Northern Ireland housing association becomes first to receive tenant participation accreditation

In order to gain accreditation, Radius underwent a five-stage process that included 363 pieces of documentary evidence and two focus groups, including one with tenants.

An independent evaluation of Radius’ procedures and practices was also carried out. The overall process resulted in the landlord being awarded a silver.

Radius was formed in 2017 following the merger of housing associations Fold and Helm.

Sheenagh McNally, head of corporate services at Supporting Communities, said: “First of all I would wish to pay tribute to the staff team involved in completing a very impressive self-assessment form that included two very large lever arch folders of documentary evidence.

“Radius Housing has made significant strides in engaging tenants over the last four years since the merger in 2017, [and] there are excellent examples of good practice throughout the submission that can be described as sector leading.

“As the first housing association in NI to put tenant engagement activities under the spotlight to be forensically examined, you have certainly set the bar high for other organisations wishing to do likewise.”

John McLean, chief executive of Radius, added: “It is paramount that tenants have a meaningful say in how we prioritise and deliver our services. Right from the outset at the planning stage of new homes through handover to the creation of diverse and shared neighbourhoods, we learn so much from our tenants and welcome their input.

“We have hard-working staff engaging daily with tenants, building thriving communities. But we know we can do even better and that’s why we embraced the Tenant Participation Assessment, overseen by Supporting Communities.

“We are delighted to be the first NI-based recipient of the assessment and to win the much-coveted silver award. However more importantly we look forward to enhancing our partnership by implementing the positive recommendations from the assessment panel. I have no doubt that the TP Assessment will increase tenancy sustainability and resilience across all Radius communities and indeed the wider social housing sector should other providers follow suit.”