At Seven Locks Housing customer involvement is at the heart of all we do. By providing practical help, support and training we actively encourage our customers to get involved in helping us to shape, develop and improve our services.
We recognise that the best way to give our customers the services that they want is to ensure that they all have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the services that we deliver.
If you want to know more about the options for involvement and how you can get involved? Contact Seven Locks Housing’s customer involvement officer Tracey silk on 01858 414519 or mobile 07527 385121 or email tracey.silk@sevenlockshousing.co.uk
| Option | Commitment | Training | Location |
Board training After successful completion of the course you would have the opportunity to stand for vacant tenant board member positions. A nomination and election process would take place and only tenants who have successfully completed the Social Housing Governance Award can be nominated for a vacancy. | The 24 hours of study to cover the course content can be delivered as six sessions of four hours. |
Tenants who are interested in becoming a board member are offered a place on the Social Housing Governance Award programme. This is a university accredited professional qualification. Assessment is on the basis of a portfolio of work compiled during the course. People who complete the training are awarded a Certificate in Social Housing Governance, which is a nationally recognised qualification worth 30 credits at level 4. |
The delivery options are very flexible. It can be delivered locally |
Becoming a board member The Board is made up of representatives of Seven Locks tenants, the District Authority and of independent members who bring particular knowledge and skills to the company. | People usually become board members because they interested in the management and development of the company, they wish to influence the strategic direction of the company, they want to contribute to their community or they have a commitment to the provision of affordable housing |
After the initial training for the Social Housing Governance Award, Seven Locks Housing provides Board members with ongoing, training, development and support. |
Board meetings are held at the Seven Locks Housing office at Anson House in market Harborough |
Customer panels This helps us to target our consultation with customers who have a special interest in the specific area. | No regular meetings and customers |
Although no training is necessary, all of our customers are welcome to attend any training session detailed on our Annual Training Plan which will be developed and publicised |
From Home |
Mystery shopping Our customers will test the services of other landlords in the East Midlands and their customers will test ours. | A small amount of spare time is required to take part. After the initial training you will not need to attend regular meetings. |
You will be required to take part in a half day training session. No special skills are needed. The training will cover: What is Mystery Shopping? Why do we need Mystery Shopping? The Mystery Shopping Process What Mystery Shopping achieves and who benefits |
The Mystery Shopping will be carried out by telephone or email from your home. (phone costs reimbursed) There may also be visits to Landlord’s offices |
Void inspections SLH have a pool of inspectors to call on. | You would be required to attend up to 10 inspections per year. You could expect a day’s notice. Each inspection would take about an hour. |
You would receive a short training session to familiarise you with the Lettable Standard. You would also have training on filling in the Inspection forms. |
The inspections could be anywhere is the Harborough District Your own transport is desirable but we can help if necessary |
Corporate newsletter editorial panel We welcome ideas and articles from all customers | About 1-2 editorial meeting per month lasting 2 hours each All customers need to bring ideas for articles and facts and information to the meetings Group members are required to prepare for meetings by reading minutes and agendas |
We work closely |
Held at Anson House in Market Harborough |
One off consultation meeting |
These are arranged as and when Seven Locks want customer input about a specific issue However, Customers who have an issue can contact SLH to arrange a consultation meeting if they have a specific issue that they wish to discuss |
Not required |
Will be held at the most appropriate venue |
Annual tenants conference |
One day All customers are invited to attend. Will include a variety of Workshops to address specific issues |
To be arranged |
|
| Focus groups To look at specific issues which affect our customers |
Up to 6 meetings per year | Not required | Will be held at the most appropriate location |