Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has secured £70,000 of government funding to boost tenant involvement in important decisions made by landlords in Yorkshire and Humber, and the North East.
Working in partnership with the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) – a not-for-profit social enterprise that specialises in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the housing sector – the money will be used to establish a Tenant Board Member Academy for a consortium of smaller housing associations covering both regions.
The project, set to run for 12 months, will support tenants to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to take on leadership and governance roles on housing association boards.
The Social Housing Innovation Fund – administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – is financing 20 projects across England.
Each is focused on improving how tenants are listened to, involved in decision-making and supported to raise concerns, particularly those from under-represented communities.
Through the Tenant Board Member Academy, MHA and HDN will work directly with tenants to build inclusive pathways into governance and ensure leadership better reflects the communities served.
The Social Housing Innovation Fund forms part of a wider government programme to improve tenants’ experiences and strengthen accountability across the social housing sector.
Saqib Saleem, MHA Director of Operations, said: “Working in tandem with Housing Diversity Network, we are excited to be at the forefront of a new drive to provide willing tenants with the tools to help steer the policy direction of housing associations across the North.
“MHA has a strong reputation for placing tenants at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to sharing this knowledge through our involvement in this exciting initiative.”
Mushtaq Khan, Chief Executive of HDN, said: “This funding recognises the importance of genuine tenant leadership.
“By working with the consortium partners, we want to ensure tenants are supported to shape decisions at the highest level and influence services that affect their homes and neighbourhoods.”
Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “It is always a pleasure with partner with the HDN for the betterment of the housing sector and the tenants whose needs we exist to serve.
“I have no doubt the Tenant Board Member Academy will have a positive impact and lead to better-informed decisions in participating housing associations.”
