Bill Banks, Kingdom’s chief executive, opened the event by talking about the many ways in which customers can get involved with the association. Bill ended by launching “Choices”, Kingdom’s new funding scheme for tenants and local residents to access funds to support ideas that can improve their communities.

“Choices” is a participatory budgeting scheme which has been introduced, following recommendations from Kingdom’s Scrutiny Panel and it was developed in consultation with tenants. What makes Choices special is that tenants can vote to decide what ideas or local projects receive the funds.

Kingdom also used the event to re-launch its customer portal - ‘My Kingdom’ is an online service where tenants can access their own tenancy services.

Fife Works, Cosy Kingdom and Wise2Welfare were also there to give support and advice for anyone looking for training opportunities or to get back into employment, obtain impartial energy and debt advice and information on the homeless service.

Two of Kingdom’s Scrutiny Panel members, Peter Gibson and George Duncan spoke at the gathering about their own experience as members of the Panel and how enjoyable it is for them to work together to improve the services that our customers receive.

The Scrutiny Panel is a group of residents who have received training to help them look at the services their landlord provides. The panel meet at least once a month and agree what areas need to be looked at then feedback their recommendations to the Kingdom Board.

Naomi Breeze, a professional actress who performs and tours her one person plays on a wide range of topics, gave a very interesting and enjoyable performance at the gathering. Naomi told a short story about getting involved in scrutiny and brought some funny characters to life, encouraging tenants to become more involved in participation opportunities.