The Housing Policy Panel for Northern Ireland
To fulfil our role as the Independent Tenant Organisation (ITO) for Northern Ireland, Supporting Communities regularly convenes a Housing Policy Panel made up of tenant representatives from the social housing sector.
The Housing Policy Panel acts in a consultative function to the Department for Communities (DfC), focusing on social housing-related matters. The Panel has developed an action plan that will form the basis of its development and enable the Panel to reflect on achievements year on year.
The Role of Panel Members
To represent the interests of social housing tenants in the development and review of departmental policies
To provide a voice to ensure that tenants' rights and concerns are represented and taken into account
Membership of the Panel is voluntary, although a travel and subsistence allowance will be payable
Key Skills Required of Panel Members
Experience and understanding of the social housing sector
Listening, reading, and assessing information and identifying critical points/issues
Analysing information and using it to form opinions and conclusions
Disseminate information and collate responses from within their business area to present any issues back to the Panel for discussion
The Tenant Advocate
The Chairperson of the Housing Policy Panel is also the Tenant Advocate, as described in the Tenant Participation Strategy for Northern Ireland. This person is responsible for the smooth running of Housing Policy Panel meetings, allowing all Housing Policy Panel members to have their say and ensuring meetings adhere to the terms of reference set by the group.
As Tenant Advocate, the Chair’s duties are:
To represent and support the interest of tenants concerning social housing policy development, but not in an individual capacity
To act as a point of contact between Supporting Communities (ITO), the Housing Policy Panel, and the Department for Communities
To oversee and monitor the implementation of the Tenant Participation Strategy NI in conjunction with the Housing Policy Panel and Supporting Communities
To be the voice of tenants at a strategic level
To represent the interests of social housing tenants in the development and review of departmental policies and other documentation as appropriate
To ensure that a two-way process of information and communication takes place with relevant stakeholders
Provide an annual progress report to the Housing Policy Panel
Represent the Housing Policy Panel in any PR events and act as a spokesperson as and when required to do so, including public events and media situations
The Tenant Advocate should have the following experience and skills:
Experience and understanding of the social housing sector
Be able to listen, read and assess information and identify key points/issues
Be confident to ask questions to obtain information and open discussion
Analyse information to form opinions and conclusions
Disseminate information and collate responses to present back to the panel for discussion.
Teamworking
Able to leave one’s 'own opinions’ at the door
The Chairperson/Tenant Advocate and the Housing Policy Panel members receive capacity-building, training, and support as required.
