How the Scrutiny Panel helps tenants improve our services | Tenant news

The Scrutiny Panel gives tenants a real say in how Habinteg runs its services by looking closely at what could be better and suggesting changes that help everyone.

Panel members are tenants themselves, and they make sure tenant views are heard, respected, and reflected in the way our services are delivered.

They follow a yearly plan and write reports that help shape future improvements.

Repair improvements

In 2023, the scrutiny panel reviewed the repairs service, resulting in 13 recommendations aimed at making repairs quicker and easier to understand.

Some changes already made or are underway include:

• Involving tenants in choosing new repairs contractors
• Faster repair times and better communication with tenants by contractors
• Making sure tenants get regular text and email updates throughout the repair process
• Including penalties in contracts if a contractor receives complaints
• Updating the website to give clearer information on how to report repairs and how long they should take
• Keeping tenants informed about the results of the current stock condition survey and any planned repairs.

Senior staff from Habinteg meet regularly with the Scrutiny Panel to check how things are going and make sure improvements keep happening.

Tenant Led Improvement Budget

The Scrutiny Panel also helps review funding applications for the Tenant Led Improvement Budget. These applications are put forward by tenants and Neighbourhood Managers and are carefully assessed by both the Scrutiny Panel and staff.

In 2023/24, £43,000 was invested in local projects through this budget and of that amount, £32,000 came from a grant by the Compton Housing Trust, which has been supporting tenant-led improvements at Habinteg for the past three years.

A total of 28 projects across the country received funding, including for things like new communal furniture, CCTV, garden improvements, clean-up days with skips and small installations such as fences, bike sheds, signage, and security gates.

Registering your interest

If you want to help improve services, share your ideas, and make a real difference in your community, the Scrutiny Panel could be for you.

Being part of Scrutiny has given me valuable insight into how Habinteg operates,” said Pam Shepherdson, a Habinteg tenant and Scrutiny Panel member. “It’s also allowed me to collaborate with the decision-makers who strive to improve things for tenants.”

Any Habinteg tenant aged 18 or over can apply to join and members get training, support, and all the tools they need to take part.

You’ll need to attend meetings, complete induction training, and agree to follow Habinteg’s code of conduct. The majority of meetings are held online, making it easy to take part from home, and reasonable expenses are covered.

Whatever your background or previous experience, we’d love to hear from you, what matters most is your enthusiasm for helping Habinteg improve as a landlord.

If you want to register your interest or find out more about the role description, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/scrutiny-panel.

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