Resident Scrutiny Group

The Resident Scrutiny Group is a group of council tenants and leaseholders.

The scrutiny group takes a close look at individual topics called 'reviews' and makes recommendations to us for improvements.

Each review involves attending three or four meetings to research our policies and procedures, and to hear directly from staff through presentations and meetings. You’ll then get the opportunity to put together recommendations to improve the service based on what you’ve found.

If you'd like to be involved, you can register your interest using the form below.

Why join the Resident Scrutiny Group

Joining the Resident Scrutiny Group is a great way to have your voice heard and help shape the housing services you receive. As a member, you will be able to:

Make a real difference

• influence how we deliver housing services
• help improve services for your community and future tenants
• ensure residents’ voices are at the heart of decision-making.

Hold services to account

• independently review key housing services
• challenge how things are done and suggest improvements
• help ensure services meet national standards and good practice.

See real outcomes from your input

• make recommendations directly to councillors and senior managers
• be involved in monitoring whether improvements are carried out
• help track progress and ensure promises are delivered.

Build skills and confidence

• develop skills in teamwork, communication and problem-solving
• gain experience in reviewing services and analysing information
• build confidence in speaking up and influencing change.

Learn more about your housing service

• gain a deeper understanding of how services work
• find out how decisions are made
• learn about regulations and standards that protect tenants.

Work with others in your community

• be part of a small group (up to 12 members) working together
• share ideas and experiences with other residents
• play an active role in improving your local area.

Flexible and meaningful involvement

• take part in around two in-depth reviews per year
• opportunities to step back temporarily if needed
• no fixed limit on how long you stay involved.

Training and support

Members can receive regular training and support in many ways, including;

• training and guidance upon joining
• staff support throughout the review process
• reasonable adjustments to support your participation
• a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents including free refreshments at all meetings.

We are landlord members of tenant engagement experts TPAS, which gives tenants access to resources and training.

• Sign up to TPAS

Expenses

Any tenants or leaseholders who get involved in engagement activities are entitled to expenses.

We are committed to ensuring that no one is left out of pocket by being involved, so we pay expenses in line with our expenses policy.

• Read our Tenant Engagement Expenses and Incentives Policy

Expenses forms:

• Tenant bank details form (opens in new tab)
• Tenant expenses payment requisition form (opens in new tab)
• Tenant meal expenses form (opens in new tab)
• Care expenses form (opens in new tab)

Please send completed forms to tenantinvolvement@dover.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

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