The tenant voices shaping our services – Peter Harris | Tenant news

Habinteg tenant and the Chair of our Joint Strategic Impact Group (JSIG) Cathy Smith, talked to   Inside Housing magazine   in March this year and explained how JSIG is offering a new approach to hearing the voice of disabled tenants.

Habinteg started JSIG in 2022 to ensure that the experiences of our tenants influence the way we design and deliver our services. We also wanted tenants and board members to work together to gather insight from the wider tenant base and act on what they learn.

Cathy said: “JSIG, through the voice of its tenants, especially disabled tenants, can drive forward the positive outcomes for all if accessible and adaptable housing is available within communities.

“The lived experience of tenants needs to be at the forefront of the change that Habinteg is committed to developing, and it’s my role – and that of the JSIG members – to ensure that happens in a meaningful way.”

In the final part of our three-part series, we speak to another JSIG tenant member, Peter Harris, who lives in Hull and has been a Habinteg tenant for 26 years, to learn why he joined the group a year ago.

Why did you decide to join JSIG?

I was asked if I would interview for the role of a local Tenant Representative member of JSIG. Having been a tenant rep before, the time was right for me to get back into tenant involvement.

What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing social housing tenants today, and how do you envision JSIG addressing these issues?

I think the two most pressing issues are repairs and maintenance and higher rents. JSIG is tackling the repairs issue after having received our scrutiny panel’s report on repairs and maintenance.

Off the back of this report Habinteg is in the process of implementing the 13 recommendations proposed by the panel, most of which have already been completed. JSIG has given their views on rent increases, and these were taken to Habinteg’s board for consideration before the rent increase was actioned.

As a result of our input, local drop-in sessions were arranged between staff and tenants, there was more signposting to support organisations for tenants, and frontline teams were tasked with identifying tenants who may be at risk.

How do you think JSIG empowers Habinteg tenants?

JSIG gives Habinteg tenants a voice, training and accessibility to enable tenants to help shape Habinteg’s services.

Join our next series of online regional tenant Listening Events in autumn 2024, to get news about your scheme & give feedback on our services. You can email customerengagement@habinteg.org.uk with your full name and scheme to register or call Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 for help with registering.