Tenant participation in south Wiltshire

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What is Tenant and Leaseholder Participation?

Local Authority and Housing Association landlords across the country are encouraged by central government to create ways for tenants to have a voice. Landlords try to find new and exciting ways of getting tenants involved in decisions about the housing services they receive. This is called tenant participation.

Wiltshire Council now has two members of staff dedicated to this work throughout the Salisbury and south Wiltshire district. Between them, they support the various Tenants’ Panels and Forums; develop and work with new tenant/leaseholder groups; organise training for tenants and produce the housing magazine and web pages every few months.

In 2008 the council conducted research and consultation with tenants, councillors, staff and other landlords in order to decide how to proceed with tenant participation in south Wiltshire. As a result, a document was produced outlining the journey that tenant participation would take between 2009 and 2012.

Tenant Community Development Officer

The Tenant Community Development Officer develops new and innovative ways of involving tenants. Responsibilities include delivering the tenant participation elements of the Improvement Plan and the tenant participation strategy, facilitating the Tenants Housing Improvement Steering Group and the Wiltshire Tenants’ & Residents’ Voice and providing opportunities for tenants to develop the skills and confidence to influence their housing services.

You can contact the Tenant Community Development Officer on 01722 434490 or 07917 502607.

Tenant Participation Officer

The Tenant Participation Officer assists the Tenant Community Development Officer. The main role is to support the Tenants’ Panels, produce the Housing Matters magazine and to help initiate new groups and implement new strategies.

You can contact the Tenant Participation Officer on 01722 434482 or 07771 99717.

The tenant participation team is keen to hear from you and to find interesting ways for you to get involved, as much or as little as you like. We are here to support you to get involved, in any way that suits you, with improving housing services. We want you to get your voice heard by your landlord.

Here is a list of exciting opportunities we are currently offering:

• One-off or time limited groups for specific tasks (e.g. ‘Resilient Communities’ working group; ‘Reducing the Environmental Impact of Housing’ working group) – see latest news
• Training – see skills, training and events page
• Tenants’ Panel – see Tenant Panel page
• Editorial Group for Housing Matters magazine
• ‘Local Reporter’ role for Housing Matters magazine
• Sheltered Housing Forum
• Tenants Housing Improvement Steering Group
• Wiltshire Tenants’ & Residents’ Voice
• Procurement Review Group
• ‘Finger on the Pulse’ self help group

Last updated: 8 June 2011