Residents Assembly Update – June 2026

Published date:

This month, residents put their questions directly to Chris Simpson, covering damp and mould, the future of Hartfields, and progress at Willow Bank. We’ve also got news on new rules giving residents greater access to information about how JRHT works, the launch of the new Community portal and ideas from the Assembly on how to grow resident involvement across our communities.   

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 at a strategic level within JRHT. 

Sheelagh, a resident who regularly attends Residents Assembly and other groups said:  “Being involved in the Residents Assembly has given me an insight into other JRHT residents issues good and not so. Help making a difference and supporting others I find is most rewarding. So, seeing and hearing from staff and Management of the Trust gives you an insight into the workings of the Trust on our behalf as residents.”  

Residents met at the Garth in New Earswick on Tuesday 23 June, with the added option to join the discussion online too.  

The full minutes from the meeting can be found - here.  

Your questions answered by Chris Simpson  
A highlight of every Residents Assembly is the opportunity for residents to put their questions directly to JRHT's senior team. In June, Managing Director Chris Simpson answered questions submitted in advance and took further questions live from residents in the room and online.  

Below is a selection of the questions asked by residents along with the responses. For the full questions and answers, please see the minutes from the meeting.   

What can we do to encourage reporting of Damp and mould?   
The Assembly highlighted that some residents have become discouraged from reporting damp and mould due to previous experiences of delayed responses. Chris encouraged residents to report all cases through the usual reporting channels and advised that, where Assembly members become aware of specific concerns, these should be raised immediately through any available route. He reassured the Assembly that there is a strong organisational commitment to resolving reported issues.   

If you've previously reported damp or mould and haven't had a response, please contact the Customer Access Team directly. You can do this by emailing information@jrht.org.uk or calling 0800 587 0211  

Is JRHT planning to withdraw from Hartfields?   
Chris confirmed that there are no plans to withdraw from Hartfields. Although there have been changes over the past year, including withdrawing from providing direct care services, and stepping back from planning applications. JRHT remains committed to Hartfields. Discussions are already underway regarding future investment and improvement works.   

Will building work in New Earswick stop once current development work are completed?   
Chris advised that, beyond the developments currently underway or already proposed, JRHT has no plans for further development within New Earswick. He also confirmed that all developments are undertaken in accordance with environmental and wildlife protection requirements.   

For the full set of questions and answers from the meeting, read the complete minutes.  

STAIRS (Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements)  
STAIRS (Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements) will mean more information about JRHT is made available to residents, helping to improve transparency and access to information. Assembly members welcomed plans to make more information available,   

The aim is to make it easier for residents to find the information they need and better understand how JRHT operates and makes decisions.  

A new way to get involved  
Don't always have time to attend a meeting? The new JRHT Community Portal, launched at this month's Assembly, allows you to get involved from your phone or computer, whenever suits you. You can review information, share feedback and stay in the loop without needing to be anywhere at a set time.  

Find out more on the Get Involved page: https://www.jrht.org.uk/about-us/get-involved  

Ideas from the Resident Assembly: growing resident involvement  
A major theme of the meeting was how to encourage more residents to get involved. Assembly members agreed that the best way to grow involvement is to showcase the real difference residents are already making. Ideas discussed included:   

  • Sharing more stories about resident achievements  

  • Developing regular resident involvement updates  

  • Making it easier for residents to get involved in topics that interest them  

  • Building stronger links between resident groups across JRHT communities  

  • Bringing meetings to different locations to make them more accessible and an option to join online  

We are committed to highlighting the impact of resident voices and will be working to share more updates about the impact that residents make.   

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.