FAQs
Here are are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you have a different question, please contact us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Will the new panel duplicate work already being undertaken by the Service Improvement Groups?
The Gateshead Housing Company already has a number of opportunities for people to get involved and have their say in the way they deliver services – through SIGs and Tenant /Resident Organisations (TARAs).
The new panel will build upon the important work of these groups, giving the panel the ability to look at issues in more depth and make recommendations. SIGs and TARAs will be able to feed recurring issues into the panel. Both the panel and the SIGs will have clear terms of reference to make sure that their roles are clear.
What will the panel be involved in?
The panel could be involved in looking in depth at the areas covered by our housing regulator. This could include tenant involvement and empowerment, repairs and maintenance, how properties are allocated and value for money.
The panel will be looking at the service from a borough wide perspective, considering performance levels, satisfaction scores, number of complaints and feedback from focus groups to identify both good practice and areas for improvement. The panel will have clear timescales on how quickly they will receive information requested from the housing company or council to carry out the review.
They will have the powers to request action and change, presenting their findings directly to the housing company’s Customers and Communities Committee.
The panel will take no budget/responsibility from SIGs/TARAs.
How long will panel members be elected for? And how will they be elected?
There will be a 3 year tenure on the panel. Former members will be able to reapply after 12 months. There will be an annual election for the panel chairperson. There will be a recruitment process in place for people wishing to join the group, and a training process in place as and when required.
How many SIG members will be represented?
The proposed membership for the group (as set out in the consultation document) is: Tenants from each of the 5 neighbourhood management areas within Gateshead and; Tenants appointed from existing SIGs (6 in total including a leaseholder).
Who will the panel be accountable to/scrutinised by?
The panel will be accountable to the wider tenant and leaseholder base to show how it is making real improvements for people. They will be required to provide updates on the outcomes of their reviews and to carry out a yearly health check. The panel will publish minutes of their meetings on the housing company and council websites
They will also accountable to the housing company board who will be able to issue a ‘Notice to Improve’ if they are concerned that the panel is not working effectively.
Will the proposed structure meet the requirements of the TSA framework?
The framework expects that landlords will work with their tenants and leaseholders to assess how they are performing against the national standards and to allow tenants to scrutinise and challenge them to improve. The proposed structure would meet these requirements.
Is there a budget going forward to ensure the panel will be funded?
The project has an allocated budget which does not take finances away from other projects with allocated budgets such as the SIGs. However, we will continue to look at the opportunities we provide to make sure that they still are fit for purpose and provide value for money.
Will there be any non tenant representatives?
It is proposed that one of the SIG representatives would be from the Leasehold SIG. In addition it is being considered whether any of the neighbourhood members could be a leaseholder or resident receiving a service from the housing company.
How have similar panels been implemented?
We have visited with tenants, other organisations who have set up similar panels such as Salix Homes and New Charter Housing Trust Group. There are also a number of other successful examples around the country and this type of panel is now becoming much more common.
Why is there only 11 members proposed to be on the panel, other models have larger numbers, up to 25?
The proposal is for the panel to have up to 11 members to make sure that it can run effectively without being too large. This ensures everyone on the panel will have the opportunity to be heard and take part in the activity which would be more difficult with a larger group. In the consultation, we asked people whether the proposed membership felt right and 81% of respondents agreed it did.
What is the remit of the group?
• Provide customer recommendations for improvement based on sound evidence gathered during service reviews.
• Highlighting examples of good practice and quality service delivery.
• Contributing to local and national consultations on policy and strategy issues affecting Gateshead.
What is the scope of scrutiny activity?
The delivery of services provided by Gateshead Housing Company and Gateshead Council in relation to the regulatory framework for social housing (Tenant Involvement & Empowerment, Home, Tenancy, Neighbourhood & Community, Value for Money, and Governance) .
What support will the panel have?
The panel would have support from an officer within The Gateshead Housing Company to carry out administrative tasks, act as the point of contact for information requests and deliver training where needed.
It is also proposed that the panel would have an independent mentor who would be able to support the members through their reviews.
Is this definitely going ahead?
The introduction of the panel has to be approved by Gateshead Council Cabinet, however the final consultation phase told us that 85% of people who responded were in favour of the panel being set up.
Next Steps?
The proposed structure has been through a final consultation phase (March 2011 – May 2011) and will be presented to Gateshead Council Cabinet for approval on 19 July 2011. If this is approved then awareness raising and recruitment will start soon after this date, aiming to have a panel in place and starting training by November 2011.
What does the Gateshead Independent Tenants’ Organisation Project seek to achieve?
The Project seeks to engage tenants in Gateshead in a conversation exploring possibilities for a new Independent Tenants’ Organisation serving tenants in Gateshead.
What is an Independent Tenants’ Organisation?
An Independent Tenants’ Organisation is an organisation run for and by tenants independently of the Landlord.
There are lots of examples of Independent Tenants’ Organisations across the country. This new organisation could support and enable existing tenant groups and individual tenants to:
• Set local standards that promote choice
• Scrutinise and challenge performance
• Target service improvements
• Influence decisions that affect them
Conversations with Gateshead tenants will determine what an Independent Tenants’ Organisation in Gateshead could look like.
Why has the Gateshead Independent Tenants’ Organisation Project started?
The Project has been stimulated by changes in regulation and developments in policy proposing increased representation and involvement of tenants in the decisions affecting them.
A new Independent Tenants’ Organisation may provide an opportunity to address these developments for Gateshead.
For more information on regulation and policy, please see the following publications:
• TSA Regulatory Framework
• CIH Resident-Led Self-Regulation
• Vision 2030: Gateshead Strategic Partnership’s Community Strategy
What will the Independent Tenants’ Organisation look like and what will it do?
The details of any final Independent Tenants’ Organisation in Gateshead will depend on the contribution and feedback tenants provide during this Project. The Project will explore aspects such as:
• What the organisation will do
• Who will run the organisation
• How the organisation will be funded
If you have an opinion these, or on any other aspects, please get in touch with the team.
Who is running the Gateshead Independent Tenants’ Organisation Project?
The project has been commissioned by Gateshead Council and will be carried out by independent consultants from Wood Holmes and Gentoo Group. The actions of this team are guided by a steering group that includes Gateshead tenants along with representatives of Gateshead Council and the Gateshead Housing Company.
Wood Holmes and Gentoo Group will be involved up to the point at which the Independent Tenants’ Organisation is self-sufficient and operational.
How long will the Project last?
The Independent Tenants’ Organisation Project will proceed through 2010/11.
Who can be involved in the Independent Tenants’ Organisation Project?
All Gateshead tenants are invited to get involved and have their say. The Project Team will make contact with individual tenants and tenant groups in the Borough this summer. You can also get in touch with the Project Team at advertised events or via this website to discuss how you might get involved.
What will be the impact on current tenant organisations in Gateshead?
The Project will engage with existing tenant organisations in Gateshead to investigate how an Independent Tenants’ Organisation can best support them. The Independent Tenants’ Organisation is a new development and does not replace any existing organisation.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with the Project Team.