For Residents

Charter of Rights – Information pages

Birmingham City Council Quality Standards for Supported Exempt Accommodation

In 2019, Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council (BVSC) was approached by Birmingham City Council to develop a Quality Standard for registered providers. In developing the standards, BVSC utilised feedback from individuals with lived experience and met with Birmingham City Council and accommodation providers.

The Standards are focused on process and practices rather than sole policies around support. The assessments do not focus on the physical condition of the buildings. However, if we are aware that a provider offers accommodation that does not meet either the health and safety or environmental standards required in regulation or law the standards, will not be awarded or will be withdrawn.

The expectation for holders of the Quality Standard is that they are aware of the environment in which they operate and develop their accommodation to meet the needs of their communities and target groups.

The Quality standards set out the key areas for quality improvement in support for Exempt Accommodation. Each standard gives you:

  • A set of statements to help you improve quality
  • Examples on how to meet the standards.

How does the Quality Standards process work?

Registered providers and landlords are assessed against the standards through the following process:

  1. Registered providers complete application form which includes a payment to BVSC to cover administration costs (fees for providers are based on the number of units supported)
  2. Complete and submit self-assessment (s) for registered providers and landlords.
  3. Visit to accommodation by an assessor to clarify any queries and to interview service users, front line staff, CEO/Senior Manager.
  4. The assessor will then write a report based on the documentary evidence provided and their visit to your service, which will go to the Quality Assessment Panel to be reviewed.

Who are the Quality Standards aimed at?

The standards are aimed at non-commissioned exempt accommodation providers in Birmingham. BVSC are currently signing up Registered Providers and managing agents.

What are the benefits?

For Providers:

  • Greater credibility and recognition for good practice
  • Preferential referrals from Birmingham City Council and update of accommodation by citizens
  • An independent and objective review of strengths and areas for improvement.

For Residents:

  • Access to transparent, consistent and fair accommodation
  • Understanding of what they should expect from their housing providers
  • Access to well-managed accommodation that is clear about the support their can provide.

What are the fees?

There is a fee for processing the assessment of the Quality Standard, charged by BVSC to cover administration costs and linked to the number of units in your organisation. Download from their website further information about fees for the quality standards (opens as pdf).

Apply for the Quality Mark

Become part of a Birmingham City Council and BVSC backed initiative to improve and highlight good practice across the city by applying for our Quality mark and show your commitment to the wellbeing and safety of individuals accessing supported exempt accommodation.

To apply, e-mail exemptstandards@bvsc.org

Further information

For further information, resources and details of events see the BVSC website