TPAS Accreditation
West Lothian Council has become the latest council landlord in Scotland to receive TPAS Accreditation for its long standing commitment to tenant participation.
Lesley Baird, Chief Executive of TPAS Scotland believes that the Council’s reputation in tenant participation is well deserved. Lesley said, “West Lothian Council were able to clearly demonstrate an organisational culture that values and celebrates tenant involvement. We look forward to presenting the Council this well deserved award”.
West Lothian Council take an inclusive approach to tenant participation, by creating a range of opportunities for tenants and service users to get involved. One example of particular note involved asking young homeless people to write poems about their experiences. The poems highlighted personal and emotional stories, as well as highlighting areas of the service that needed to change.
Executive councillor for services for communities, Frank Anderson said: "This is a great accolade and a testament to the hard work of our staff and tenants. I would like to congratulate everyone involved."
Ann Gee, Head of Housing and Building Services added, “I am absolutely delighted and very proud of our tenants and our staff. I am particularly pleased about the involvement of our young tenants and the Tenant Led Inspection into Homelessness Services was humbling. My thanks to TPAS for all of your assistance over the years - I am so pleased that our joint efforts have got us where we are today.”
West Lothian Council collected their award at the TPAS Annual Conference in October. TPAS are preparing a good practice briefing about the Council’s approach to tenant participation.