People living in the rented sector are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty, and with the Warm Homes Plan placing increased emphasis on improving energy efficiency standards within the Private Rented Sector, there has never been a more important time to understand the challenges facing tenants.
This course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support vulnerable households living in rented accommodation. It explores the key risks associated with the sector, examines the policy and legislative framework designed to protect tenants, and offers clear, practical guidance on how frontline staff can respond effectively to a range of housing and energy-related issues.
The course is available in two formats:
- Spotlight session (1.5 hours): A shorter introduction providing an overview of the key themes and issues.
- Half-day webinar (2.5 hours): Covering the topic in greater depth, with practical examples and detailed guidance.
Please note that the Spotlight session is designed as an introductory overview. Learners seeking more detailed information and practical application are encouraged to attend the half-day webinar.
This spotlight session is designed for frontline workers and energy advisers who support vulnerable households, particularly in the rented sector. It is especially relevant for those providing practical advice and support to tenants experiencing issues such as cold homes, high energy bills, damp, mould, and housing insecurity.
SPOTLIGHT SESSION (1.5 hours)
- Explain why vulnerable households are often at greater risk in the rented sector.
- Describe how HHSRS, the Decent Homes Standard, Awaab’s Law, MEES, the Warm Homes Plan and the Renters’ Rights Act connect in practice.
- Recognise common issues that might be more prevalent in the rented sector.
- Identify practical advice on energy use, support schemes, landlord communication, escalation and referral routes.
HALF-DAY WEBINAR (2.5 hours)
- Explain why vulnerable households are often at greater risk in the private rented sector.
- Describe how the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the Decent Homes Standard, Awaab’s Law, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and the Renters’ Rights Act connect in practice.
- Explain the key legislation enforcement and penalties that can be applied when they are not met.
- Identify practical support, including energy advice, support schemes, landlord communication, referrals and escalation, which includes highlighting how building a fuller evidence-based picture supports appropriate referral decision-making.
The Spotlight session is designed as an introductory overview. Learners seeking more detailed information and practical application are encouraged to attend the half-day webinar. Both formats will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to vulnerability and risk in the private rented sector
- The “Healthy Homes” policy umbrella, including an introduction to:
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and hazard identification
- Fuel Poverty Strategy and its focus on affordability, vulnerability, and health
- Warm Homes Plan and its role in long-term housing improvements
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the private rented sector
- Decent Homes Standard and expectations of housing quality
- Awaab’s Law and the management of damp and mould
- Renters’ Rights Act and tenant protection from eviction
- The relationship between housing conditions, energy costs, and health impacts
- Bringing it all together: understanding how multiple issues (cold, damp, affordability, insecurity) interact in real-life situations.
Please note that the course content will focus mainly on England and Wales. If you are based in Northern Ireland or Scotland and interested in this course, please contact trainingadmin@nea.org.uk before booking so we can discuss the main differences.
Spotlight session (1.5 hours)
Half-day webinar (2.5 hours)
The course is delivered online via webinar.
Find out more
Webinars are delivered live by our expert tutors and are typically hosted via Zoom.
To take part, learners will need a device with internet access, audio capability, a microphone, and a webcam to enable full participation.
As outlined above, this course is available in two formats: a 1.5-hour Spotlight Session or a 2.5-hour Webinar. Both formats cover the same core content; however, the webinar provides more detailed information, practical application and additional opportunities for discussion.
During the Spotlight Session, questions cannot be answered live throughout the presentation. However, a contact email address will be provided after the session for any follow-up queries.
Once a booking has been made, learners will receive a booking confirmation email. Joining instructions will be sent during the week before the course takes place.
We offer a programme of open access webinars for individuals to enrol onto.
Yes, in-house/ group webinars can be arranged upon request. Please contact us for further details.
This course is currently only available via webinar.
Funded places are available to non-commercial/ not for profit organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers that encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty.
This applies to to online delivery only.
Spotlight session – after the session, learners will receive a brief summary sheet.
Half-day webinar – learners will receive a handout booklet summarising and reinforcing the key topics covered during the course.
All courses and processes are assessed in line with BSI ISO 9001 quality management standards.
To maintain their effectiveness, courses are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. If you identify any gaps, inaccuracies, or areas for improvement, we encourage you to share your feedback with us.
If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss.
Fees and funded places
| Eligibility criteria for a funded place |
|---|
| FUNDED PLACES are available to non-commercial organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers that encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty. Online delivery only. For those not eligible for a funded place, please select the relevant fee rate above for further details. |
| Not for profit organisation | Commercial organisation | |
|---|---|---|
| Open access webinar – per person | £55 plus VAT | £65 plus VAT |
| Group webinar – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
| In-person – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
| Not for profit organisation | Commercial organisation | |
|---|---|---|
| Open access webinar – per person | £65 plus VAT | £75 plus VAT |
| Group webinar – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
| In-person – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
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