NHF Code of Conduct 2026

Campbell Tickell is delighted to have supported the National Housing Federation (NHF) in writing the updated NHF Code of Conduct 2026. Working alongside housing associations, residents and sector stakeholders, the new Code of Conduct renews one of the sector’s most important frameworks for professional behaviour and accountability.

The updated Code comes at a key moment for the housing sector. Designed to support housing associations in meeting new regulatory expectations, the revised Code reflects the requirements of the forthcoming Competence and Conduct Standard, which takes effect in October 2026 and requires social landlords to adopt, actively embed and enforce a code of conduct for all staff involved in delivering housing services.

Building on the foundations of the 2022 Code, the revised version places a stronger emphasis on resident voice, accountability, empathy and professional behaviours. It has been shaped through extensive engagement across the Sector, including a consultation survey involving more than 110 stakeholders, alongside workshops, focus groups, advisory groups and discussions with residents and representatives from the NHF Tenant Advisory Panel.

Campbell Tickell’s project team brought together expertise in governance, regulation, resident engagement and organisational culture. The work was led by Catherine Little, Ceri Victory-Rowe, Francesca Macey and Catherine Romney, who worked closely with the NHF throughout the review process.

Ceri Victory-Rowe, Director at Campbell Tickell said:

” As organisations prepare for the Competence and Conduct Standard, there is an opportunity not only to demonstrate compliance but to take the opportunity to further strengthen culture, accountability and trust. The extensive involvement of residents in shaping the Code helps ensure it reflects the behaviours and values that matter most to the people housing associations serve.”

Ceri also added:

“A code of conduct is only effective when it is understood, lived and embedded throughout an organisation. The revised Code provides a practical framework that helps housing associations translate values into behaviours, while ensuring residents remain central to organisational culture and decision-making.” 

The launch of the Code builds on the firm’s longstanding work in governance and regulatory compliance. In 2022, Campbell Tickell supported the previous refresh of the NHF Code of Conduct, helping to modernise expectations around conduct, leadership and accountability across housing associations.

Campbell Tickell is also supporting organisations to prepare for the new Competence and Conduct Standard through governance reviews, gap analyses, code of conduct development, workforce planning and learning and development strategies.

As October 2026 approaches, housing associations will need to demonstrate not only that they have adopted a Code of Conduct, but that it is actively embedded across their organisations.