Tenant Scrutiny Panel

Introduction

Our Tenant Scrutiny Panel is a group of residents who work with us to help shape and improve the services we provide. It's an important part of our commitment to listening to residents and delivering the highest possible standard of service.

How do they help?

Members meet regularly in person to support and influence positive change. Alongside these meetings, members take part in reviews and consultations on a range of projects, policies and decisions.

This ongoing collaboration strengthens the connection between residents and White Horse, helping to ensure that our improvements are the result of engagement with our whole community.

Panel members bring fresh perspectives and a variety of skills and lived experiences, helping us adapt and tailor our services to better meet residents’ needs. We’re proud to include individuals from all walks of life, proving that whatever your background, your voice can make a difference.

Meet some of the members

Shakira Hilton, Chair

Originally from the West Midlands, Shakira moved with her son to Wroughton more than 30 years ago to be closer to family, continue her studies and resume teaching. She worked at Swindon College teaching hair, beauty and media makeup, a skill she first gleaned when she worked for a company organising photoshoots for models.

She studied for a PCET in teaching at Greenwich University in London and intends to return some day to study for a master’s, followed by a PhD in health and social care management.

Shakira suffers from a variety of illnesses, including lupus and arthritis, but remains determined not to let it get in the way of living her life. She uses that positivity on the panel.

She says: “I’m very happy to be part of the scrutiny panel. It's my way of giving something back to say thank you to White Horse Housing.

“I’ve gone through a lot with them and if it weren't for them, I don't know what my life would be like. I’m dyslexic and they could have made me feel very awkward about it but I’ve always been treated with warmth and understanding and I just want to pay that back.”

Nigel Nash

Retired sales manager Nigel lives in Kilmersdon and has been a White Horse tenant since it took over responsibility for homes in the village from Kilmersdon and District Housing Association.

He said he likes the fact White Horse has a professional approach towards its communities and has a high level of resident satisfaction. He says he joined the Tenant Scrutiny Panel to play his part in decision making for the benefit of the organisation and its tenants.

“I enjoy being a voice for the tenants and hopefully securing their future by ensuring that White Horse enjoys continuing success,” he says.

In his spare time he enjoys training his four-year-old year old German Shepherd, who is a major source of fun and exercise on twice daily long walks with his wife. “I also enjoy maintaining our older house and garden to the best of our ability,” he said.

Karungi Grant

Karungi lives in Codford and has been a White Horse tenant for 14 years. She is a parish clerk and says she likes being part of the scrutiny panel because it includes tenants. “I joined the panel because I felt it was one way to show my appreciation and help the association maintain high standards through tenant consultation,” she says.

Mediation

Panel members have been trained in mediation skills to enable them to offer a listening ear for fellow tenants involved in neighbour disputes.

The course taught members effective listening, helpful questions, clarifying responses, body language and defusing anger. Scrutiny panel Chair Shakira Hilton said: “We hope we will be able to assist in supporting tenants who want to talk to another tenant with skills in mediation to help them resolve any neighbour misunderstandings or communication issues.”

Tenants who would like to benefit from the new service, which is due to be running by the autumn,  will be referred by housing officers. Care will be taken to ensure panel members involved in a mediation live in a different location to the tenants involved.

Want to join the panel?

We always welcome new members of our Tenant Scrutiny Panel. All that’s needed to take part is a positive attitude, a willingness to work together, and a passion for improving the community. If you are interested contact Operations Director Belinda Eastland at belinda.eastland@whitehorsehousing.co.uk.