Neighbourhood network

Arches Housing are proud to have a dedicated team of tenants - Welcome to the Neighbourhood Network!

What is the Neighbourhood Network?

The purpose of the Neighbourhood Network is to ensure Arches Housing meets it’s legal, regulatory, business objectives and service standards and commitments to all our tenants by giving tenants greater oversight and influence the direction of the company.

This dedicated group has gone from strength to strength and is an integral part of tenant engagement for Arches Housing. We welcome any tenants wishing to join the team and help provide valuable feedback. You get to enjoy a shopping voucher provided at each meeting and a warm, (super delicious) meal with refreshments. 

Members

As a member, you have the opportunity to:

• Share your lived experience
• Hold Arches to account
• Influence housing services and policies which directly impact tenants
• Develop your skills and knowledge of housing practice and governance
• Add this role to your CV
• Build confidence
• Try something new
• Meet new people
• Improve lives and communities
• See how good quality housing and housing services really do help to change individuals and communities

What else does Arches offer customers? 

Here at Arches, we understand that tenants aren't always able to commit to a permanent position on the Neighbourhood Network. But do not worry - there are lots of other opportunities to get involved! 

• Scrutiny:

We also regularly run scrutiny groups through the year. These are usually a short term option to take part in groups with other tenants looking at a particular policy or piece of work that needs that special tenant touch. 

• Focus Groups:

We also organise focus groups which require more in depth tenant involvement for special process changes or workshops for big projects Arches undertake. 

If you would like to get involved, please contact Kirsty Waller, our Engagement and Communications Officer at consultation@archeshousing.org.uk. 

Finally, a little about our Tenant Engagement History

Arches Housing have a long standing relationship with the community and over the years have engaged tenants in various groups in order to better the processes and style that only tenants can bring to a housing association. However, during 2021/2022, Arches reviewed its approach to tenant involvement and co-regulation. As a result, it was identified that the role of residents within the governance of Arches needed to be strengthened.

Tpas were appointed in mid-2022 to support Arches Housing to develop this new approach, and we worked with a group of tenants, colleagues, and a board member to develop the Neighbourhood Network.

Now a word from our members: 

"Being part of the Arches neighbourhood Network is empowering. Knowing that you actions can make people's lives better." - JP, Neighbourhood Network member

"Being part of the Arches Neighbourhood Network has given me a stronger sense of community and belonging. It's rewarding to work alongside neighbours and the housing association to help improve our area, support residents, and make sure everyone's voice is heard." - JB Neighbourhood Network member

If you have additional questions and need some more information, use this link to visit our Resident involvement page