In a first for the Tenant Participation Team, the gold rating was awarded following an independent assessment of our tenant participation service and its work across communities.

The Gold TPAS accreditation status, the highest accreditation mark awarded, is nationally recognised for providing an accurate and independent assessment of tenant participation services.

Tracy Lennon, tenant participation manager, said: “This accreditation is very much a partnership award. It recognises the positive role that North Lanarkshire Council, our tenant participation team, North Lanarkshire Federation and Tenants and Residents Associations play in working with our local communities.

“The award is a benchmark of how the council is supporting tenants and residents across North Lanarkshire to become more involved in tenant participation activities and opportunities.

“As the largest local authority landlord in Scotland, it’s important residents help shape the housing services we’re delivering. And by working with other council services, we are improving our local communities and the everyday lives of the people who live in North Lanarkshire.

“It’s pleasing that following rigorous assessment our progress and commitment have been recognised.”

The TPAS accreditation encompasses a full spectrum of tenant participation activities, including formal and informal tenant participation strategies and structures; effective local information delivery and reporting and investigating performance to maximise value for money and service delivery.

Some of the ways information was gathered included focus groups involving tenants, staff and other key stakeholders; an independent panel of trained assessors to examine the self-assessment and organisations clearly demonstrating how they pass competencies in resident involvement.

Housing convener, councillor Michael McPake, added: “This national recognition will be in place for three years. It shows we’re putting tenants and residents at the heart of our housing service and providing a range of opportunities encouraging tenants to get involved.

“By working with other registered social landlords, partners and local communities we are collectively unifying the voice of tenants and residents from across North Lanarkshire ensuring their ideas and actions form part of our decision-making process.”

The award was presented at the recent TPAS conference.