The Housing Ombudsman has started recruiting for a new resident panel whose purpose will be to advise the complaints arbitration service on how it approaches its work.
Around 100 residents will be invited to join the panel, with members reflecting the different types, sizes, and locations of the 2,500 landlords in the Ombudsman’s scheme.
The Ombudsman says it hopes the exercise will provide it with greater input from tenants as it develops future plans for the service.
Drive for transparency
The panel, which will meet virtually to begin with, reflects the Ombudsman’s drive to become more transparent and accessible to both residents and landlords, with a focus on sharing learning.
It will meet online twice a year to discuss the Ombudsman’s key areas of work, such as the development of its annual business plan and its three-year corporate plan.
Smaller groups will also be assembled to give members a chance to discuss residents’ experience of using the Ombudsman’s service or its reports on thematic issues arising from investigations.
Commenting on the drive, Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway said: “This is an exciting new initiative to draw on the vast experience of residents and provide valuable input to inform our plans.
“We want to promote excellence as well as provide more insight and learning from the complaints we see.
“Alongside our engagement with landlords, the panel will be important in helping us further develop these areas of our work.”
The closing date for applications is 25 February.
Image: Korawat photo shoot/Shutterstock
Read next: Gen Rent calls for creation of COVID Rent Debt Fund
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
