EMTPF conference An Investment not a Cost

Tenants Leading Change programme National Tenant Organisations & University of Birmingham growing effective tenant involvement building the business case: increased satisfaction improved services cost savings other less tangible outcomes increasing national dialogue on tenant involvement

An investment not a cost investing in tenant involvement can produce financial, service, social and community benefits the housing sector needs to be doing much more to identify and publicise the business and other benefits that derive from involvement

Evidence gathering 404 proforma responses 194 tenants; 210 landlords 86 call for evidence responses 165 attendees at 9 workshops engagement with about ½ the sector 50% of HA sector; 45% of LA sector five case studies chosen for cross section of benefits

Substantial potential business benefits cost savings – £6.45 million in 20 landlords £29 per property; £118 million if similar cost savings across entire sector improvements to tenant satisfaction service benefits local involvement, scrutiny/inspections, governance communications, ASB, regeneration social dividend, community, mutual support, tackling isolation, young people confidence, self-esteem, employability inspiring and educating staff

Important factors trust and partnership working cultural commitment and landlord buy in a culture of challenge investing in tenants and staff a variety of opportunities communications – “you need to see it” tenant leadership

Barriers difficulties of getting tenants involved getting tenants to stand up & be counted little recognition for what tenants do negative experiences of landlords negative experiences of tenants practical issues middle manager resistance

Articulating the benefits limited clear understanding and articulation of benefits emphasis on processes not outcomes the role of regulation? regular reviews with tenants of what is being invested & what is being delivered National Tenant Organisations investigating a common framework