Local social housing providers empower residents to drive change
Six local social housing providers have joined forces to give residents a stronger voice, including Birmingham-based Broadening Choices for Older People (BCOP), Harborne Parish Lands Charity (HPLC), Lench’s Trust, Sir Josiah Mason Trust (SJMT) and Yardley Great Trust (YGT).
The newly launched Residents’ Scrutiny Panel (RSP) uniquely brings groups of residents together to discuss the quality of services at each of their schemes and share ideas for improvements with landlords. It expands on the previous RSP, formed of four of the organisations, which won an Almshouse Association award but was put on hold due to the pandemic.
Twenty-five residents participated in the re-launch meeting in April, where they discussed which areas were of greatest interest for influencing decision-making.
Attendees included Chrissy who lives at Lench’s Trust. Commenting on the RSP, Chrissy said: “I wanted to get involved because I feel we should have a voice. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together step by step.”
Pat, who represented SJMT and YGT said: “It’s great! I think it’s a really good idea and it’s something that’s needed. It allows you to see how other trusts work and meet new people.”
Margaret, an HPLC resident, said: “I’m impressed! Emma, the facilitator, was excellent. I got involved as I would like to know what happens in other schemes compared to where I live and what improvements can be made across the sector.”
BCOP resident, Lynn, was also impressed. She added: “The RSP is a good way to give tenants a voice so they can be heard by management.”
The meeting was held at Lench’s Trust, and non-residents were offered a tour of the scheme to gain even more ideas for their own homes.
David Healey, Partnership Chief Executive for SJMT and YGT, said: “I’m delighted that new partners have joined the project, giving even more residents the opportunity to have a say and enable services to continuously improve.
“Residents have a unique perspective and can now play an even greater role in shaping their communities by sharing good practice between the organisations and holding management to account.”
Dominic Bradley, Chief Executive of Lenchs Trust added, “For us this is an essential layer of additional governance, putting our residents front and centre of our work, this is about learning from each other, listening, and working to improve the experience of residents receiving our services. This is a fantastic way of residents working directly with our Trustees on all aspects of our work. We are excited to get started.”
About the RSP
The Residents’ Scrutiny Panel was first launched in 2018, with four of the current partnering charities, as listed below.
The project was hugely successful and led to new learning and best practice for each organisation, including a new Compliments, Concerns and Complaints Process.
The RSP won the 2018 Almshouse Association Award for Excellence and Inspiration in recognition of the collaborative and innovative partnership approach.
The 2025 RSP will be facilitated by Emma Wilson from YD Consultants.
About the six partner organisations:
· *BCOP: Established in 1946, BCOP schemes include nursing homes, independent living and supported living housing. Find out more here.
· HPLC: HPLC provides sheltered accommodation for older people living in the old Parish of Harborne. Find out more here.
· Lench’s Trust: Established in 1525 in Tudor Birmingham, Lench’s Trust provides later living services in Quinton, Moseley and Sutton Coldfield for people aged over 55. Find out more here.
· *SCHA: Formed in 1990, SCHA has two purpose-built schemes comprising extra care self-contained apartments. Find out more here.
· SJMT: Founded in 1868, SJMT provides sheltered housing for people over 55 across Solihull and Birmingham. Find out more here.
· YGT: With its origins lying in the 14th century, YGT provides sheltered housing and nursing care through several schemes across Birmingham. Find out more here.
