Behind the headlines about rising temporary accommodation costs and housing shortages, there’s another challenge playing out every day: the pressure faced by the people supporting those at risk of homelessness.
If you work in homelessness services, this probably sounds familiar… heavy caseloads, new staff starting without much training, and experienced officers struggling to keep up while also trying to guide others. Teams are doing their best under real pressure, but it’s not always sustainable.
At Locata, we’re more than a software provider — we’re a not-for-profit, owned by the councils and housing providers we support. Most of our team have worked on the frontline, so we understand what it takes to do this job. And that’s exactly why we created Locata Academy.
What we’re helping with
Frontline teams are losing experienced officers faster than they can be replaced. New recruits are often thrown in without proper guidance. It’s not through lack of effort, but time and resources are stretched.
Training hasn’t always kept up with the reality. It’s often patchy, slow to roll out, or too costly to be practical. We saw an opportunity to offer something better: simple, affordable, useful training that fits around the demands of real housing teams.
It acts as a single point of access, capturing:
- Applicant details and referral history
- Service provider information
- Unit availability and voids
- Waiting lists across multiple pathways
The system updates in real time, helping teams avoid duplication, reduce admin tasks, and maintain full visibility of who’s waiting, where, and for what.
What Is Locata Academy?
Locata Academy is a fully online training platform created specifically for people working in homelessness. It’s CPD-accredited and built by sector experts — including well-known housing trainer Andy Gale — and it focuses on real-life situations, not just theory.
We’ve split the content into three practical levels:
- Beginner – Covers the basics of the Homelessness Reduction Act, applications, assessments, and duties.
- Experienced – Digs into areas like temporary accommodation, main duty decisions, and referrals.
- Expert – Focuses on prevention casework, effective interviews, and housing allocations.
Each course uses short videos, interactive tasks, and regular check-ins to help things stick. No boring voiceovers. No endless slides. Just clear, focused training that respects your time.
Learning that works around you
Officers can log in anytime, go at their own pace, and revisit anything they’re unsure about. It’s flexible and built to work alongside busy schedules. Whether someone’s new to the role or stepping into a more senior position, Locata Academy helps them feel more confident and capable.
So far, numerous officers have completed courses, with over 150 CPD certificates awarded and an average success rate of 78%. Councils using the Academy tell us they’re seeing better decision-making, stronger casework, and more consistency across their teams.
Why it makes a difference
When everyone has the same foundation of knowledge, everything runs more smoothly. Officers feel more supported. Managers spend less time firefighting. Services run with fewer mistakes and less stress.
And most importantly, people at risk of homelessness get a better, more consistent response from someone who knows what they’re doing — and cares.
Want to take a closer look?
Contact us for a free demo and a chat about how the Academy could work for your service.
We’re here to help. Because training shouldn’t be a barrier — it should be the boost that makes everything better.
