Key takeaways from Habinteg’s 2026 engagement event | Tenant news

Habinteg recently held its 2026 Engaged Tenant Conference, bringing together tenants from across our schemes with Habinteg staff, our CEO Martin Warhurst and a Board member Chris Marsters.

The in-person event took place on Tuesday 22 September in Bradford, with lively discussions, group activities and opportunities for tenants to share their experiences.

The day focused on how tenants can help shape Habinteg’s services, sharing ideas for improvement and hearing about the work taking place across our tenant groups and panels.

Purpose of the event

The conference builds on Habinteg’s commitment to working in partnership with tenants, giving them more opportunities to help shape our work, as set out in our Corporate Strategy 2026-2030 .

At the event, we heard from Habinteg’s voluntary groups and panels, including the Joint Strategy and Insight Group (JSIG), Editorial and Tenant Scrutiny Panels and Local Tenant Representatives.

Tenants travelled from across Bradford, Leeds, Hull, Middlesbrough, London, Kent and East Sussex, giving everyone the chance to hear about schemes in other parts of the country.

Feedback from tenants

Repairs communication was a key topic at the conference, with tenants sharing their experiences and highlighting where further improvements are needed.

Scrutiny Panel member Pam Shepherdson shared how a review of Habinteg’s repairs service resulted in 13 recommendations, including involving tenants in choosing new repairs contractors and recruiting an additional Repairs Surveyor in the North.

Pam said: “It’s great to see tenants having a say in how Habinteg services are run and knowing our feedback can lead to real improvements.”

Tenants also highlighted the need for better updates about repair appointments and the work being carried out. We know there’s more to do, and your feedback helps us understand where communication needs to improve.

Lee Harris and Nathan Reed, Habinteg’s Repairs and Maintenance Technicians in the North, met with tenants on the day and shared more about their work. Lee said: “Keeping tenants informed is essential. Hearing directly from tenants helps us understand what’s working and where we can do better.”

Find out more about Habinteg’s performance and the improvements we’re making .

Tenant achievements

Hemlington tenants Nicola Robinson and Sam Porter spoke about their work setting up Women in Mind , a peer-led group they created with Habinteg staff to provide a welcoming, confidential space for women experiencing mental health challenges.

JSIG and Editorial Panel member Frances Clarke also spoke, explaining how tenants help shape Habinteg’s communications to make sure they’re clear and easy to understand. This includes publications including the Annual Report to Tenants and Update newsletter .

Frances said: “I really enjoyed the day. It was great to hear from other tenants and learn more about what’s happening across Habinteg.” 

The conference ended with tenants receiving awards to recognise their achievement in becoming finalists at the Housing Heroes Awards 2026 .

Scrutiny Panel members Kevin Cusack, Pam Shepherdson and Peter Harris were finalists for the Team of the Year: Up to 10,000 Homes category. Meanwhile, Nicola Robinson and Sam Porter were finalists for Best Company Health and Wellbeing Initiative.               

Get involved

Habinteg wants as many tenants as possible to have their say and help shape and improve our services.

Michael Firth, a JSIG member and Local Tenant Representative, said: “Getting involved is a good way to share your experiences and let Habinteg know what matters to you.”

Find out more about our voluntary groups and panels, and how to join, on our Tenant Involvement webpage .

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