Supported Exempt Accommodation Quality Assurance Standards (S.E.A.Q.A.S.)

 

These have been developed by the BVSC (Birmingham Voluntary Service Council) in partnership with Birmingham City Council to assess the standards of Registered Providers of non-commissioned supported exempt accommodation in Birmingham. Managing Agents working for a Registered Provider may also apply.

The S.E.A.Q.A.S. are:

1. Leadership and Management of staff
2. Leadership and Management of Housing, Health and Safety, GDPR, and Quality Assurance
3. Supporting Residents

 

The 360-degree assessment process involves:

• Self-assessment 
• Submitting key policies
• Onsite property inspections
• Evidencing practices
• Staff feedback
• Resident feedback
• Stakeholder feedback

 

The benefits for providers:

• Greater credibility and recognition for good practice
• Preferential referral from Birmingham City Council and their commissioned services, voluntary services West Midlands Probation Services
• An independent and objective review of strengths and areas for improvement
• Preparation for the anticipated Supported Housing Bill licensing scheme

 

The benefits for residents:

• Access to well-managed and well-maintained accommodation
• Access to support that meets individual needs
• Access to information to empower informed choices

 

For more information, please read download:

 

01. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Guide

02. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Guide to Accreditation 

 

The Charter of Rights for Residents of Supported Exempt Accommodation (C.O.R.)

The Charter of Rights have been developed by Spring Housing in partnership with Birmingham City Council for residents living in, or considering living in, non-commissioned exempt accommodation. It is aimed at empowering, informing, and supporting individuals in supported housing by setting out their rights and what they can expect from the provider

 

The C.O.R. sets out 5 resident rights: 

• A right to feel safe and protected
• A right to decent living conditions
• A right to clear information on your support entitlement
• A right to security of property
• A right to seek advice and assistance, and to challenge

 

For more information, please download:

 

01. Charter of Rights pamphlet for residents

02. Charter of Rights Provider Guidance

 

For more information, please see the downloadable guides 

One application form

There is one application form whether you are applying for the S.E.A.Q.A.S. assessment or to become a C.O.R. Adoptee only.

 

The S.E.A.Q.A.S. assessment is fee-based and automatically includes a requirement to become a C.O.R. Adoptee by attending a workshop (if you have not already done so) and a commitment to implementing its recommendations to improve customer engagement. After attending the C.O.R. workshop, you will receive a certificate and the right to use the C.O.R. logo on your website and literature. 

 

Passing the S.E.A.Q.A.S. assessment will entitle you to become a preferred provider with Birmingham City Council. You will also receive a certificate and the right to use the S.E.A.Q.A.S. Awarded Logo on your website and literature. 

 

Applying to become a C.O.R. Adoptee only is free and involves attending a workshop and a commitment to implementing its recommendations to improve customer engagement. After attending the C.O.R. workshop, you will receive a certificate and the right to use the C.O.R. logo on your website and literature. This will NOT entitle you to become a preferred provider with Birmingham City Council.

 

Become part of a Birmingham City Council 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 for the S.E.A.Q.A.S. assessment, download, complete and send the following to: [email protected]

 

1. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Application Form V6.2
2. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Payment Agreement Form V6.2
3. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Service Provision Form V6.2
4. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Self-Assessment Form V6.2
5. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Staff List Form V6.2
6. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Stakeholder List Form V6.2
7. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Managing Agent List Form V6.2
8. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Property List Form V.62

 

Please also send the documents indicated in:

9. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Information to be sent prior to assessment V6.2

Following receipt, you will be invoiced for the agreed amount and contacted regarding attending a Charter of Rights Adoptee workshop, if you have not already done so. For information regarding fees please see download:

 

10. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Fees V6.2

 

To become a Charter of Rights adoptee only, download, complete and send the following to: [email protected]

 

1. S.E.A.Q.A.S. Application Form 

 

Following receipt, you will be contacted regarding attending a Charter of Rights Adoptee workshop

 

Common enquiries:

 

Question: Which providers have been awarded a S.E.A.Q.A.S. award?

Answer: For information regarding providers who have been awarded or going through assessment, please visit: Supported Exempt Accommodation | Supported Exempt Accommodation | Birmingham City Council

 

Question: How do I become a Registered Provider of Supported Exempt Accommodation? 

Answer: A Registered Provider of Supported Exempt Accommodation may be a Registered Social Landlord or a Private landlord that providers accommodation with support. An enhanced rate of Housing Benefit may be claimed and paid directly via the local authority to the landlord.  To apply for exempt status, any new / prospective providers will need to email the Landlord Liaison Team at Birmingham City Council’s Revenue and Benefit Service: [email protected]  

 

Question: How do I become a Managing Agent

Answer: A Managing Agent is a company that manages properties and/or provides support on behalf of a Registered Provider. They are paid directly by the Registered Provider. Applications should be made directly to a Registered Provider registered with Birmingham City Council Housing Benefit and Revenue Service.

 

Question: How do i become a Registered Social Landlord?

Answer: A Registered Social Landlord (RSL) is an organization that provides social housing and is registered with the Regulator of Social Housing in England, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. A RSL may also provide supported exampt accommodation. Please visit: Regulator of Social Housing - GOV.UK

 

Question: How do I become a CQC registered service?

Answer: CQC registred services are service that provide regulated activities. For more information please visit Register as a provider - Care Quality Commission

 

 

Question: Does Supported Exempt Accommodation require a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) License?

Answer: No, exempt properties do not currently require a license. HMO Licensing is a requirement of the private rented sector, and you would need to contact your local authority to apply. For more information, please click What is an HMO? | Houses in multiple occupation (HMO) | Birmingham City Council. Additional information can be found at Private renting: Houses in multiple occupation - GOV.UK

 

Question: How can I rent my properties to the Council?

Answer: Please go to: Accommodation Finding Team (AFT) | Birmingham City Council

 

Question: How can I make a complaint against a Registered Provider, or one of their Managing Agents? 

Answer 1: If you live in Supported Exempt Accommodation, you should follow your provider’s complaint policy in the first instance. If your complaint remains unresolved, please email: [email protected]

 

Answer2: If you do not live in Supported Exempt Accommodation, you should contact the Registered Provider in the first instance. If your complaint remains unresolved, please email [email protected]

 

Question: I have applied to be assessed against the S.E.A.Q.A.S. Does this mean I am on the Preferred Provider List?

Answer: If you have completed all the requirements of the current application process, have paid the fees and are waiting to be assessed, you will be discussed at a monthly Accreditation Panel meeting and may provisionally be added to the Preferred Provider list if there are no concerns raised.