The Panel is asked to review the draft Tenant Involvement and Empowerment report and AGREE for it to go on to the Scrutiny Committee for final sign off, having identified any necessary amendments.

NB This report will follow as a supplement.

A verbal presentation will be given by the Tenant Involvement Team to provide its summary perspective on the issues raised throughout the Tenant Engagement and Empowerment set of papers. Simon Warde, Tenant Involvement Manager, and Wendy Hind, Tenant Involvement Officer, have been invited to make this presentation.

Simon Warde, Tenant Involvement Team Manager, and Wendy Hind, Tenant Involvement Team Officer, provided a verbal briefing on the practical issues around supporting tenant involvement.

The growth in interaction between landlords and their tenants as required by the Social Housing white paper would mean a significant increase in the number of tenant ambassadors. The process of publicising opportunities and identifying suitable individuals was one which takes time and planning. Likewise, matching to suitable opportunities and providing training and equipment was also a practical challenge. A large number of the groups require specialist knowledge, for example on fire safety, or procurement, and volunteers need to be brought up to speed. Equally, at times it has been necessary to pay for basic broadband or find spare hardware to lend to ambassadors. This provision was, however, rather ad hoc and inconsistent, and it was suggested that having an external company provide a standard ‘offer’ would be preferable.

The possibility of incentivisation for volunteers was explored. A big issue was their inclusion within benefit calculations, which made it complicated. Many did not necessarily want to be ambassadors for financial gain or reward. However, the Panel did feel it was necessary that people’s work should be recognised as opposed to remunerated. Ideas included free leisure centre access, or invitations to the Lord Mayor’s reception, a specific event on their behalf, or long-service recognition.

Tenant ambassador, Dave Simons, felt that his involvement as a tenant ambassador over the past three years had been exceptionally rewarding, an experience shared across the tenant ambassadors. Digital support was valuable as it coincided with his private life. Civic recognition, such as the Mayor’s Ball, would be welcomed.