MHP Resident Involvement Conference
Twenty staff and over 90 residents joined forces to make the MHP Resident Involvement Conference a successful event.
The conference, chaired by Sheree Russell was at the British Library on 28 March and included presentations from specialist MHP staff and a panel discussion between MHP representatives and delegates. The panel included Kate Russell (Director of Policy and Performance), Neil Mawson (Managing Director, MHT London), Peter Doherty (Housing Operations Director, MHT London), Matthew Bush (Sustainability Manager) and Sheree Russell.
Unfortunately, the Tenant Services Authority spokesperson was unable to attend, which was disappointing because some people wanted an update on the‘National Conversation’ and to discuss the quality of the consultation. Speakers included Francis Brazil (Resident Involvement Strategy Manager) and Anne Travers (Chair of the NRG) who updated delegates on activities and events in 2008 and revealed plans for this year, including the development of the NRG.
Peter Doherty gave a talk about London, in particular the setting up of the new MHT London Shadow Board, which is chaired by Sheree Russell.
Chief Executive, Bill Payne set out his vision for MHP over the coming year and took part in a question and answer session, which included discussions about various issues from communications to the quality of repairs.
There was also a survey on whether MHP should refer to the people they provide a service to as customers, tenants or residents. Of the people questioned 73 per cent preferred the term customer. The questionnaire also asked for suggestions about what resident involvement should include in 2009-10, and about the layout of the new rent statement.
The foyer of the British Library buzzed with activity around the different stalls providing information about sustainability, financial inclusion, and the National Resident Group (NRG) which held a prize draw in aid of the MHP staff and residents fundraising for their trek in India for Homeless International.
During the day a number of commitments were made to residents on how we will improve our services. These included issues from communications to improve maintenance. Policy and Performance will produce "You said, we did" feedback information to keep residents and staff up-to-date.
Awards
Several residents talked about their resident involvement experiences. This was also the first year that five (one for each landlord) NRG/MHP Resident Involvement awards were given out for excellence in involvement.
- Clapham Park Time Bank, Clapham Park Homes
- Walcote Drive Community Scheme, Spirita
- Golden Age Group and Nature Garden, MHT London
- Sensory Garden, Fen Road Scheme, Granta
- Development of a service-user website, MST.
Five resident inspectors were also presented with certificates for passing the first stage of HQN training, while two residents received prizes for taking part in the Resident Involvement survey 2009.