Colm McDaid and Minister Lyons present Michelle McAnespy from Choice with Supporting Communities’ Platinum Tenant Participation Accreditation Award

Choice Housing has become the first social housing provider in Northern Ireland to achieve Platinum Accreditation under Supporting Communities’ Tenant Participation (TP) Accreditation Framework, setting a new benchmark for tenant engagement across the sector.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who presented Choice Housing with their award at a special ceremony at Parliament Buildings, said: “I warmly congratulate Choice Housing on securing the first-ever Supporting Communities Platinum Accreditation in Northern Ireland. I also want to thank Supporting Communities for its invaluable contribution to promoting tenant involvement in the social housing sector here.

“Northern Ireland has, for many years, set the standard for tenant participation and engagement, and this award recognises Choice’s commitment to ensuring their tenants feel valued and have a meaningful voice when it comes to the policies and decisions that affect their lives.

“As Minister with responsibility for housing, I have seen the positive impact that tenant participation can have in building stronger communities, and that is why I have prioritised the upcoming launch of a public consultation on a new and refreshed Tenant Participation Strategy which will help build on the excellent progress made to date.”

Significance of the Award

Hazel Bell, NIFHA Chair and former Chair of ChoIce Housing, Celebrates thE aWARD WITH mICHELLE mCaNESPY

This achievement marks a significant milestone, not just for Choice, but for the wider housing sector across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Platinum is the highest level of our four-tier accreditation framework, which also includes Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and it signals sector-leading excellence in tenant engagement.

Choice, which manages 14,000 properties across the province and employs more than 500 staff, was assessed against our ten TP Standards, a rigorous framework that evaluates how effectively landlords engage tenants in their services. The organisation was required to critique its own standards and competencies, identify areas for improvement, and score its performance before facing our assessment, tenant, staff and management focus groups, and validation by an independent panel.

The housing association scored highly across all ten standards, including the quality of information provided to tenants, the effectiveness of its tenant structures, the degree to which tenants influence decision-making, and its commitment to equal opportunities.

What makes the achievement all the more remarkable is the pace of progress. Having achieved Silver Accreditation less than two years ago, Choice's progression to Platinum demonstrates a sustained commitment to continuous improvement.

Northern Ireland leads the way in Tenant Participation

William Wilson, Chair of Choice’s Community Network, chats with Jonathon Blakely (Choice), Stephen Marks (Supporting Communities) and Kelly Foster, Supporting Communities Vice Chair at the Awards Event in Stormont

Colm McDaid, Chief Executive of Supporting Communities, said: "Choice has achieved a landmark accomplishment with this Platinum Tenant Participation Accreditation, demonstrating sector-leading excellence in tenant engagement. By setting a new benchmark for tenant participation across the island, Choice is helping to raise the bar for the entire housing sector. Their innovative practices and dedication to inclusivity serve as an inspiring example for others to follow."

Jonathon Blakely, Choice's Community Development Manager, welcomed the recognition: "This Platinum Accreditation is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Choice and a clear reflection of the strong partnership that exists between tenants, staff and the organisation as a whole. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to listening to tenants, valuing their input and ensuring their voices play a meaningful role in shaping services."

Supporting Communities' TP Accreditation is designed as a tool for continuous improvement, providing social landlords with an objective measure of their tenant participation activities. Accreditation also provides assurance to boards, executive teams, and, crucially, tenants and residents that an organisation not only meets but exceeds the minimum consumer standards required by statutory regulations.

Organisations that achieve accreditation are recognised for up to three years, with the option of an annual review.

Find out more about Supporting Communities' Tenant Participation Accreditation, and begin your organisation's accreditation journey here!