bpha is looking for residents to help monitor its performance and improve services.

Interested residents are now being asked to apply to join the Resident Scrutiny and Improvement Group, which was recently formed as part of bpha’s drive to improve services to customers.

The Group, which meets every six weeks, has the power and authority to audit different areas of the housing association and make recommendations on how it would like to see services change.

It will also discuss performance information and take on board customer feedback – and make sure that the housing association listens.

A representative of the Resident Scrutiny and Improvement Group, Mr David Bartley, said that joining the group was a great opportunity to increase skills and make a difference in people’s lives.

“I first joined the Group because I could see that it was a fantastic opportunity to work with bpha to make sure that the services it provides meet the residents’ needs,” said Mr Bartley.

“Who better to scrutinise and advise on services than the people who are actually receiving them?”

Anyone interested in joining the Resident Scrutiny and Improvement Group should meet the Group’s membership criteria, which includes being a bpha resident, over 18, having taken part in previous activities with bpha (e.g. a grounds maintenance monitor or a mystery shopper), and with a clear tenancy record with no outstanding Notice of Seeking Possession.

Elaine Warwick, Resident Involvement Co-ordinator at bpha, said that she was looking forward to meeting more residents interested in helping the organisation improve services.

“We know our residents have a wealth of information and are the best source of ideas for us to improve,” she said.

“While we always to our best to provide our customers with excellent services, there’s always room for improvement and by working with the resident scrutiny and improvement group, we know we will find ways to do things better.

“Even if you don’t have the experience right now, there are many other ways to get involved with our services and our teams and we would like to encourage all of our residents to take part and tell us what they need.”

Anyone interested in joining the Resident Scrutiny and Improvement Group or any other resident involvement activity should contact Elaine Warwick on getinvolved@bpha.org.uk or phone 0330 100 0272.

Applications to join the Group close on 10 June 2011.