Claire Pritchard (OIC) and Suzy Boardman (OHAL) will be at the Cromarty Hall in St Margaret’s Hope on Friday 28th July between 12–2PM to talk about how to get involved.

Together they’ve been hosting a series of tenant participation pop-up events in recent months, at a range of venues across Orkney Mainland, including St. Magnus Centre, the Community Fridge, Kirkwall Community Centre and Stromness Library.

Claire said tenant participation is all about tenants and landlords collaborating and working together to provide continuous improvement and development to housing services: “There are many ways for folk to get involved - and it doesn’t have to be complicated or take up too much time. Simply reading our newsletter and completing surveys helps to contribute towards effective tenant participation.

“Folk can also opt to take part in a number of annual scrutiny opportunities, and to be approached to complete surveys on important topics.

“However, if any of our tenants do have a bit more free time, we are encouraging local areas to explore the idea of forming a Residents’ Groups, or volunteering as a member of our Residents’ Panel. The Residents’ Panel is consulted several times a year on areas to make recommendations for improvements.

“These are all great ways to share your opinions with your landlord and meet like-minded members of your local community.”

Suzy Boardman says feedback from tenants is vital for landlords, adding: “Customer satisfaction is at the centre of what we do as social housing landlords, and tenant’s views and opinions can help inform necessary improvements to housing services, and even help drive change, as tenant feedback is given due consideration when landlord’s go through the decision-making processes.”