – Domestic Abuse Supported Housing
      • 210.9.6 Young People Supported Housing
        • 210.9.6.1 Design Considerations for Young People Supported Housing
      • 210.9.7 Offender Supported Housing
        • 210.9.7.1 Design Considerations – Offender Supported Housing
    • 210.10 Co-living (with Support)
  • 220 Providers of Supported Housing
    • 220.1 Registered Providers (Housing Associations)
      • Cross-Ref: 510.2
    • 220.2 Local Authorities
    • 220.3 Private Landlords
    • 220.4 Charities
    • 220.5 Voluntary Sector Organizations
    • 220.6 Governance (of Providers)
      • Cross-Ref: 520.3
    • 220.7 Property Developers (Supported Housing)
      • Cross-Ref: 210, 430, 530, 810, 850
      • 220.7.1 Design Commissioning and Briefing
    • 220.8 Lease based providers
  • 230 Housing Management Functions
    • 230.1 Intensive Housing Management
      • Cross-Ref: 410.1.1.4.2
    • 230.2 Enhanced Housing Management
      • Cross-Ref: 410.1.1.4.2
    • 230.3 Rent and Service Charge Collection
      • Cross-Ref: 410, 700, 960.2
    • 230.4 Repairs and Maintenance
      • Cross-Ref: 530.x, 960.3
    • 230.5 Tenancy Sustainment Support
      • Cross-Ref: 330.6, 710.4
    • 230.6 Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Management
      • Cross-Ref: 960.3, 530.13
    • 230.7 Managing Rent Arrears
      • Cross-Ref: 960.2
    • 230.8 Possession Proceedings Management
      • Cross-Ref: 530.1, 530.14
    • 230.9 Voids Management
    • 230.10 Allocations and Lettings
    • 230.11 Resident Involvement in Housing Management
    • 230.12 Lease Management
      • 230.12.1 Lease Acquisition and Negotiation
      • 230.12.2 Lease Compliance and Administration
      • 230.12.3 Rent and Service Charge Management (Landlord)
      • 230.12.4 Repairs and Maintenance (Lease Obligations)
      • 230.12.5 Landlord/Superior Landlord Relationship Management
      • 230.12.6 Lease Renewal and Termination Management
      • 230.12.7 Legal and Regulatory Compliance (Leases)
      • 230.12.8 Lease Documentation and Record Keeping
      • 230.12.9 Risk Management (Lease-Related)
      • 230.12.10 Subletting Management
      • 230.12.11 Lease Performance Monitoring
      • 230.12.12 Insurance (for leased properties)
    • 230.13 Occupancy Agreements and Terms
      • 230.13.1 Types of Occupancy Agreements
      • 230.13.2 Standard Terms and Conditions
      • 230.13.3 Bespoke Terms and Conditions
      • 230.13.4 House Rules
      • 230.13.5 Legal Requirements for Occupancy Agreements
      • 230.13.6 Changes and Updates
    • 230.14 Adaptations and Modifications
      • Cross-Ref:  120.2, 120.3, 310.x, ,440, 530.1, 530.3, 710.2, 710.3
    • 230.14.1 Minor Adaptations
    • 230.14.2 Major Adaptations
    • 230.14.3 Funding Applications for Adaptations
    • 230.14.4 Procurement and Installation of Adaptations
    • 30.14.5 Maintenance and Repair of Adaptations

300 Care & Support Services

  • 310 Needs Assessment
    • 310.1 Social Care Assessment
    • 310.2 Health Needs Assessment
    • 310.3 Ongoing Support Needs Assessment
    • 310.4 Risk Assessment (Support-Related)
    • 310.5  Housing-Related Needs Assessment
  • 320 Care & Support Planning
    • 320.1 Person-Centred Planning
    • 320.2 Support Plan (Document)
    • 320.3 Crisis and Contingency Planning
    • 320.4 Service User Involvement in Planning
  • 330 Types of Support
    • 330.1 Personal Care
    • 330.2 Mental Health Support
    • 330.3 Learning Disability Support
    • 330.4 Physical Disability Support
    • 330.5 Substance Misuse Support
    • 330.6 Tenancy Sustainment Support
    • 330.7 Outcomes-focused support
  • 340 Care and Support Delivery
    • 340.1 Direct Provision
    • 340.2 Commissioned Services
  • 350 Monitoring, Review, and Evaluation (of Support)
    • 350.1 Monitoring Against Plan
    • 350.2 Review of Care and Support Plan
    • 350.3 Outcome Measurement (Support)

