AWARD TRIUMPH FOR THENUE'S SCRUTINEERS

Further success could lie ahead when the SAME group is up for a second prize in another category at the glittering Awards ceremony in Manchester at the end of this month.

REST, as it is known, was created by the Association as part of its ongoing and deep-rooted commitment to transparency and to enable the team to look at its work in an impartial manner.

It is made up of tenants who, crucially, are NOT on the Management Committee. REST has been described as a “critical friend”, unafraid to examine and comment on the work of the Association.

In one of its early successes, REST has created a new and easy-to- understand booklet designed to help tenants who may encounter anti- social behaviour problems.

REST identified this as an area whereby it could effectively contribute to helping other tenants understand how Thenue tackles anti social behaviour and the processes and help available in tackling this often difficult issue.

As part of its commitment to scrutiny, Thenue enlisted the help of TIS – well known for its skill in helping tenants and housing association to work together.

Like Thenue, TIS believes scrutiny is high on the agenda of tenants’ organisations, the Scottish Housing Regulator and the Scottish Government and there is an increasing realisation among housing providers that this is a vital component of transparency.

Last month Thenue Chief Executive Charlie Turner told members at its AGM that they were the “eyes and ears” of the Association.

Charlie added: “We also regard REST as a critical friend - scrutinising our work and being unafraid to raise matters that are considered important to tenants. We greatly value the role of TIS who bring impartiality and expertise to the process. The creation of REST is a further example of Thenue’s commitment to transparency. The team is to be congratulated in achieving an Award so soon after it was created. And there is the potential for further success at the awards ceremony later this month. We wish them well”

REST has already been informed that it has won the Recognising Positive Practice in Scrutiny, Scotland category. The second Award which REST has been nominated for at this month’s Awards is in the category of Most Inspiring Newcomers and face a challenge from five other scrutiny panels from across the UK.

Ilene Campbell, Director of TIS said: “The TIS Team are thrilled that the REST Team’s hard work is being recognised. The group has been really effective at working with Thenue to improve housing services. Being part of the TIS “Making it Happen” national scrutiny programme has provided the group with a tailor-made support and training package and an opportunity to network and share good practice with scrutiny groups throughout Scotland and the UK”.