A new qualification for tenants to raise their awareness of gas safety issues has been launched by CORGI Technical Services.

The CORGI Level 1 VRQ Award in Gas Safety Awareness for Tenants will give tenants a greater understanding of the responsibilities of their landlord in complying with legislation and well as raise the levels of safety in their communities. Designed and delivered by experienced CORGI tutors, the qualification has been accredited by EAL.

The course is particularly suitable for tenants who sit on resident panels, are tenant champions or who work closely with neighbourhood teams. It can also be used to educate tenants who consistently refuse to allow access for annual service visits.

The course also builds awareness in a non-technical way and so is suitable for internal social housing staff that do not visit properties or interact with tenants, but still need to understand organisational or tenant responsibilities such as Finance or HR Departments. It could also be used as an induction tool for new starters.

Covering basic safety aspects of gas installations, carbon monoxide awareness and landlord and tenant responsibilities, as well as some key points in Gas Industry Legislation, the course runs for half a day with CORGI tutors and is assessed by a written examination consisting of multiple choice responses. Courses can be set up and run on demand at a Housing Association’s premises.

Claire Heyes, joint chief executive officer of CORGI Technical Services said: “We have now developed a full family of Gas Safety Qualifications for all levels in social housing, from the experienced gas managers to frontline staff and tenants. We believe that the new CORGI Level 1 qualification will help to raise awareness across social housing on a non-technical level and by raising gas safety levels amongst tenants, it also increases trust and understanding, particularly around access to carry out safety checks. Housing organisations are also giving something back to the community as successful delegates receive an accredited qualification.”

For more information, visit the CORGI website.