400 Funding & Finance

  • 410 Funding for Accommodation
    • 410.1 Housing Benefit (HB)
      • 410.1.1 Exempt Accommodation Determination
        • 410.1.1.1 Local Authority Questionnaires
        • 410.1.1.2 National Guidance on Exempt Accommodation
        • 410.1.1.3 Case Law and Tribunal Decisions (Exempt Accommodation)
        • 410.1.1.4 Qualifying Criteria for Exempt Accommodation
          • 410.1.1.4.1 Landlord Status (Not-for-Profit Requirement)
          • 410.1.1.4.2 Support Provision (Intensive Housing Management)
          • 410.1.1.4.3 Care, Support, or Supervision (Definitions & Interpretations)
          • 410.1.1.4.4 Nexus between Accommodation and Support
        • 410.1.1.5 Evidence Requirements for Exempt Accommodation
        • 410.1.1.6 Appeals and Challenges (Exempt Accommodation)
        • 410.1.1.7 Rent Setting in Exempt Accommodation
        • 410.1.1.8 Changes and Updates to Exempt Accommodation Rules
      • 410.1.2 Specified Accommodation Determination
        • 410.1.2.1 Definition of Specified Accommodation
        • 410.1.2.2 Categories of Specified Accommodation
          • 410.1.2.2.1 Category 1: Domestic Abuse
          • 410.1.2.2.2 Category 2: Hostel
          • 410.1.2.2.3 Category 3: Supported Accommodation
          • 410.1.2.2.4 Category 4: Sheltered/Extra Care (certain types)
        • 410.1.2.3 Local Authority Procedures for Specified Accommodation
        • 410.1.2.4 Case Law and Tribunal Decisions (Specified Accommodation)
        • 410.1.2.5 Relationship to Other Benefit Rules (Specified Accommodation)
      • 410.1.3 General Housing Benefit Eligibility and Calculation
        • 410.1.3.1 Means-Testing Rules
        • 410.1.3.2 Eligible Rent Calculation
          • 410.1.3.2.1 Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Rates
          • 410.1.3.2.2 Rent Officer Referrals
          • 410.1.3.2.3 Fair Rent Determinations
        • 410.1.3.3 Non-Dependant Deductions
        • 410.1.3.4 Under-Occupancy Charge (Bedroom Tax)
        • 410.1.3.5 Benefit Cap
        • 410.1.3.6 Changes of Circumstances
        • 410.1.3.7 Overpayments and Recovery
        • 410.1.3.8 Appeals and Disputes (General HB)
        • 410.1.3.9 Specific Groups and Eligibility
          • 410.1.3.9.1 Care Leavers
      • 410.1.4 Housing Benefit Administration (Local Authority Processes)
        • 410.1.4.1 Claim Forms and Procedures
        • 410.1.4.2 Local Authority HB Departments
        • 410.1.4.3 HB Performance Data and Statistics
        • 410.1.4.4 HB Subsidy Rules (for Local Authorities)
        • 410.1.4.5 HB Fraud Prevention and Detection
      • 410.1.5 Interactions with Universal Credit (Housing Element)
        • 410.1.5.1 Transitional Protection
        • 410.1.5.2 Calculation of Housing Costs Element (UC)
        • 410.1.5.3 Managed Payments to Landlords (UC)
      • 410.1.6 Historical Housing Benefit Legislation and Policies
      • 410.1.7 Housing Benefit Caselaw
      • 410.1.8 Housing Benefit Guidance
    • 410.2 Universal Credit (Housing Element)
      • 410.2.1 Exempt Accommodation Determination (UC)
    • 410.3 Personal Contributions
    • 410.4 Local Housing Allowance (LHA)
    • 410.5 Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs)
    • 410.6 Private Rented Sector (PRS) Leasing Schemes
  • 420 Funding for Care & Support
    • 420.1 Local Authority Social Care Funding
    • 420.2 NHS Funding
    • 420.3 Personal Budgets
  • 430 Capital Funding
    • 430.1 Homes England Grants
    • 430.2 Local Authority Grants
    • 430.3 Charitable Funding
    • 430.4 Private Finance
    • 430.5 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
      • 430.5.1 Major REIT Companies (Supported Housing)
    • 430.6 Developer Funding Models
      • Cross-Ref: 220.7
  • 440 Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)

