Barnsley Federation and Berneslai Homes needs you!
We are looking tenants and residents that have a keen eye for detail.
Does this sound like you? Then read on! This could be the challenge you have been waiting for.
Barnsley Federation of Tenants and Residents are seeking to work alongside the tenants and residents of Barnsley to scrutinise the service that is provided by Berneslai Homes. We want to make sure that the service you receive is the service you deserve.
You can help us achieve this be sitting on one of our scrutiny panels.
So why are we doing this?
The Tenants Services Authority, (TSA), are the new regulators for social housing and with them has come a new set of standards that Berneslai Homes has to meet. We need to make sure they are adhering to them so we need to set a robust and honest framework up to ensure they carry on delivering our services to the correct standards.
What does Scrutiny actually mean?
Scrutiny means taking a good look at each service area that Berneslai Homes and its partners provides and drilling down into the fine detail to ensure that they are delivering the service that they say they are and that it is reflective of our customer’s experiences. Basically you will be checking that the work they do meets our tenants needs.
What is a scrutiny panel?
The panels will be part of a framework that will address how Berneslai Homes are performing in line with the standards that are set out by the TSA. Each panel will consist of between 6 and 8 tenants or residents with a tenant majority. The panels will all be chaired by a tenant with support from a Berneslai Homes officer.
What will the panels cover?
We will have four panels, each concentrating on one service area. We have grouped some of the standards together as this reflects the way in which your services are delivered.
The panels will reflect the TSA standards which are:
- Tenant involvement and Empowerment
- Home
- Tenancy and Neighbourhood and Community
- Value for Money
They will also look at the local offers that you have helped design. Some strands like value for money and community engagement are cross cutting so they will be relevant to some degree in all the standards.
Why are we having scrutiny panels?
The TSA have built their regulatory approach around the concept of co regulation. This means that tenants and their landlords must work together to deliver your services and that as customers your voice is heard.
We need to make sure that Berneslai Homes are getting it right first time so by involving you in scrutinising performance, we will have a clear and transparent framework to report any non compliance.
How often will the panel meet?
The panels will meet twice a year but you will be expected to undertake any work deemed necessary in between meetings. This may mean shadowing a member of staff or reading a report or even going on a site visit.
How much time will I need to commit?
The meeting will last approximately 2/3 hours but you may wish to meet in between times to do quality checks or to attend training.
Do I need any specialised skills to join a panel?
No, training will be given. You just need a commitment and an interest in the area of service that you have expressed an interest in.
Will I be given any training?
Yes, training will be given to all successful applicants – some of the training will be generic others will be more specialised depending on the service area. Don’t be put off if you are a new tenant or don’t know a lot about Berneslai Homes as training will be given that details how the ALMO operates.
Who will chair the panels?
Each panel will be chaired by a tenant to ensure that the process is transparent and equitable.
How will members be recruited?
It is expected that we will have a high demand for the places and due to limited numbers, a selection criteria will be put into place which all candidates will be assessed against.
Recruitment for the Neighbourhood and Community standard will be sought from the existing steering groups. So if you do not attend your local steering group now is the time to start. Every area has one and its your opportunity to meet other residents and service providers to discuss any issues in your area.
All this does not mean that you have to have any formal qualifications to apply as recruitment is open to all tenants and residents and support will be available.
Will I get paid for it?
You will be offered a voucher for attending meetings and any travel, carers or childcare costs will be met. Refreshments will also be provided.
What difference will it actually make?
A big difference – its not just about ticking boxes, we need to ensure that our landlord is complying with the TSA and who better to tell us than you.
This is a giant leap forward for tenants and a new way of working for landlords.
This will give you a real say in how services are run and a strong footing for ensuring accountability and transparency.
You will also be representing all the tenants in the borough so by taking part you are making a big difference not just for the people in your neighbourhood but for all the tenants in Barnsley.
Will I be given access to all the information I need?
Yes, as part of a scrutiny panel you will have open access to both staff and information you require to carry out your role successfully. For example if you feel that it would be helpful to sit in on a customer care meeting you can request to do so. If you would like to job shadow a member of staff for the day this may also be possible.
If I decide this isn’t for me, will I still get to find out about performance?
Yes, each year a Customer panel will be dedicated to providing feedback to our customers from all four panels. You can also check for progress on our website and via Open House and at Federation meetings.
How can I report any concerns I have if I am not on a panel?
Via your local steering group which will then be fed into the appropriate panel for investigation. Each area has a steering group that meets on a monthly basis so reporting any potential problems or highlighting issues is easy.
Or you can let a member of the Federation know who can then follow it up for you.
I sit on other Berneslai Homes and/or Federation groups – can I still apply?
We really want to make sure that we have a good mix of people so ideally we will be looking for members of the community that do not sit on any other strategic group or who are not involved in service checking. This is to ensure that the process is thorough and robust and that no one is asked to scrutinise an area of service that they have been directly involved with. We need to spread the workload and give as many interested people the opportunity to be part of the process.
Interested?
Then fill in the tear off slip indicating which particular area of service you would like to be considered for.
Still unsure and want to find out more?
Contact Claire Hawley on 781172 or via email clairehawley@barnsley.gov.uk or keep an eye on our website!
Please let us have the following details:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your contact number and/ or email
- If you are a tenant or resident
- If you are interested in (1) Community engagement/involvement (2) Home (3) Tenancy /Neighbourhood and Community (4)Value for Money.