is the name for resident involvement for Cirencester Housing Society!

We want you to have your say, look after your environment, make changes to your service, TO GET INVOLVED!

All too often we hear moans and groans; ’why aren’t they doing this?’ ‘What is going on...?’ ‘Can we have that?’ We hear this through the grapevine, but really we would like you to come and tell us directly!

is the new way for us to exchange views, and listen to our residents. We have already started by setting up different ways for communication:

• Events (see news on the website, watch out for flyers and the Newsletter)
  
• Resident Profile
  
• Resident Options for getting involved
  
• Web-site
  
• Newsletter
  
• Consultation

Resident Profile

In accordance with government requirements, Cirencester Housing Society has to be aware of all its residents and their needs. The majority of you will have already been contacted to fill out our questionnaire which gives us this information. We hold this for statistical purposes only, with the exception of the question on disability, which allows us to ensure that any residents with difficulties have any additional support that we can provide.

Resident Options for Getting Involved

The questionnaire that you completed also asked you how you would like to play a part in resident involvement.

This ranged from completing surveys and questionnaires to taking part in discussion panels.

We will be using this information and will contact you when we need your opinion. If we introduce a new policy or procedure, or a new leaflet we will pass it onto those people who have agreed to take part in whichever is the preferred method.

We also need residents who are willing to look at the service we provide and make comments, for example, before we let an empty property, we would ask you to visit and give your opinion on the standard that it is being let in. We may ask that you complete a ‘mystery shopping’ exercise on a repair that you report, or that you comment on the service that you receive when you telephone the office. These exercises will be confidential and we would ask that you give an honest, but constructive appraisal. We want to give you the best possible service and live up to your expectations as our customers.

We would also like to hear from anyone who is interested in representing their local community. If you know your neighbours and are concerned about where you live we would like to hear from you. As a Resident Rep you would be the contact point between residents and the Society. Sometimes people are shy about speaking out, or they do not feel that their views are important, or they are elderly or disabled and don’t like ‘making a fuss’. This is where the Reps can play a useful part. You don’t have to represent the whole street or area, you could simply include immediate neighbours and properties, however you must include all residents within whatever defined area you choose, not only those you see on a day-to-day basis.

Newsletter

Cirencester Housing Society’s newsletter, which is sent out twice yearly, will be getting a new look, and will provide information on what is happening within the Society as well as current relevant topics, results of surveys and questionnaires, and updates of any environmental improvements. If you would like something highlighted in your area let us know and we will consider it for inclusion in the newsletter.

Consultation

Our other area of consultation is topic specific. For example we have recently carried out a survey of the heating needs of residents in Lavender Lane. In this situation we will contact all residents. These are cases where the outcomes will affect each and every resident and may also have cost implications. If we carry out a survey of this type, we will ensure that all residents are kept informed of the outcome.

Whenever you see that phrase, you will know that it involves YOU! How much notice you take is up to you, but remember it is your home, your environment and your money that is affected. If you want to see changes and improvements, make the time to have your say, it won’t take up much of your time but could make a real difference to your lifestyle. We can only do what we think you need, you are the ones who can tell us what you really want.

is that Cirencester Housing Society is ready to listen to you!