Habinteg holds first-ever Engaged Tenant Conference | Tenant news

Habinteg recently held its inaugural Engaged Tenant Conference, named Meaningful Conversations, bringing together 19 involved tenants, Habinteg staff and our CEO Nick Apetroaie.

Tenants from all corners of our schemes came together on Thursday 26 September at our head office in Bradford for this in-person event, which was filled with lively discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging activities.  

The day was packed with energy as tenants worked together to pinpoint key priorities, offering fresh ideas to help us enhance our services. It offered an opportunity for tenants to help shape the future of tenant engagement.

Purpose of the event

The conference expands on the ways we engage with tenants so that a greater number and variety of people can have their say and get involved, in keeping with the objectives of our Towards 2026 Corporate Strategy and beyond.

We’re committed to collaborating with our tenants to continually improve our homes and services.

Chair of the Joint Strategy & Impact Group (JSIG) Cathy Smith said: “The conference celebrated an incredible cornerstone of our housing community — the tenant voice.”

“It was about seeking new strategies that cater to our community’s needs, ensuring that every tenant’s voice resonates in our decision-making,” Cathy said.

Tenant diversity

Tenants who attended are part of Habinteg’s voluntary panels and groups, which include JSIG, Editorial & Scrutiny Panels, our Complaints, Task & Finish Pools, and our Local Tenant Representatives.

People who took part in the day came from a variety of Habinteg scheme locations in London, Milton Keynes, Telford, East Sussex, Kent, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Bradford and Leeds.

Feedback from tenants 

Editorial Panel member and Stratford tenant, Anneka Belmar, pictured left, said: “The event was very enjoyable, great to meet staff face-to-face and fabulous to more tenants.”

Meanwhile, JSIG member and Hull tenant Peter Harris (pictured below, left) commented: “It was good to hear  about different roles that tenants are involved in.”

And Scrutiny Panel member and Leeds tenant, Pam Shepherdson (pictured right), added: “It was great to meet other tenants and share experiences.” 

No  barriers to involvement

The Engaged Tenant Conference is the first event of its kind since the launch of our Tenant Engagement Strategy in 2022.  

Habinteg’s Customer Engagement Manager Ann Johal said: “The day was all about fostering meaningful discussions, and exchanging ideas on the issues that matter most to our tenants in their communities. It was incredibly well received by tenants.

“It highlighted the power of collaboration and tenant involvement in shaping the future,” she added. “We don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t volunteer with us due to things like time constraints, caring responsibilities or a perceived lack of experience.”

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

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