TPAS and Northern, Midlands and Southern Housing magazines are pleased to announce the 2nd Connecting People Awards, rewarding tenants and people who work in communities across England.

Criteria

TENANT OF THE YEAR

This award is looking for people who go beyond the call of duty, acting as local leaders, ensuring that the warm words around tenant involvement, translates into housing that people want to live in. They promote the concept of sustainable communities…

Give example(s) of how the nominee has given up their time to improve their homes and communities, through organised participation, or their own efforts.

Points to think about:

1. How did they demonstrate their understanding of the community, and the tenant’s needs?
2. Are they a ‘good tenant’?
3. Describe how they have delivered real improvements to service delivery, or value for money?
4. Have they embraced, and assisted the spread of innovative techniques and practices?
5. Have they developed communication between tenants and landlord/contractor?
6. What is their lasting legacy within the community?

TENANT LIAISON OFFICER OF THE YEAR (TLO) -landlord

Tenant liaison officers play a key role in the lives of many tenants. They often become far more than the approachable face of their employing landlord. They keep tenants informed of the likely effects of building work, and the progress of major refurbishment schemes. They help to bring about improvements in the communities where they live. Tenant liaison officers are the source of information and reassurance, the first port of call when something goes wrong, and a friend to share a cup of tea with.

Give up to three examples of outstanding achievements or initiatives that your nominee has shown with tenants, contractors, or within the community.

Points to consider:

1. Describe the work that the TLO has undertaken?
2. Who did they engage with? How did they engage with them successfully?
3. Were there any problems or issues they had to overcome?
4. What was the outcome of their work?

TENANT LIAISON OFFICER OF THE YEAR (TLO) -contractor

This doesn’t just have to be TLO work, but organizing community events, youth projects, raising sponsorship, promoting neighbourhoods / estates, promoting the partnership working, or carrying out other types of community initiatives.

Although the vast current swathes of refurbishment taking place across the nation’s social housing stock undoubtedly brings benefits to residents in the long-term, the stress of the work itself can lead to a trying time for those affected. The role of a tenant liaison officer is vital for these residents, from preparing them for the work ahead, to guiding them through the process itself with a minimum amount of disruption. This award seeks to reward those TLOs who have excelled themselves.

Give up to three examples of outstanding achievements or initiatives that your nominee has shown with tenants, landlords or within the community.

Points to consider:

1. Describe the work that TLO has undertaken?
2. Who did they engage with? How did they engage with them successfully?
3. Were there any problems or issues they had to overcome?
4. What was the outcome of their work?

GREEN PROJECT/INITIATIVE IN THE COMMUNITY

This award seeks to recognise community projects that have brought significant environmental improvements to communities around the country. Projects should be tenant-led, and bring tangible benefits to both the environment, and the local community itself.

Please give details below on the nominated project/initiative.

Points to consider:

1. Describe the work that has been undertaken?
2. Who did the project engage with? How did the project engage with them successfully?
3. Were there any problems or issues the project had to overcome?
4. What was the outcome of the work?
5. What have been the long term benefits to the community?

BEST PRACTICE IN THE COMMUNITY

Resident involvement is not always just about working with landlords, tenants, and residents. More and more we see excellent work in engaging with the wider community, not just tenure specific. This may involve working with stakeholders, and partners other than those just in the housing sphere. We are looking for examples where people have got involved in projects/initiatives on a community level, and shown true partnership working.
Points to consider:

1. Describe the work that has been undertaken?
2. How has the activity demonstrated innovation?
3. Explain how the tenants and local people in the community have been affected, and give details of before and after.
4. Who did the project engage with? How did the project engage with them successfully?
5. Were there any problems or issues the project had to overcome?
6. What was the outcome of the work?
7. What will be the long term benefits to the community?