At Homes Plus, we’re lucky to have a group of involved tenants who generously give up their time to help improve the services that we offer to our customers.
We’re really proud of the work that all our involved customers do. They are at the heart of Homes Plus to ensure that our customers’ views are considered on how we are run and the work that we do.
To mark National Volunteers Week, we chatted to some of our involved customers about why they decided to get involved.
Dave is the chair of our involved customer panel and says he is proud to volunteer his time to help improve the experience for our customers.
He said: “I first became an involved customer seven years ago and a lot has happened in that time.
“When I first started, I was one of just six involved customers, but there are now 30 of us and we are hoping to grow even more to ensure as many customers as possible have an input in the way Homes Plus is run.
“As an involved customer we are consulted on draft communications and policies and are given the opportunity to ask any questions to make sure everything is simple and easy to understand for people who don’t work in the business.
“I believe we are making a positive difference and I’m proud of the work that we do. I would encourage more people to join us in our partnership with Homes Plus and to make sure that customers’ voices are heard.”
Pauline has been a Homes Plus tenant for seven years, but became an involved customer 18 months ago and says she has ‘really enjoyed’ the experience.
She said: “I originally got involved because I wanted to ensure that our voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process at Homes Plus.
“I have been actively involved by sharing my experience with Homes Plus and making suggestions to help shape policies that directly impact on all tenants.
“As an involved customer we also work on the relationship between tenant and landlord, promoting accountability and responsiveness and fostering an inclusive and supportive community whilst working to fair and effective policy outcomes.
“I have found the staff we work with to be open and happy to listen to what we have to say, which has led to a successful partnership.”
Geraldine says being an involved customer has helped her meet other tenants.
She said: “I became a tenant in 2019 and became an involved customer a year later. It has made me aware of how the association works and allowed me to meet other tenants.
“Being on the panel has also enabled me to work with other members to review policies, be involved in projects to support other tenants and work with board members to improve services.”
Annie is another involved customer and says the work is ‘rewarding and interesting’. She added: “I volunteered to be an involved customer to ensure that Homes Plus is tenant focussed.
“The work is very interesting and rewarding. We get to meet staff and other stakeholders and bring a tenant’s view to the discussions.
“I feel the work we do is well appreciated.”
You don’t need any previous experience to get involved and share your views, just enthusiasm and a desire to make a positive difference.
Find out more here about how to apply here.