Published date:
Welcome to your update from the October Resident Assembly
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Residents Assembly, either in person at The Garth in New Earswick online, or by sharing your views and feedback in other ways.
The assembly brought together residents from across our communities to discuss a wide range of topics including opportunities to get involved, future housing developments, transparency, our emerging strategy and how the Assembly itself can continue to evolve.
What is the Residents Assembly?
The Residents Assembly brings together residents from across our communities to discuss the topics that matter most to them, challenge and influence decisions making, and help shape our services and future plans.
The October meeting included residents from New Earswick, Hartfields, Hartrigg Oaks, New Lodge, and Old School Court.
We were also joined by Will Salt and Jordan Rawlings from the Regulator of Social Housing.
You can read the full minutes from the meeting in the Get Involved section on our website.
More ways to get involved
One of the key discussions focused on the growing range of opportunities for residents to have their say.
We shared an update on our online engagement platform, which is helping us hear from more residents than ever before. Residents have already contributed views on a variety of topics, including communications, welcome information for new residents and service improvements.
Residents welcomed the additional opportunities to get involved, while also highlighting the importance of face-to-face engagement. We are committed to offering a mix of online and in-person opportunities so that everyone can participate in a way which works for them.
Investment in resident involvement
The Assembly heard about the continued investment in resident involvement, including the appointment of a new Service Lead for Communities, a second Resident Involvement Officer and recruitment for a Resident Insight and Improvement Officer.
Residents welcomed the additional support and discussed the importance of maintaining strong communications and engagement all communities.
Improving transparency and access to information
We shared an update on our preparations for STAIRs (Social Tenants Access to Information Requirements).
A dedicated STAIRs section is now available on our website, bringing together governance information, policies and other key documents.
Future work will focus on making it easier for residents to request information and receive responses through clear and transparent processes.
Raising issues that matter locally
As always, residents had the opportunity to raise local issues and ask questions.
Discussions covered a range of topics, including environmental improvements, planned works, community maintenance and our sustainability ambitions. These conversations help ensure that local concerns, ideas and priorities are heard and considered.
Helping shape our future strategy
Residents were given an early insight into the development of our future strategy.
Discussions highlighted the importance of strong communities, high-quality services, effective communications and staying true to our values and purpose.
The views will help shape our future direction and priorities.
Updates on future homes in New Earswick
The Assembly received an update on proposals to deliver new affordable homes on former garage sites in New Earswick.
Residents discussed the opportunities these developments could bring, alongside the importance of protecting the character of the village and supporting thriving communities. An update was also shared on the former Methodist Church site, with a commitment to keep residents involved as plans develop.
Reviewing the Residents Assembly
A significant part of the meeting focused on how the Residents Assembly can continue to evolve.
Residents considered feedback from a recent survey and explored ideas such as different meeting times, continuing hybrid meetings and encouraging wider participation.
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. Your feedback will help shape how the Assembly in 2027 and beyond.
Scrutiny Panel update
Residents also received an update from the newly established Scrutiny Panel, which has begun its first service review.
The Panel plays an important role in providing independent resident challenge and helping drive service improvements. It’s encouraging to see this work is now underway.
What was achieved at the October Assembly?
The discussion led to a number of positive outcomes:
- Residents received updates on new opportunities to get involved and provide feedback.
- Progress was shared on our preparations for STAIRs and plans to improve transparency.
- Residents raised questions about issues affecting their communities and received updates from our teams.
- Residents feedback helped inform the development of the future strategy and priorities.
- Updates were shared on plans for new affordable homes in New Earswick.
- Residents helped identify ways to improve the Assembly for the future.
- Progress was reported on Scrutiny Panel’s first service review.
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
- Join the Involved Residents Network
- 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:
or call 07976 971394
You can also get in touch through your My JRHT account.