Residents Assembly Round Up – August 2026 

Published date:

Welcome to your update from the August’s Resident Assembly  

Thank you to everyone who joined us either in person at the New Earswick Folk Hall or online. 

This month, residents welcomed JRHT Chief Executive Julian Hartley to the Assembly for the first time. It was an opportunity to talk openly about what's working well, what could be improved, and what they would like to see from JRHT in the future. The meeting also included discussions about estate charges, rent convergence, accessibility and JRHT's plans to improve  transparency through STAIRS (Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements).  

 

What is the Residents Assembly? 

The Residents Assembly brings together residents from across JRHT communities to discuss the topics that matter, challenge decisions and help shape plans and services. It gives residents a direct voice within JRHT.  

The meeting included residents from communities across New Earswick, Hartfields, Hartrigg Oaks, New Lodge, Derwenthorpe, Heslington Court and Old School Court.  

The full minutes from the meeting can be found on the Get Involved section of our website. 

 

A conversation with Julian  

A highlight of the meeting was an open discussion with JRHT Chief Executive Julian Hartley. Residents shared their experiences and priorities, while Julian spoke about his early impressions of JRHT and the important role residents play in shaping services, communities and future decisions. 

Residents spoke about a range of topics, including housing for older people, extra care schemes and communications across JRHT communities. Many highlighted the importance of communications and keeping residents informed about decisions and more opportunities to contribute to the review of the strategy.   

The feedback shared during the discussion will help shape work across the organisation and there will be more opportunities for residents to contribute to the JRHT's strategy review. 

 

Residents' voices helping shape JRHT's future 

Residents were invited to share their thoughts on about the strategy and discuss three important questions: 

  • What makes JRHT a good landlord? 

  • If you could change one thing about JRHT, what would it be? 

  • What has made the biggest difference to your experience as a resident over the last two years? 

Assembly members felt more time was needed to fully explore these questions in full. In response, we agreed to offer more opportunities for residents to share their views, including follow-up sessions and written feedback options, helping to ensure as many voices as possible can contribute to the future plans.  

 

Residents raise accessibility concerns 

Residents shared a number of accessibility concerns and ideas for improvements across communities. In response, we will set up an Accessibility Task and Finish Group to look more closely at the issues raised and explore possible solutions.  

 

Updates on transparency and information sharing 

Residents heard how we are preparing for STAIRS (Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements). This will give residents greater access to information about how we operate and make decisions.  

Work is already under way to improve  information management, website content and publication processes. Residents welcomed the move towards greater transparency and shared ideas about how information could be made easier to find and understand.   

 

Estate Charges and Rent Convergence 

Residents also discussed estate charges and rent convergence. Questions focused on how charges are calculated, what services are included and what future changes could mean for residents.  

 

What was achieved at the August Assembly? 

The discussion led to several positive outcomes: : 

  • Residents had the opportunity to speak directly with JRHT’s Chief Executive and share experiences, concerns and ideas. . 

  • Residents helped shape plans for wider resident consultation as part of the strategy review. 

  • Progress continues towards the introduction of STAIRS. 

  • We committed to setting up a targeted Accessibility Task and Finish Group and a dedicated development working group. 

  • Residents reinforced the importance of good communications and keeping people informed  

 

Ways to get involved 

Whether you can commit regularly or just want to have your say on one topic that matters to you, there are plenty of ways to do this: 

  • Join a resident panel, forum or working group. 

  • Take part in consultations and surveys. 

  • Attend local resident events and meetings. 

  • Share your experiences and ideas to help improve services. 

Please register your interest by  completing this form. 

Contact your Resident Involvement Team at: 

You can also get in touch through your My JRHT account.