More innovative and interactive ways of communicating for tenants to participate in housing related issues will be developed as part of a new strategy that aims to further enhance the role tenants play in the future of their homes.
The Tenant Engagement Strategy, launched by Choice Housing, is focusing on providing a broader ‘menu of involvement’ to allow all tenants the opportunity to engage in a way that fits in with their lives and commitments. This ranges from offering a broader range of digital and virtual communications options as well as one to ones, group sessions and a range of events and workshops.
The strategy was developed in consultation with tenant groups which allowed for a better understanding of what elements of tenant participation and engagement were working and where improvements were needed.
Jonathon Blakley Community Development Manager, said,
“Whilst it is vital that we can adapt and offer newer more innovative ways for engagement, for staff and tenants alike, we cannot forget that for many tenants, face to face meetings and group sessions are still an incredibly useful platform and preferred by many.
“This exercise was about addressing the gaps in our tenant engagement, enhancing the offerings we currently have, whilst also offering more creative solutions. This will ultimately ensure that no one is left behind, and every tenant can avail of the same opportunities through whatever channel of communication works best for them.”
Tenant advisory groups, workshops and events, surveys and community champions are all areas that have worked well for the housing association previously, with tenants willing to take the time to meet and discuss areas of interest, providing ideas and contributing to a range of housing related areas.
Interactive workshops have been developed to provide tenants with the opportunity to understand specific areas of interest in more detail and contribute, including tenants’ rights, financial literacy, or personal development.
Tenants can also avail of the opportunity to join the new Editorial Group allowing them to contribute to articles, stories, or other creative content to various Choice publications – showcasing tenant achievements or community updates or giving them the platform to share their story, in their own words.
Jonathon added,
“This new strategy ensures that we reach all tenant groups for a more inclusive contribution, building their capacity, and empowering them to influence and shape service delivery which meets the diverse needs across our tenant groups.”
The success of this new strategy will be measured across a range of KPIs based on three key themes of, creating opportunities to engage and participate, empowering tenants to influence and shape service delivery and creating safe, inclusive communities.
The commitments outlined are also aimed at building on the recent silver ‘level 4’ Status in Tenant Participation Standards Accreditation which the local housing association was awarded by the Independent Charitable body, Supporting Communities earlier this year.
Choice Housing scored highly across all standards measured in the accreditation, including the information it provides to tenants as a landlord; the effectiveness of its tenant structures; the degree to which tenants are involved in making decisions; and its commitment to actively promoting equal opportunities.
