North Ayrshire Council awarded gold standard accreditation for tenant participation levels

The council is pioneering a new ‘Scrutiny Approved Accreditation’ model developed by the Tenants Information Service (TIS) and Scotland’s Housing Network.

The model works by measuring performance and highlighting initiatives which social landlords are taking to lead the way in sustaining tenant scrutiny across Scotland.

It awards gold, silver and bronze standard accreditation based on the level of tenant participation and their influence on housing services.

The new model puts tenants right at the heart of social landlords’ policy, giving them a voice and the opportunity to influence decisions about the housing services they receive.

Cabinet member for Place, Councillor Jim Montgomerie, is delighted with the gold standard accreditation.

He said: “This is a real shot in the arm for housing services.

They took the bold decision to help pioneer a new model that would make tenant scrutiny transparent and high on the agenda for social landlords across Scotland. That decision means they have helped set the benchmark for the right level of tenant participation and that’s critical in shaping the delivery of housing services.

“Our housing services staff take great pride in delivering the very best for our tenants. They have developed excellent partnerships with our tenant forums and this brings them into the heart of the decision making process.”

Tenants joined the Council at an afternoon tea when it was awarded the gold standard accreditation by TIS Chief Executive, Ilene Campbell. The Council will join two other social landlords next month to share best practice from the new model.