The accredited training and development programme that we now provide for potential and current board members ensures that the board has the right skills for the job and demonstrates competence.
The course can be taught over 11 evenings, or daytimes, on a weekly/bi-weekly basis, but it can also be taught intensively over 5 days or 2 weekends.

Each full course is divided into 3 key learning streams, which include:

• Unit 1:  Social Housing and Governance
• Unit 2:  Housing Law and Finance
• Unit 3:  Board Member Skills in Practice 

The course is delivered at 3 levels:

Level 1 – Foundation course - This is an introductory course intended to enable the full diversity of residents to have competence and confidence to stand for election to a governing board. The foundation course is designed to be empowering, jargon free, and delivered locally where residents live. It has the effect of capacity building in the community. It contributes to employment readiness. A high level of tutorial and personal development is included in this course. 

Level 2 – Intermediate course - This course is aimed at people who have completed the foundation course and wish to progress their education, or people who have existing knowledge and transferable skills and need grounding in some or all aspects of housing governance. It also has demonstrable impact in improving the capacity of the community to draw in funds and resources.

Levels 1 and 2 are keys to successful resident involvement, especially from hard to reach groups. Level 3 unites the talents of the board.

Level 3 – Advanced course - This course is designed for experienced and current board members.  The course enables board members to have a clear understanding of their business and make sure they understand their role, legal responsibilities and liabilities.

The level 3 programme is developed to be work based and practical. The focus is on current issues, problem solving and going forward by development of the governance model that is right for the organisation. Board members develop crucial skills of critical appraisal, high-level decision-making, and effective partnership. The outcome is that Board members apply their learning straightaway and the benefits are clearly evidenced in improved governance and leadership.

The training team work to the quality standards of Open College Network and to the expectations of the customer. To ensure board members get the most out of the training and the course is delivered at affordable cost, JKA engage the Senior Management Team in the delivery in addition to our own trainers.