Our work with Leeds City Council goes back to 2014. YDC have supported staff to consider forthcoming regulatory requirements on consumer regulation and they have been regular supporters of our on line networking group.
In 2020/2021 we have supported the Chair and members of the Tenant Scrutiny Board as a critical independent friend in their review of Tenant Involvement.
I’ve worked closely with Yvonne for a number of years, taking part in the Scrutiny and Involvement members network and attending various events and unconferences. The advice, support and connections the team and I have made from these has been invaluable, and better value for money by some margin in terms of what we get out of participating compared to other membership organisations. Our new shift to introduce more digital engagement for example, was a result of following up with one of Yvonne’s guest speakers!
Ian Montgomery, Housing Leeds
I like the combination of issues and topics we cover – from strategic discussion about what future policy changes mean for tenant engagement, to the more operational open and honest dialogue between Yvonne and members of the network about what good practice looks like now, and how we can help each other all improve.
Yvonne has also supported our Tenant Scrutiny Board – helping them in undertake their most recent inquiry. Her approach to encourage and inform the board of the options and different ways of working they have available to them has helped give the board more confidence to try something new and helps constructively challenge the board (and officers alike) so that our tenant scrutiny work is as effective as it can be.