500 Regulation & Oversight

  • 510 Regulatory & Oversight Bodies
    • 510.1 Care Quality Commission (CQC)
    • 510.2 Regulator of Social Housing (RSH)
      • 510.2.1 History of the Regulator of Social Housing
        • Cross-Ref: 520, 530, 930
    • 510.3 Charities Commission
    • 510.4 Companies House
    • 510.5 Local Authority
    • 510.6 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
    • 510.7 Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
    • 510.8 Supported Housing Advisory Panel
    • 510.9 Local Government Ombudsman
    • 510.10 Housing Ombudsman
  • 520 Regulatory Processes
    • 520.1 Inspections & Audits
    • 520.2 Registration & Licensing
      • Cross-Ref: 410.1.1, 410.1.2
    • 520.3 Performance Monitoring
      • Cross-Ref: 220.6
    • 520.4 Complaints & Redress Mechanisms
      • Cross-Ref: 900
    • 520.5 Safeguarding Procedures
      • Cross-Ref: 960.1
    • 520.6 Enforcement Actions
    • 520.7 Strategic Planning (Local Authority)
  • 530 Legal & Policy Frameworks
    • 530.1 Housing Acts
    • 530.2 Care Act 2014
    • 530.3 Equality Act 2010
    • 530.4 Mental Capacity Act 2005
    • 530.5 Mental Health Act 1983 (and 2007 amendments)
    • 530.6 Human Rights Act 1998
    • 530.7 Data Protection Legislation (GDPR)
    • 530.8 National Policy Guidance
    • 530.9 Homelessness Legislation
      • Cross-Ref: 120.5, 600
    • 530.10 Public Health Law
    • 530.11 Contract Law
    • 530.12 Tort Law
    • 530.13 Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation
      • Cross-Ref: 230.6
    • 530.14 Possession Proceedings Legislation
    • 530.15 Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023
    • 530.16 Social Housing Regulation Act 2023
    • 530.17 National Supported Housing Standards
    • 530.18 Money Laundering Regulations
    • 530.19 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

600 Referral & Access

  • 610 Referral Sources
    • 610.1 Social Services
    • 610.2 Health Services (NHS)
    • 610.3 Probation Service
    • 610.4 Street Outreach Teams
    • 610.5 Self-Referral
    • 610.6 Local Authority Housing
    • 610.7 Other Third Sector Organisations
  • 620 Referral Process
    • 620.1 Initial Contact
    • 620.2 Referral Form Completion
    • 620.3 Information sharing
  • 630 Assessment & Eligibility
    • 630.1 Housing Needs Assessment
      • Cross-Ref: 530.x
    • 630.2 Care & Support Needs Assessment
      • Cross-Ref: 310
    • 630.3 Assessment of eligibility for “Exempt Accommodation”
      • Cross-Ref: 410.1.1
  • 640 Allocation & Matching
    • 640.1 Local Authority Allocation Policies
      • Cross-Ref: 530.x
    • 640.2 Housing Registers & Waiting Lists
    • 640.3 Matching Process
  • 650 Individual Choice & Control
      • Cross-Ref: 130
  • 660 Barriers to Access
    • 660.1 Lack of Available Accommodation
      • Cross-Ref: 200, 430
    • 660.2 Complex Application Processes
    • 660.3 Discrimination
      • Cross-Ref: 110.2, 130.3, 530.3
    • 660.4 Lack of Information/Awareness
    • 660.5 Digital Exclusion
    • 660.6 Stigma
    • 660.7 Affordability
      • Cross-Ref: 410
  • 670 Refusal and Rejection
    • 670.1 Refusal by Applicant
    • 670.2 Rejection of Application
  • 680 Move-on Planning
      • Cross-Ref: 730

700 Outcomes & Impact

  • 710 Individual Outcomes
    • 710.1 Improved Health & Wellbeing
    • 710.2 Increased Independence
    • 710.3 Improved Quality of Life
    • 710.4 Tenancy Sustainment
      • Cross-Ref: 230.5
    • 710.5 Economic Wellbeing
    • 710.6 Deteriorated Health & Wellbeing
    • 710.7 Reduced Independence
    • 710.8 Reduced Quality of Life
    • 710.9 Tenancy Breakdown
    • 710.10 Increased Social Isolation
    • 710.11 Increased Criminal Activity/Victimisation
    • 710.12 Increased Anti-Social Behaviour
    • 710.13 Increased Financial Difficulties
    • 710.14 Experience of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation
    • 710.15 No Change/Stasis
  • 720 System Outcomes
    • 720.1 Reduced Homelessness
    • 720.2 Reduced Use of Crisis Services
    • 720.3 Cost Savings
    • 720.4 Increased Social Inclusion
    • 720.5 Increased Costs
    • 720.6 Increased Demand on Local Services
    • 720.7 Community Opposition/Conflict
    • 720.8 Displacement of Existing Residents
    • 720.9 Increased Criminality/ASB (Area Level)
    • 720.10 Provider Failure Impact
    • 720.11 No Change/Stasis
  • 730 Move-on
    • 730.1 Independent Living
    • 730.2 Step-Down Accommodation

