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Quality Standards

Supported Exempt Accommodation Quality Standards (SEAQS) and The Charter of Rights for Residents of Supported Exempt Accommodation (COR) 

The Supported Exempt Accommodation Quality Standards (SEAQS) have been developed by the BVSC in partnership with Birmingham City Council to assess the standards of non-commissioned approved supported exempt accommodation providers and their managing agents in Birmingham. 

The SEAQS focus on policy and practice, standards of accommodation, the quality of support and information provided to residents and stakeholders. These are set out in three standards: 

  • Leadership and Management 

  • Referrals 

  • Residents 

The 360-degree assessment process includes 

  • Self-assessment  

  • Submittance of supporting evidence 

  • Onsite inspections and verification of evidence 

  • Staff interviews 

  • Resident feedback 

  • Stakeholder feedback 

The benefits for providers: 

  • Greater credibility and recognition for good practice 

  • Preferential referral from Birmingham City Council and uptake of accommodation by citizens. 

  • An independent and objective review of strengths and areas for improvement. 

  • Prepares 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 on the SEAQS, Accreditation process and fees, please read the downloadable guides 

The Charter of Rights for Residents of Supported Exempt Accommodation (COR) 

This has been developed by Spring Housing in partnership with Birmingham City Council for residents living in, or considering living in, non-commissioned exempt accommodation. The COR 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 COR 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 read the downloadable guide for providers and pamphlet for residents 

One application form 

The SEAQS and the COR have now been aligned so now there is one application form whether you are applying for the SEAQS and the COR or the COR only 

The SEAQS assessment is fee-based and automatically includes a requirement to become a COR 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 COR workshop, you will receive a certificate and the right to use the COR logo on your website and literature. Passing the SEAQS 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 SEAQS Awarded Logo on your website and literature. 

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

The downloadable self-assessment form sets out clearly how to meet the requirements of both. 

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 SEAQS assessment (which incorporates becoming a COR Adoptee, download and complete the following:

  • Application Form 

  • Payment Agreement Form 

  • Self-Assessment Form 

  • Property List Form 

  • Provider staff list Form 

Send to [email protected] 

Following receipt, you will be invoiced for the agreed amount 

To become a Charter of Rights adoptee only, download and complete:

  • Application Form

Send to [email protected] 

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

Downloads 

  1. Guide to the Quality Standards 

  1. Guide to the SEAQS accreditation process 

  1. Guide to the fees 

  1. Charter of Rights pamphlet for residents 

  1. Charter of Rights Provider Guidance
  1. Application form
  1. Payment Agreement
  1. Self-Assessment form 

  1. Property List form

  1. Provider Staff List form 

Common enquiries:

Question: How do I become an Approved Provider of Supported Exempt Accommodation? 
Answer: Applications are via Birmingham City Council Revenue and Benefit Service. Please contact: 0121 464 7000  

Question: How do I become a Managing Agent for an Approved Provider of Supported Exempt Accommodation 
Answer: Applications should be made directly to a provider approved by Birmingham City Council Housing Benefit Revenue Service.

Question: How can I rent my properties to the Council?
For more information regarding renting your property/properties to the Council: Accommodation Finding Team (AFT) | Birmingham City Council

Question: How can I make a complaint about an Approved Provider, or a Managing Agent 
If you live in Supported Exempt Accommodation and wish to make a complaint about the service or accommodation provided, you should follow your provider’s complaint policy in the first instance. If your complaint remains unresolved, please email [email protected]

If you do not live in Supported Exempt Accommodation, but wish to make a complaint about a provider, you should contact the provider in the first instance. If your complaint remains unresolved, please email [email protected]

Question: I have applied to be assessed against the SEAQS. 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 may provisionally be added to the Preferred Provider list if there are no concerns raised

Question: Where can I find a list of providers signed up to the SEAQS
Answer: For more information including providers who have been awarded and providers going through assessment: Supported Exempt Accommodation | Supported Exempt Accommodation | Birmingham City Council

Published: 7th December, 2020

Updated: 9th November, 2023

Author: Helen Cobain

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