Resident-led scrutiny
Help us improve our services by joining the Council's scrutiny panel, made up of tenants and leaseholders that want to support us drive change.
What is resident-led scrutiny?
Resident-led scrutiny is a small group of volunteer tenants and leaseholders. They check and evaluate specific parts of our housing service. An independent organisation supports them to help get the best out of each review.
The group checks how well services are doing. They look at data and feedback, ask the staff questions, and then suggest practical ways to improve.
They share their findings with the Tenants' Engagement Group (TEG) and the Housing Operations Board (opens new window). This way, changes are made, and progress is tracked.
Why do we want resident-led scrutiny?
- to monitor and challenge how housing services perform.
- to ensure improvements are based on resident feedback and real experiences.
- to provide a transparent and accountable process for decision-making.
- to help us learn, adapt and deliver a better service for all residents.
What does the scrutiny panel do?
Each scrutiny panel is made up of volunteer residents who meet a few times per review to:
- examine performance data, procedures, policies, complaints, surveys, and satisfaction measures.
- talk to staff and residents to understand experiences.
- identify what's working well and where improvements are needed.
- produce a report with the independent organisation to raise clear recommendations.
The external partner, TPAS (The Tenant Engagement Experts), supports the group with training, guidance and an independent perspective throughout the process.
How the process works
- identify priorities - the Tenants' Engagement Group (TEG) selects 2-3 service areas each year based on resident feedback, satisfaction results, or performance trends.
- investigation - the scrutiny panel gathers evidence. Reviewing policies, performance data, and resident feedback, and meeting staff to explore key issues.
- deliver recommendations - the panel produces a report with strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement. These are shared with the relevant service leads for response.
- share results and track progress - findings are presented to TEG and the Housing Operations Board, who monitor progress to ensure agreed actions are completed.
Training and support
All scrutiny panel members receive training and mentoring to help them take part confidently. We provide resources, data, and professional support to make sure the group can carry out their role effectively.
How to get involved
We're always looking for tenants and leaseholders who are passionate about improving housing services to join our scrutiny panel.
It's a great opportunity to:
- develop new skills
- work with other residents and Council officers
- influence how services are delivered
To express your interest, email tenants.group@guildford.gov.uk