Tenants receive training to become inspectors
05/05/2010
Tenants have been trained to cast a critical eye over services provided by a trio of social housing landlords in the East Midlands.
Six volunteers now have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively monitor the quality of services, from the condition of estates to communal areas of sheltered accommodation, reception areas, websites and void properties ready to re-let.
East Midlands Housing Association (EMHA), Three Oaks Homes (TOH) and Foundation Housing Association (FHA), all members of East Midlands Housing Group, each nominated two volunteers for a two day training course.
The inspectors are Jaqui Johnson and John Fisher, tenants of EMHA, Reuben Reynolds and Jane Churcher, from TOH and Janet Harris and Mark Envis, of FHA.
EMHA tenant John Fisher, of Alfreton, Derbyshire, said: “It’s an exciting and worthwhile opportunity, both for the tenants and the housing associations. So far we have learned about what will be involved and what we are expected to do.
“What we have to offer is fresh eyes and a tenant’s view point. I have been passing on comments from my neighbours and EMHA has taken notice of everything I’ve said,” added John.
Jane Churcher, of Narborough, Leicestershire, said: “I think it is a fantastic idea, which I’m happy to be a part of. Our role, as observers, will be to make sure Three Oaks Homes does as it says it will.
“The brilliant part is that we have been trained, so we can make suggestions with confidence and know we will be listened to. As tenant inspectors we have been shown how to look at things from an objective standpoint.”
Fellow inspector Janet Harris, of Kirby Frith, Leicestershire, added: “It is early days but I believe this will give us a real say in the organisation. I feel that EMH Group and Foundation HA definitely value the input of tenants and are committed to change from the ground up.”
John Warnock, EMHG community development officer, oversaw the two day formal training and said: “It was clear from the start the six tenants involved were there for all the right reasons and are keen to work with the group to make this project a success.”