MHP celebrates newly qualified Resident Inspector

Posted by MHP on January 23, 2012 | No Comments |  Print this article |  Send to a friend

Terry Downey is the latest Metropolitan Housing Partnership (MHP) resident to graduate as a Resident Inspector.

 The qualification means he has been trained to carry out inspections of MHP services to the same standards of scrutiny as former Audit Commission inspectors.

Terry (centre) is welcomed by the other MHP Resident Inspectors

 This fantastic achievement was celebrated at a recent graduation attended by MHP’s former Chief Executive Bill Payne and fellow resident inspectors.

Terry, who lives in Hackney, said: “I had a lack of confidence when I started the training and I wanted to leave but the team wouldn’t let me. I really do enjoy being involved and I hope my contribution makes a difference.”

MHP’s inspection programme has been designed jointly with the Housing Quality Network (HQN) to help drive service improvements. It assesses services as they are experienced by residents against the benchmark of an excellent performing housing association. The resident inspectors are required to complete at least a year of rigorous training, covering areas such as housing regulation, voids standards and gas safety.

Bill Payne, who presented the certificate said,: “Well done Terry you are a great role model for others. A lot of graft and experience has gone into this qualification and you should hang on to all the confidence and knowledge you have gained. I am so proud of everyone around the table. You put so much work into getting to the route of issues within the organisation and finding solutions which help make improvements for all.”

Sue Farrant, HQN Associate, commented: “Terry, you bring a huge amount to the team. We enjoy your quiet good humour and we are thrilled you made it to the end.”

Sue continued: “The standards maintained by Resident Inspectors at MHP are extremely high and promote the flagship resident inspector model within the sector. MHP is fortunate enough to have residents of such a high calibre and committed staff.  These factors, along with professionalism and good humour, are what make the programme work so well.”

Gill Stead, Director – Performance Improvement, Housing Quality Network (HQN) added: “MHP’s Resident Inspector programme still leads the way as there are no other programmes which reflect the same amount of rigour. Other parts of the organisation are asking inspectors to assess them as they recognise the process can make a real difference.”

Any housing associations who would like to know more about setting up a resident auditor programme, or  arranging taster days for  staff and residents,  should contact Pat Goldfeather on 0203 535 3411 or email pat.goldfeather@mhp-online.co.uk