Metropolitan Housing Partnership National Residents Group

The National Residents' Group (NRG) works in partnership with Metropolitan Housing Partnership (MHP) to encourage residents to participate in and influence the housing services they receive. We are involved in working alongside staff to form policies and business plans and to improve homes and communities for residents. We are a voice for MHP residents at a national and strategic level.

Resident involvement should be at the heart of everything a housing association does. It makes good business sense and supports the Government's aim to make local communities sustainable. Involving residents is an essential ingredient of a quality housing service and, with this in mind, the NRG encourages all residents to get involved.

The MHP/NRG RI Award 2008

This year, in partnership with the National Resident Group, MHP is introducing the annual MHP/NRG Resident Involvement Award. The aim of the award is to spread good practice in resident involvement throughout MHP. There will be 5 awards of £1,000 to go in kind to the community of either a group or individual within in each of the following organisations; CPH, MHT London, Spirita, Granta and MST.

Criteria for Nominations

Any MHP resident group made up of MHP residents only and any MHP resident who can demonstrate evidence of resident involvement achievement benefiting MHP and its residents;
The awards shall be directed towards those who ‘Have made a different to residents through resident involvement’.
Any group, individual or staff member can nominate for this award including self-nomination;
The award can be used to purchase some benefit that will enhance resident involvement of the community where the winner comes from.

What will be asked about Nominees?

Nominators will be asked to put into writing and asked to attach evidence such as newsletter articles, minutes etc. the following:

'In what way did the nominees’ RI respond to the specific need of residents and local people?
How has the nominees’ RI activity changed the quality of life of their neighbours?
How has the nominees’ RI demonstrated innovation, either in the methods they have used or the success achieved?'

What can be purchased with the award?

The winner can buy anything that is a community benefit for all and may include: landscaping/gardening, play equipment, computers, community outing etc. The NRG will decide if what is to be purchased is appropriate.

Timescales

The winners of the award will receive it at the RI Conference held on 28 March 2009. Nominations are open from September to December with the closing date on 31 December 2008. The winners will be picked by the NRG by the end of January. The community benefit will be purchased by the RI conference and presented then.

Best Practice

To encourage best practise the winning entries will be showcased throughout MHP through newsletters and websites. A catalogue of good RI activities will be built up over the years to be shared among residents. To enter or nominate download the registration form