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21st December 2006
RESIDENTS FORM PART OF THE TEAM AT TWO CASTLES

A Residents’ Committee Members’ scheme for Two Castles Housing Association is proving so successful that the Registered Social Landlord (RSL) is encouraging more residents to come on board.

Two Castles, based in the North East and the North West, has had residents serving as committee members for over ten years and is so pleased with its residents’ input that it is encouraging more to join the association.

Roz Johnson (48), from Castlegate Gardens in Dunston, has been a member of the association’s Regional Committee for nearly a year now and values the opportunity for involvement and a chance to see how it operates.

She became a Two Castles’ resident in 1991 after watching the development being built and having her mind set that it was where she wanted to live: “The benefit for me is being able to see how the housing association works from the inside. Being a Resident Committee Member gives me the chance to see how things are decided and I also get to have an input. If I think a process or a decision may not be right for the residents, I can voice my opinion.”

Resident Committee Members are encouraged to have their say in the whole Two Castles’ process; from where and what the housing association builds to how it carries out repairs.

Roz added: “It’s important that people recognise that Resident Committee Members are not a ‘go-between’ for Two Castles; I don’t liaise between them and the residents. My role is as a committee member and I form part of the decision making process.”

Chief Executive, Stephanie Murphy, commented: “It’s vital that we understand the needs of our residents in order to continue to provide quality housing and be able to deliver services which residents want.”

Stephanie added: “I’d like to thank our current Resident Committee Members for their commitment as they are dedicated and loyal in their support. I’d also like to take the opportunity to encourage other residents to apply for membership of the association.”

Resident Committee Members require no previous committee experience; being a resident and having an interest in improving Two Castles’ services is sufficient. Members are entitled to attend the AGM, serve on one or more of the appropriate committees, and seek election to the Board. They are also supported throughout the whole process to ensure they are comfortable with the role they are taking on.

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