Our Resident Scrutiny Panel plays a key role in reviewing our services and holding us to account, reporting directly to our Board with their findings.

One of our newest Resident Scrutiny Panel members, Sue, spoke to us about what it’s like being on the Panel. In November 2021, Sue volunteered to be part of a digital focus group to review our repairs policies. Through this, she became aware of the Resident Scrutiny Panel and decided to apply when vacancies were advertised. Sue was then interviewed by existing members and offered a position, alongside three other candidates.

We asked Sue how she is finding being a panel member:

“So far, I am really enjoying myself. It’s great to use my brain again and I’ve enjoyed meeting so many people. The training is excellent, you’re not left to struggle. Each meeting I get something out of it and our views are always listened to. We are an eclectic bunch which works well as we have so many different experiences as residents,” Sue explained.

The panel is currently reviewing the community safety service and as part of this Sue and another member recently shadowed Community Safety Team members.

Sue said: “The experience had a big impact as I had so many misconceptions about what TCH can and can’t do about anti-social behaviour, so it was a real eye opener. I learnt so much. The team really welcomed us and didn’t make us feel in the way.”

As part of being a panel member, Sue receives an allowance which she is using to pay for a teaching assistant course.

“This will be a life changing experience for me as I wouldn’t be able to afford it myself. It’s a new career path which I will be able to fit around my family commitments. It’s harder than I realised, it’s a long time since I wrote assignments,” she said.

“I am grateful for this opportunity; my friends have said how confident and happy I look since joining the panel.”

If you would like to find out more about the Resident Scrutiny Panel, suggest a service area for review or be informed about future vacancies, get in touch by emailing amanda.mankelow@tch.org.uk