Are you interested in shaping how we explain and present service charges?

We are looking for residents to be a part of our scrutiny group to look at how we explain and present service charges. This scrutiny topic has been selected by our Spotlight Panel, who are a group made up of our residents. As part of the project, you have the opportunity to look at how we currently present our service charge information and tell us where we can improve, to help ensure the information is as clear and easy as possible for all of our residents to understand.    

As a resident, your insight and experience is incredibly valuable to us and so we want your input to help shape and improve our services. By joining our Service Charge Scrutiny Group, you will work as part of a team with other residents to give us an independent view of the way our services charges are presented to all residents. 

This project will start in November and complete at the start of February 2023. This is to ensure that any recommendations agreed by the group can be presented to our Customer Services Committee in February and put into action by April 2023 when new service charge statements are issued.  
  
This is a great opportunity to meet and work with new people, gain new skills, gain valuable experience that can support your career development, and contribute to improving how we deliver our services. To say thank you, everyone that joins our scrutiny group will be given £100 in vouchers of your choice.   

The diagram below outlines how the scrutiny process will work: 

How much time/commitment will you need to give? 
We are expecting to hold two or three meetings per month and require your commitment to attend at least four meetings over the project period, between November 2022 to February 2023.  You will also need to engage with emails and messages outside of meetings.

What skills do you need? 

• A good communicator and listener
• Ready to prepare for and regularly attending meetings
• Enthusiastic and reliable, with high standards of behaviour and integrity
• Challenge constructively
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team. 

What support will be available? 
You will receive support from an independent mentor, the Community Development Team, and other colleagues at Origin Housing 
  
What will I need? 
You will need to have access to equipment with internet access such as a laptop, computer, or tablet. Should you not have access but still wish to be involved, please discuss this with us. 
  
What expenses are offered? 
You will need access to online meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom. We can reimburse any reasonable costs related, to ensure you have access to virtual meetings.  
  
Are you eligible? 
We welcome applications from all of our tenants and leaseholders. 
  
How to register your interest? 

Please email your completed application to the team at Community.Development@originhousing.org.uk. Alternatively, for more information please call us on 0300 323 0325.  

Closing date for applications are 23 November 2022.