When we established the Resident Voices Group (RVG) in the summer of 2020, I agreed to write an occasional blog for the resident involvement section of this website.
On Monday 26 April 2021, the chairs and representatives of our established resident involvement groups and projects, as well as resident board members and residents who sit on our board sub-committees, got together for the first RVG meeting of the financial year.
Resident leads gave updates on some of the on-going RVG-led projects. The three areas drawing to a close were:
- Recruitment and training of local officers
- Improvements to My Account
- The way we gather and use feedback following a repair
Successes and lessons learned from the above projects were discussed, as well as the ways in which we will measure the impact that any resident recommendations are having on the services residents receive. The group is pleased with the amount of joint working between staff and residents and how this has contributed to a rise in recommendations being actioned quickly, leading to positive results.
Maame-Yaa Bempah, financial services director, joined the meeting to present plans for the upcoming Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report and to consider ways in which residents can be involved in this piece of work. Two resident guests with a strong interest in this area were also welcomed to join the discussion.
The group reflected on their first year and how working remotely has been both positive and challenging. Remote engagement has meant a rise in the number of residents working with us to improve services, but we are always aware that a blended approach will be needed in the future so in-person activities are introduced again when it is safe to do so. It is important to make all resident involvement opportunities as accessible as possible, so we are keen to hear any new ideas on how we can do this.
A big thank you to all residents who have joined our recent projects – your time and efforts are hugely valued.
Look out for my next update in a few months, which will be followed by our new Residents’ Annual Report to celebrate the successes we have had through engaging with and involving residents in shaping services.
If you would like to find out more and get involved in any opportunities, please contact: involvement@nhg.org.uk.
Stephen Bitti
Chair
Resident Voices Group
Stephen joined the Notting Hill Genesis Group Board (as one of two resident Board members) in April 2017 and, until our recent governance review, he worked with colleagues as part of the Resident Services Committee. As part of the recent restructure, he was asked to develop and chair the Resident Voices Group. He also serves the new Operations Committee of the Board.
Stephen has been living with a long-term medical condition for almost 30 years and has been a social housing resident for over 20. He lives with his partner in a small, one bedroom flat, within a building of 38 mixed tenure homes. He is also the chair of his diverse residents' association. When he is not working with Notting Hill Genesis, he runs a Healthwatch in London where the team gathers people’s experiences of NHS and social care services. They then share these themes and insights with those who can improve the quality of these services.