Tenant Scrutiny Panel (Housing) - Terms of Reference
Contents
Terms of Reference
Main purpose
he main purpose of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel is to work with the council to improve the housing service for tenants, and to contribute to the development of excellent services that are valued by tenants and achieve high levels of satisfaction
Objectives
- To monitor performance within the housing service and raise any concerns with the appropriate department.
- Scrutinise performance from an independent viewpoint.
- Influence improvements in the delivery of the housing service and raise standards.
- Assist in shaping the future development of housing services.
To achieve these objectives, the Tenant Scrutiny Panel will:
- Scrutinise services and undertake initial reviews. Identify and pass on larger service reviews to the Tenant Inspectors.
- Where appropriate make recommendations for service improvements and follow progress through to implementation. Recommendations will be made in report form to the Head of Service or appropriate Senior Manager.
- Be consulted on and involved in policy development and decisions.
- Benchmark Southampton’s housing services against other similar housing providers.
- Offer independent scrutiny of complex complaints and support their resolution.
Commitment from Housing Services
- To have open and frank dialogue with the Tenant Scrutiny Panel.
- The Head of Housing or relevant managers to respond to written questions and recommendations within twenty-eight working days.
- Recommendations accepted from the Tenant Scrutiny Panel will be followed with an action plan with time scales and signed by the Head of Service or Senior Manager.
- Recommendations not accepted will be explained in writing.
Membership
The Tenant Scrutiny Panel can have up to a maximum of 10 members.
Tenant Scrutiny Panel members cannot be members of the Resources Group or be a Tenant Inspector.
The Tenant Scrutiny Panel will be inclusive and provide members with an equal opportunity for involvement.
Members will be expected to contribute fully, to take an active role, to attend at least 75% of meetings, (unless there are special circumstances)
To undertake additional work between meetings as necessary.
The panel will have the option of joining remotely if they wish.
A Tenant Scrutiny Panel meeting will be supported by a council officer, who will not be a member.
Panel members must:
- Be tenants of Southampton City Council
- Not be employed by Southampton City Council
- Not be subject to any court proceedings for breach of their Tenancy Agreement
- Not to be on the vexatious tenant list or Housing incidence list
- Agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for Tenant and Leaseholder Involvement
In cases whereby a carer/support worker is supporting a tenant to attend the Tenant Scrutiny Panel meetings they will be required to sign a confidentiality statement.
The panel may co-opt up to three individuals on to the panel to assist with specific areas of work.
Training
Tenant Scrutiny Panel members will be given training either collectively or individually as required.
Equality and diversity
Tenant Scrutiny Panel members must adhere to the council’s policy on equality and diversity matters and carry out their work without discrimination.
Code of Conduct
The Tenant Scrutiny Panel will be subject to the Code of Conduct for Tenant Involvement.
Selection/interview process
The selection process for new members of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel will be as follows:
- Advertise in a variety of ways such as Tenants’ Link, Facebook and other supporting promotional methods as required; open to all tenants to apply for membership of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel.
- Applicants will be invited to two Tenant Scrutiny Panel meetings, with the option of a third to observe the Panel in action and meet the members to assist with the decision to join the panel.
- Interviews will be carried out by representatives from:
- Tenant Engagement Team
- Members of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel
