The tenant voices shaping services | 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 where she explained how JSIG is offering a new approach to hearing the voice of disabled tenants.

We 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 the insight they receive.

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.”

We also spoke with JSIG’s other tenant members - Kerry Thompson, John Walsh and Peter Harris - and asked them about their work with the group. We’ll hear from one member each fortnight.

Kerry is a disabled activist, has been a Habinteg tenant for 12 years and has been a JSIG member since the group began.

Why did you decide to join JSIG?
I was a part of the group that helped develop the framework to bring JSIG to life, so it felt natural to put my name forward. JSIG is something you won’t find anywhere else within social housing and it was important for me as a Local Tenant Representative to have a voice within the group.

What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing social housing tenants today, and how do you envision JSIG addressing these issues?
We’re facing both a housing crisis and a cost-of-living crisis. Because of this, it’s hugely important for JSIG and Habinteg to stay in touch and keep that communication going to make sure that JSIG is on top of what’s needed.

How do you think JSIG empowers Habinteg tenants?
I’m a true believer that any conversations about us, the tenants, should be with us and this is what JSIG offers. It’s a platform for tenant representatives to be a part of the important conversations within and alongside Habinteg. Having that voice to make change and challenge is empowering.

Learn more about Kerry in her blog for the Disability Talk website: Why disabled people must raise their voices to make change in housing .