When it was recognised that the most effective way of encouraging participation was to offer a wide ranging choice of ways for tenants to get involved, the Association developed new and innovative approaches to ensure maximum involvement and opportunities for all. The initial methods developed, whilst successful, have now been modified in accordance with the changing needs of the groups and to ensure continued success. Here is a recap of what is available to our tenants: 

·      Newydd 90 – questionnaires for consulting on a range of subjects are sent to members. Any tenant can join Newydd 90 and will receive up to four questionnaires a year with the chance of winning £25 every time a questionnaire is returned.

·      Community Panels are solely made up of tenants who decide the format and agenda for each meeting. The aim is to look at performance, policy, customer care, consultation and to represent views of tenants. Previously panel meetings were held in each region but the panels merged in order to eliminate duplication of work and save on time and resources.

·      Advisory Groups - currently targeting under-represented groups as at present, involvement from ethnic minorities, youth, disabled, gay, lesbian and bisexual residents and various religions is very limited.  A new group on Sheltered Housing was also formed. The NEADS group has continued to go from strength to strength with membership of the group continually increasing.

·      Task and Finish Groups are used to discuss specific areas of work e.g. service charges, anti-social behaviour etc. and are intended to closely examine and streamline procedures. Meetings are arranged at the request of the Community Panel or Advisory Group.

·      Tenant’s Groups have always been encouraged, however, links have now been strengthened by providing a direct route to the Community Panels to ensure their sustainability.

·      Estate Champions - where there is not enough interest on an estate/scheme to form a tenants group, tenants have instead become Estate Champions.

·      Board Membership evolved after the 2008 AGM as elected members now become full Board members who can directly influence the strategic direction of the Association.

·      Reading Panels are made up of tenants who review published material and suggest ways to improve its readability.

·      Audit Committee is currently made up of Board Members, however, it is proposed that part of the membership be drawn from tenant elected members of the Newydd Board or even Community Panels to ensure tenants are involved in ensuring that improvement and compliance is carried out in accordance with tenants requirements. Tenant Powered Performance is also currently being developed – a team of tenants who scrutinise aspects of the Associations work.

·       Annual General Meetings – this year’s event was held at the Hub in the Vale and had financial inclusion as its theme. These meetings give you an opportunity to meet with staff in an informal environment and the annual review and accounts are

·       Tenants’ Festivals are held annually with tremendous attendance. These events are aimed to be fun for the attendees and encourage participation.

·      Best Value Reviews involve tenants in their working groups to ensure that all improvements are for the benefit of the end user.

·       Tenant’s Surveys - results of surveys are used to direct services, assist in developing strategies and also to focus community involvement activities as the surveys outline the issues that face residents that may need addressing.

·       The Consultation Network aims to provide even more consultation options for residents by asking for volunteers to register their interest in various aspects of the Association’s services. The Network is aimed to run alongside Newydd 90 but be more flexible to changes needed and provide faster response times.

·      Managers Surgeries – the first surgery was held in Newtown earlier this year, the next is planned to be held in Newpark, Talbot Green. The surgeries are intended to enable tenants to meet with their housing and maintenance manager. 

If you would like to find out more about getting involved, please contact a member of your Community Involvement Team.

Reasons to get involved

Communication

Organisation

Mutual

Modify

Unity

Networking

Inclusion

Teamworking

You

Information

Nurturing

Voice

Opportunity

Leading

Vision

Equality

Meeting

Enterprise

Neighbourhood

Training