Join our Local Resident Panel for Hertfordshire and Outside London

07 March 2023

Local Resident Panels are an essential way for us to work with residents and ensure your voice is heard at the heart of Network Homes. As an organisation that always prides itself on delivering reliable resident services and is always looking to strengthen residents’ trust in us, we want to appoint new Panel Members who are enthusiastic, passionate about where they live and want to work with us to improve our services for all residents.

We are looking for several new panellists on the Hertford and Outside London Panel and the positions are open to all residents and any family members over the age of 18 who are permanently living in a home managed by Network Homes. The deadline to register is midnight on Tuesday 25 April 2023. As a panel member, you will need to:

attend an in-person quarterly panel meeting held in the evening along with an online pre-meeting to prepare with other panel members
read reports to share objective feedback on our performance, consult on new ideas or changes to services
monitor our compliance with consumer standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing
attend an annual away day
be constructive with feedback on policies for all residents
work in partnership with Network Homes.

Why become a member of the Local Panel?

This is a unique opportunity which offers significant responsibility and the ability to influence our resident facing strategies. You will join a network of involved residents who hold us to account and ensure resident feedback is heard. You’ll get to complete specialised training, meet members of government, share ideas for the wider social housing sector and take part in social activities with other residents across London and Hertfordshire. But it’s not just us who thinks it’s a great opportunity, here is what previous local panel members have said:

Volunteering on a Local Panel has given me so many opportunities, from training in Mary Gober and meetings to help make decisions for future projects. Network Homes do so much for the wider community and I’m really excited to see future projects develop. It's great to be a part of that!
Zoe, Hertfordshire and Out of London Panel Member

We also have a resident expenses policy which supports residents to be able to attend panel meetings and events, and a recognition policy to show our appreciation for your time and contributions throughout your term as a Local Panel member.

What skills will I need?

care for all residents and respect for individuals’ experiences
understanding strategies and operational action plans
excellent communication skills with a variety of audiences
team working with peers and stakeholders
ability to use a range of IT platforms or a willingness to learn
objectivity and consideration for the diverse needs of all residents
understanding the role and regulation of registered social housing providers
ability to review reports
ability to give and seek constructive feedback

How much time is required?

The role requires you to dedicate a minimum time commitment of four hours every two months to read the necessary documents and reports and to participate in conversations that may affect residents and/or services.

The Panel Member term is for three years and can be extended up to a maximum of six years.

If you’re interested in working with us and having your voice heard but you don’t have the time spare to be a Local Panel member, we’d still like to hear from you! There are plenty of other resident involvement opportunities that you can take part in and you can find out more about them here: Get involved | Network Homes

Where do I sign up?

Register to be a Local Panel member by completing the online form available here or by clicking the button below. Please register by midnight on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about being a Local panel member, please contact the Resident Engagement Team by emailing get.involved@networkhomes.org.uk or contacting us.