800 Relationships & Interactions

  • 810 Funding Relationships
    • 810.1 Commissioning
    • 810.2 Grant Funding
    • 810.3 Contractual Relationships (Funding)
    • 810.4 Service Level Agreements and Contracts (Non-Funding)
  • 820 Regulatory Relationships
    • 820.1 Inspection & Audit
    • 820.2 Performance Monitoring
    • 820.3 Enforcement
  • 830 Referral Relationships
    • 830.1 Inter-agency Referrals
  • 840 Information Sharing
    • 840.1 Data Sharing Agreements
  • 850 Partnership Working
  • 860 Resident and Staff Relationships
    • 860.1 Resident-Staff Interactions
    • 860.2 Peer Support and Resident Networks
    • 860.3 Community Engagement
  • 870 Advocacy Relationships

900 System Improvement

  • 910 Quality Assurance
    • 910.1 Internal Audits
    • 910.2 External Audits
    • 910.3 Resident Feedback Mechanisms
    • 910.4 Benchmarking and Comparative Analysis
  • 920 Staff Training and Development
  • 930 Policy Development
  • 940 Research and Evaluation
    • 945 Data and Information Management for Improvement
  • 950 Innovation and Best Practice
    • 952 Technology and Digital Inclusion
    • 955 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
    • 958 Sustainability (Environmental and Social)
  • 960 Risk Management
    • 960.1 Safeguarding
      • Cross-Ref: 520.5
    • 960.2 Financial Risk Management
      • Cross-Ref: 230.3, 230.7
    • 960.3 Operational Risk Management
      • Cross-Ref: 230.4, 230.6
  • 970 Advocacy and Representation
  • 980 Partnership Working
  • 990 Service User Involvement and Co-production

 

Commentary

1. This commentary outlines the key themes and concepts presented in the “Supported Housing Classification System” (1st Edition).

2. The system provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of supported housing in the England, encompassing individuals and their needs, the provision of accommodation, care and support services, funding and finance, regulation and oversight, referral and access, outcomes and impact, relationships and interactions, and system improvement.

3. It highlights the interconnectedness of these elements and underscores the complexity of the supported housing landscape. We hope with time and development it will serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders seeking a structured understanding of this sector.

Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts

4. The Supported Housing Classification System is organised into nine key topics, each further subdivided into specific areas. The following sections summarise the main themes within each topic.

Individuals & Needs (100)

5. This section focuses on the diverse population requiring supported housing. It categorises individuals by:

  1. Individual Characteristics (110): Including age groups, protected characteristics under the Equality Act, asylum seekers and refugees, looked after children, and veterans. This highlights the broad range of individuals who may need supported housing.
  2. Needs & Demand Factors (120): Covering a wide spectrum of support needs such as mental health, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, substance misuse, homelessness, domestic abuse, offending history/risk, care leaver status, trauma history, multiple/complex needs, and dual diagnosis. This emphasises the specialised support often required. The cross-references (e.g., “Cross-Ref: 530.9, 600”) indicate the interconnectedness of these needs with other aspects of the system, such as homelessness legislation and referral processes.
  3. Individual Rights & Entitlements (130): Detailing fundamental rights such as the “Right to Housing” (Cross-Ref: 530.1, 530.6, 600), “Right to Care & Support” (Cross-Ref: 300, 530.2), “Right to Non-Discrimination” (Cross-Ref: 110.2, 530.3), “Right to Data Protection” (Cross-Ref: 530.7, 840.1), “Right to Advocacy,” and “Access to Legal Advice” (Cross-Ref: 900). This underscores the rights-based approach necessary in providing supported housing.

