Resident NHF discussion
A one day session for Matrix residents to consider the National Housing Federation’s “Code of Service Delivery & Accountability”
A Group of 15 resident representatives from Accord, Caldmore, Rooftop and Trident gathered in Burrowes St TMO Management Centre, Walsall on 22 November to consider the NHF’s Code, feed in their views, compare the standards with what is currently happening in their own associations and to contribute to the national debate.
Residents considered such questions as:
- Do you think that it should be residents who decide whether an association complies with the Code?
- Should residents be the “primary focus for accountability & engagement” in an association?
- What do you think it means for a housing association to be “truly resident driven”?
- Is it useful for associations to have a “pledge or promise” to residents about their accountability?
- Who should make decisions about how residents are able to hold an association to account?
- What are the challenges in setting up a resident body to “independently scrutinise” an association?
- What are the service areas residents are particularly interested in having their say on?
- What do you think are the key issues with regards communication between housing associations and residents?
- What do you think are the most important issues for residents about being able to make complaints?
- Who should decide what choices should be available?
- What are the benefits for residents generally in having resident board members? Are there any difficulties in the resident board member role?
Residents agreed that they did want to make a response to the consultation, which will be submitted with the support of Matrix partner bchs.
The event was also an opportunity to discuss a future training programme for residents and to formally thank the team of resident inspectors for their voluntary commitment over the past 12 months.
