Who this policy applies to
This policy applies to:
- Tenants living in Orpheus supported housing
- Staff involved in housing, care, estates and support services
- External partners working with Orpheus on housing, care or funding arrangements
Our housing model
- Orpheus is a non‑registered social landlord, providing exempt supported accommodation
- Housing is offered only to students enrolled on an Orpheus learning programme
- Accommodation and personal care are separate services, in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements
- Tenants live in self‑contained flats, with support tailored to individual needs
Our aims
We aim to:
- Provide safe, secure and good‑quality accommodation
- Support tenants to build independence and life skills
- Offer a positive first experience of living away from the family home
- Enable tenants to move on to sustainable, settled housing within around three years
- Deliver value for money while meeting legal and regulatory expectations
Safety, quality and standards
Orpheus housing:
- Meets or works towards recognised standards, including the Decent Homes Standard
- Is risk‑assessed for fire safety, health and safety, accessibility and wellbeing
- Is regularly inspected, maintained and repaired
- Is designed to be accessible, with adaptations provided where needed
Emergency repairs are prioritised, and planned maintenance is used to minimise disruption and avoid deterioration.
Rights, choice and independence
Tenants:
- Have exclusive possession of their home
- Retain full legal rights as tenants
- Choose who enters their accommodation and when
- Have the right to privacy, dignity and “quiet enjoyment” of their home
- Can choose their personal care provider and stop care without losing their tenancy (subject to risk assessment)
All decisions involving tenancy, safety or support respect the Mental Capacity Act.
Housing support and care
- Orpheus is registered with the CQC for domiciliary care
- Housing support is personalised and flexible
- Each tenant has a named worker to support housing‑related goals
- Care and estates teams work together while maintaining clear separation of responsibilities
Rent and Housing Benefit
- Rent is set to cover the real costs of providing and maintaining supported housing
- Rents are below market level and reviewed annually
- Most tenants claim Housing Benefit, and Orpheus supports applications where appropriate
- Charges are transparent and shared with local authorities for scrutiny
Referrals and assessment
- Housing places are offered only following a detailed assessment
- Assessments consider safety, suitability, risks and future housing plans
- Orpheus cannot accept referrals where needs or risks cannot be safely met
- All decisions are fair, individualised and non‑discriminatory
Tenancy length and transition
- Tenancies are normally short‑term and transitional
- Support focuses on preparing tenants for life beyond Orpheus
- Moving on is planned, person‑centred and supported
- Eviction is a last resort, used only after all alternatives are exhausted
Tenant voice and complaints
- Tenants are encouraged and supported to share views and influence housing services
- A tenants’ forum meets regularly
- Complaints are taken seriously and handled through clear procedures, including access to the Housing Ombudsman
