Your Voice: The Tenants' Voice Away Day

On Tuesday 21st October, The Tenants’ Voice (TTV) had their first away day at Hopetown in Darlington.

The Tenants’ Voice is a group of North Star customers who want to make our services better for all. They make sure North Star listens to customers and suggest improvements. They are at the heart of Your Voice, a bigger network of customers who get involved in North Star’s work.

To get involved, customers can sign up to Your Voice using a simple form. Members get regular emails about chances to share their views, including future opportunities to join The Tenants’ Voice.

The away day gave TTV members a chance to think about their first year and plan for the year ahead. The group decided who will attend meetings for the other Your Voice groups so that feedback goes both ways. They are setting up a new Task & Finish Group focused on repairs. They also planned the next round of recruitment, which will open before the end of the year.

TTV meets regularly, using a mix of online and in-person meetings. Members get an annual fee for their time, and travel and lunch are paid for when needed. All members get training to help them work well together and influence decisions. They also get IT training and can contact North Star for support whenever they need it.

Sean Lawless, Director of Customer Experience & Transformation at North Star, said:

“A great day with The Tenants’ Voice at Hopetown, full of reflection, and ambition. The group continue to show what genuine custonmer influence looks like, shaping priorities, challenging constructively and helping North Star shape its services.”

The day was also joined by Carole Richardson, Executive Director of Customers, and Nicki Clark, Chair of North Star’s Board of Directors. They talked about the best way for TTV and the Board to work together.

Paula Rogers, Chair of TTV, said:

“The away day was marvellous. We were transparent with each other and planned for the next year and beyond.”

With a clear plan in place, The Tenants’ Voice is ready to make a real difference across all of North Star’s services.