North Ayrshire Council has achieved a Gold accreditation standard for scrutiny from TIS in partnership with Scotland’s Housing Network.

The council 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 the 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.

North Ayrshire Council celebrated their achievement with a number of tenants at an afternoon tea event.

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

She said: “This award is a testament to the work of North Ayrshire Council. It is clear to see that tenants are at the heart of shaping the future of the council.

“The tenant’s input steers policy and makes an impact on developing the housing services that they receive.

“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 said: “Never before has it been so crucial that tenants work together with their landlords to have their say and influence decisions about the housing services that they receive.

“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.”

North Ayrshire Council 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 council’s commitment to achieve a customer first approach and to embed tenant scrutiny within their organisational values.

Head of physical environment at North Ayrshire Council, Yvonne Baulk, said: “I am delighted that we have achieved the Gold standard of accreditation – it reflects the dedication and commitment of our Housing Services staff to deliver the very best for our tenants and the excellent partnership working we have in place with our tenant forums.

“I am particularly pleased that our council is one of the leading figures in the Scottish Housing Network to be pioneering this scrutiny accreditation model. Achieving the right level of tenant scrutiny and participation is critical for social landlords in shaping the delivery of housing services and it’s great that North Ayrshire Council was involved in setting the benchmark for that.”

North Ayrshire Council alongside Hillcrest Housing Association and Irvine Housing Association will share their experiences of the pilot and discuss what they have learned for the future at an exclusive launch event this autumn.

Hosted at the Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow from 1.00 – 4.00pm on Wednesday 12 October, guests will share good practice and learn how they can become recognised as a leader in tenant scrutiny.