Damp, Mould and Condensation Policy

15.1 We will ensure that all relevant employees have appropriate and relevant training and are aware of and understand the delivery of the service that will meet the aims of this policy. This will include:

• general awareness training for all staff: particularly Council employees that visit tenants' homes or respond to repair requests, they should be trained to identify damp and mould and understand the organisation's policies and processes for responding to it
• specific, technical training for staff dealing with damp and mould: staff who will respond to reports of damp and mould must be trained and appropriately equipped to assess the issue, identify the root cause, and respond appropriately

15.2 We will ensure the annual provision of training for all technical and non-technical staff (including frontline and support staff) on the identification, treatment, and prevention of damp, mould, and condensation. The training will be relevant to their role and enable staff to:

• become familiar with and understand the correct response needed when a damp or mould issue is identified by / or reported to them, including what advice to give and when and how to raise remedial works
• develop a good understanding of damp and mould related issues, including how to combat them and whose health and wellbeing may be most impacted
• identify the correct equipment required to assess damp in properties and find a resolution to the problem
• develop their knowledge of our stock and the archetypes of properties that are most likely to experience damp, mould and condensation

15.3 Surveyors are trained and accredited through the Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings (CSTDB), achieving the status of Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings. These surveyors carry out our 'Type A' surveys.

15.4 The CSTDB is a nationally recognised professional qualification for individuals involved in diagnosing problems associated with timber and dampness within buildings.  It is the benchmark for professionals specialising in the timber and dampness sector.

15.5 All frontline staff, including trade operatives, are trained on damp, mould, and condensation awareness.