Supported Housing Provision (200)

6. This section details the various types of supported housing and the organisations involved in providing them. Key aspects include:

  1. Types of Supported Housing (210): A comprehensive list including “Exempt Accommodation” (Cross-Ref: 410.1.1, 520.2), “Specified Accommodation” (Cross-Ref: 410.1.2, 520.2), floating support, sheltered housing, extra care housing, residential care, short-stay/crisis accommodation, move-on accommodation (including step-down and general needs with floating support), and specialist supported housing tailored to various client groups (e.g., mental health, learning disability, substance misuse, domestic abuse, young people, offenders). This highlights the diverse models of provision designed to meet different needs. Design considerations are also mentioned for specific types, indicating a focus on creating appropriate environments.
  2. Providers of Supported Housing (220): Encompassing Registered Providers (Housing Associations) (Cross-Ref: 510.2), Local Authorities, Private Landlords, Charities, Voluntary Sector Organisations, and Property Developers (Cross-Ref: 210, 430, 530, 810, 850). This illustrates the multi-agency and multi-sectoral nature of supported housing delivery. The inclusion of “Lease-based providers” further adds to the complexity of the landscape.

7. Supported Housing Provision also encompasses Housing Management Functions (230): Covering essential operational aspects such as “Intensive Housing Management” also know as “Enhanced Housing Management” (Cross-Ref: 410.1.1.4.2), rent and service charge collection (Cross-Ref: 410, 700, 960.2), repairs and maintenance (Cross-Ref: 530.x, 960.3), tenancy sustainment support (Cross-Ref: 330.6, 710.4), ASB management (Cross-Ref: 960.3, 530.13), managing rent arrears (Cross-Ref: 960.2), possession proceedings (Cross-Ref: 530.1, 530.14), and lease management. This section emphasises the active and specialised management required in supported housing.

Care & Support Services (300)

8. This section details the critical care and support element of supported housing. Key aspects include:

  1. Needs Assessment (310): Covering “Social Care Assessment,” “Health Needs Assessment,” “Ongoing Support Needs Assessment,” “Risk Assessment (Support-Related),” and “Housing-Related Needs Assessment.” This highlights the importance of understanding individual needs to tailor appropriate support.
  2. Care & Support Planning (320): Emphasising “Person-Centred Planning,” the creation of a “Support Plan (Document),” “Crisis and Contingency Planning,” and “Service User Involvement in Planning.” This underscores the individualistic and proactive approach to support.
  3. Types of Support (330): Including “Personal Care,” “Mental Health Support,” “Learning Disability Support,” “Physical Disability Support,” “Substance Misuse Support,” “Tenancy Sustainment Support,” and “Outcomes-focused support.” This list reflects the diverse needs identified in Section 100.
  4. Care and Support Delivery (340): Outlining “Direct Provision” and “Commissioned Services” as delivery models.
  5. Monitoring, Review, and Evaluation (350): Focusing on “Monitoring Against Plan,” “Review of Care and Support Plan,” and “Outcome Measurement (Support).” This highlights the importance of accountability and effectiveness.

Funding & Finance (400)

9. This section is crucial for understanding how supported housing is financed. Key areas include:

  1. Funding for Accommodation (410): With a significant focus on “Housing Benefit (HB)” and “Universal Credit (Housing Element).” The detailed breakdown of “Exempt Accommodation Determination” (410.1.1) and “Specified Accommodation Determination” (410.1.2) is particularly important, as these classifications often determine the level of Housing Benefit payable. Key aspects of Exempt Accommodation include “Landlord Status (Not-for-Profit Requirement)” (410.1.1.4.1) and “Support Provision (Intensive Housing Management)” (410.1.1.4.2). The system also covers general HB eligibility (410.1.3), administration (410.1.4), interactions with Universal Credit (410.1.5), and historical context.
  2. Funding for Care & Support (420): Including “Local Authority Social Care Funding,” “NHS Funding,” and “Personal Budgets.” This highlights the distinct funding streams for accommodation and support.
  3. Capital Funding (430): Covering sources like “Homes England Grants” (e.g., Affordable Homes Programme), “Local Authority Grants,” “Charitable Funding,” “Private Finance,” and “Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).” This demonstrates the diverse ways in which new supported housing developments are financed.
  4. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) (440): Specifically for adaptations to properties.

Regulation & Oversight (500)

10. This section details the regulatory framework governing supported housing. Key bodies and processes include:

  1. Regulatory & Oversight Bodies (510): Identifying key organisations such as the “Care Quality Commission (CQC),” “Regulator of Social Housing (RSH)” (Cross-Ref: 520, 530, 930), “Charities Commission,” “Companies House,” “Local Authority,” “Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG),” “Department of Work and Pensions (DWP),” “Supported Housing Advisory Panel,” “Local Government Ombudsman,” and “Housing Ombudsman.” This emphasises the multi-layered regulatory landscape.
  2. Regulatory Processes (520): Including “Inspections & Audits,” “Registration & Licensing” (Cross-Ref: 410.1.1, 410.1.2), “Performance Monitoring” (Cross-Ref: 220.6), “Complaints & Redress Mechanisms” (Cross-Ref: 900), “Safeguarding Procedures” (Cross-Ref: 960.1), and “Enforcement Actions.”

