Irvine Housing Association has achieved a Gold standard accreditation award in recognition of its tenant scrutiny.

The Association, which is part of The Riverside Group, is one of three leading figures within the Scottish social housing sector who have piloted the rigorous framework.

Developed by TIS and Scotland’s Housing Network, the accreditation programme harnesses expertise to measure performance and highlight initiatives social rented landlords are taking to lead the way and sustain tenant scrutiny throughout Scotland. It recognises a level of tenant participation, engagement, and influence by a standard of gold, silver, or bronze.

TIS chief executive, Ilene Campbell, was delighted to award the Association with a Gold standard accreditation.

She said: “This award reflects the dedication to achieve a customer first approach and the successful attempts to embed tenant scrutiny within Irvine Housing Association.

“It is clear to see that tenants are at the heart of shaping the future of the Association.

“We are delighted to pioneer this robust tool and highlight the strengths of social rented landlords throughout Scotland.”

Scotland’s Housing Network director, Elaine Byrne, believes the programme is a significant milestone for tenant scrutiny within the social rented sector.

She added: “Achieving the right level of tenant scrutiny and participation is critical for social landlords in shaping the delivery of housing services.

“Tenant scrutiny provides landlords with a valuable insight into where scarce resources should be prioritised, so that performance levels and rent affordability are properly aligned.”

Irvine Housing Association submitted an impressive portfolio of information that evidenced their efforts to maintain and strengthen scrutiny.

An independent panel of assessors reviewed the data and formed a final audit report which noted the Association’s commitment to encourage tenants to steer policy and make an impact on developing the housing services that they receive.

Executive director of operations at Irvine Housing Association, Nicola Thom, said: “We have a long history of active community engagement that has led to our approach to developing meaningful scrutiny of our services and to embedding it within our culture.

“We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of customers willing to commit their time and actively contribute to improve service delivery and performance.

“This is a fantastic achievement and recognition of a superb partnership between our team of volunteers and our staff.”

Irvine Housing Association will join Hillcrest Housing Association and North Ayrshire Council in sharing their experiences of the pilot and discuss what they have learned for the future at an exclusive launch event today.

Hosted at the Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow from 1.00 – 4.00pm, guests will share good practice and learn how they can become recognised as a leader in tenant scrutiny.