Update from the Engagement Panel meeting on 2 October 2024.
The next meeting is on 7 November 2024.

Repairs Procurement

Luke Mitchell, Head of Homes, updated the Panel on the Repairs Procurement Project. We have received three bidders, and he said we are now halfway to the launch of the new service.

Panel Member Maxine and I attended the customer sessions of the Competitive Dialogue with each of the bidders. We both found it useful and good that the customer voice was heard directly by the Bidders and Brighter Places staff, who were also present.

Once the new repair service is live, a monthly operational core group will be set up. Luke would like the new contractor and Brighter Places Responsive Maintenance Manager to attend the Panel regularly and have a two-way feedback relationship.

Social Value is at the heart of the contract and the partnership. This could deliver employment opportunities for residents, digital inclusion, training and community investments, for example.

Tenant Handbook

The Comms Team asked for input from the Panel on how the Tenant’s Handbook will appear online, on the website and on mobile. There would be a focus on 5 areas, and it was agreed that it would be: Top 10 questions, Your Home, Repairs, Resident Support and Your Rent. The handbook was mailed to customers and is available in full on the website here.

Service Charges

We know that the recent service charge notices caused some concern, this has been addressed. A member of the Finance Team will attend the Panel in December to give a further explanation, and to answer questions from Panel Members. If you want to ask a question via the Chair – please email me on panel.chair@brighterplaces.co.uk.

Finally, I would like to apologise for the lack of a blog recently. The Panel are all volunteers, and unfortunately, we don’t always have the time. Please rest assured that the Panel meets regularly, and feeds in the Customer Experience Committee and the Board itself, ensuring your voice is always heard.

If any Brighter Places resident is interested in the panel meetings and would like to attend a meeting as an observer, please contact the Engagement team by emailing engagement@brighterplaces.co.uk.
All residents are welcome.

Peter Kennedy-Watson, Chair of the Engagement Panel.