11. The Legal & Policy Frameworks (530): Listing key legislation such as “Housing Acts,” the “Care Act 2014,” “Equality Act 2010,” “Mental Capacity Act 2005,” “Mental Health Act 1983 (and 2007 amendments),” “Human Rights Act 1998,” “Data Protection Legislation (GDPR),” “Homelessness Legislation” (Cross-Ref: 120.5, 600), “Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation” (Cross-Ref: 230.6), “Possession Proceedings Legislation,” and recent acts like the “Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023” and “Social Housing Regulation Act 2023,” as well as the “National Statement of Expectations (Supported Housing)” and “National Supported Housing Standards.” This underscores the significant legal and policy context within which supported housing operates.

Referral & Access (600)

12. This section outlines how individuals access supported housing. Key aspects include:

  1. Referral Sources (610): Identifying various routes such as “Social Services,” “Health Services (NHS),” “Probation Service,” “Street Outreach Teams,” “Self-Referral,” and “Local Authority Housing.” This highlights the diverse pathways into supported housing.
  2. Referral Process (620): Covering “Initial Contact,” “Referral Form Completion,” and “Information Sharing.”
  3. Eligibility Criteria (630): Indicating the importance of defined criteria for accessing services.

Outcomes & Impact (700)

13. This section focuses on the results and effects of supported housing, both for individuals and the wider system. It considers both positive and negative outcomes:

  1. Individual Outcomes (710): Including positive outcomes like “Improved Health & Wellbeing,” “Increased Independence,” “Improved Quality of Life,” and “Tenancy Sustainment” (Cross-Ref: 230.5), as well as potential negative outcomes like “Deteriorated Health & Wellbeing,” “Tenancy Breakdown,” “Increased Social Isolation,” and “Increased Financial Difficulties.” The inclusion of “No Change/Stasis” acknowledges that outcomes may not always be dramatic.
  2. System Outcomes (720): Covering effects on the broader system such as “Reduced Homelessness,” “Reduced Use of Crisis Services,” and potential “Cost Savings,” alongside potential negative impacts like “Increased Demand on Local Services” and “Community Opposition/Conflict.”
  3. Move-on (730): Describing pathways out of supported housing towards “Independent Living” or “Step-Down Accommodation.”

Relationships & Interactions (800)

14. This section highlights the various relationships that underpin the supported housing sector:

  1. Funding Relationships (810): Including “Commissioning,” “Grant Funding,” and “Contractual Relationships.”
  2. Regulatory Relationships (820): Such as “Inspection & Audit” and “Performance Monitoring.”
  3. Referral Relationships (830): Particularly “Inter-agency Referrals.”
  4. Information Sharing (840): Emphasising the importance of “Data Sharing Agreements.”
  5. Partnership Working (850): Recognising the collaborative nature of the sector.

System Improvement (900)

15. This final section focuses on enhancing the supported housing system. Key areas include:

  1. Quality Assurance (910): Through “Internal Audits,” “External Audits,” “Resident Feedback Mechanisms,” and “Benchmarking and Comparative Analysis.”
  2. Staff Training and Development (920): Recognising the need for a skilled workforce.
  3. Policy Development (930): To ensure effective and responsive frameworks.
  4. Research and Evaluation (940): To build an evidence base for best practice.
  5. Innovation and Best Practice (950): To drive continuous improvement.
  6. Risk Management (960): Covering “Safeguarding” (Cross-Ref: 520.5), “Financial Risk Management” (Cross-Ref: 230.3, 230.7), and “Operational Risk Management” (Cross-Ref: 230.4, 230.6).
  7. Advocacy and Representation (970): To ensure the voices of residents and providers are heard.

Conclusion

16. The “Supported Housing Classification System” provides a detailed and interconnected overview of the supported housing sector in the UK. It highlights the diverse needs of individuals, the various models of provision, the crucial role of care and support, the complex funding mechanisms, the extensive regulatory landscape, the importance of effective referral processes, the focus on outcomes, the necessity of strong relationships, and the ongoing drive for system improvement.

17. This resource serves as a valuable tool for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and nuances of the supported housing system in England. The numerous cross-references within the system emphasise the interconnectedness of its various components.

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