Hillcrest Housing Association has achieved the TIS in partnership with Scotland’s Housing Network Scrutiny Approved Accreditation Silver standard.

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

The accreditation is a programme developed by TIS and Scotland’s Housing Network. It 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.

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

She said: “This award is a testament to the work of Hillcrest Housing Association and their dedication to achieve a customer first approach.

“Their commitment to embed tenant scrutiny within their organisational values is second to none and it’s 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 explained: “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.”

Hillcrest 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.

Head of housing at Hillcrest Housing Association, Steve Kell, added: “We’re delighted to receive this silver accreditation which is testament to the work of our tenant participation team. We work closely with TIS and Scotland’s Housing Network to ensure that our tenant participation activities and engagement are meaningful and give our tenants the opportunity to shape the business and the way we operate.”

Hillcrest Housing Association alongside Irvine Housing Association and North Ayrshire Council recently shared their experiences of the pilot at an exclusive launch event to mark the formal launch of Scrutiny Approved Accreditation.

Over 75 housing professionals and tenants from across Scotland gathered at the event to share good practice and learned how to become recognised as a leader in tenant scrutiny.