SCHA empowers residents to create positive change
On Tuesday 22 April 2025, we launched our new Residents’ Scrutiny Panel (RSP), a unique initiative designed to give residents a stronger voice and influence decision-making at SCHA.
The RSP brings together residents from six housing providers, allowing them to share ideas and learn about how each scheme manages their residents’ homes. As the panel progresses its work, managers and trustees from each organisation will receive feedback on important matters such as policies and procedures, maintenance, tenancy and more.
Catherine Kevis, SCHA CEO, said: “By working together, the group can talk about their experiences, check in with each other and discuss what works well and what could be improved.
“As CEO working closely with our Board of Trustees, it is important that residents have an input into decisions that will affect them, be they policies, changes to services and future investment decisions.
“We would like more residents to get involved and encourage everyone to come and see for themselves what a vibrant community the RSP is, to help shape its future and, in turn, the future of our association.”
The launch meeting
Twenty-five residents attended the inaugural meeting, which was facilitated by Emma Wilson from YD Consultants. Among the attendees were Jonathan and Cherry, who represented SCHA.
During the meeting, participants learned more about how the RSP will operate and started discussing the areas where they would like to see change. Meetings will be held monthly at different schemes, and tours will be offered to non-residents, providing the group with even more opportunities to gather ideas for improving their homes.
Would you like to get involved?
If you would like to know more about the RSP, please speak to a member of staff or email administrator@scha.org.uk.
Residents can either self-nominate or be nominated by others to join the panel. No specific qualifications are required, but each member must sign a code of conduct agreeing to uphold our values, which include treating everyone with respect, avoiding discrimination, and maintaining confidentiality.
SCHA provides refreshments and transport and will reimburse reasonable out of pocket expenses.
Thank you to Lench’s Trust for hosting the group. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 May at Phoenix House in Solihull.
