We are delighted to share a recently produced report, authored by Kai Jackson (Tpas Associate), with support from Dr. Gareth Young (UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence) and Louise Holt (Tpas).
This report is focused on the significant barriers still prevent many ethnic minority tenants from fully participating in formal engagement activities within social housing. This report investigates these barriers and provides some practical solutions to overcome them.
‘Is There a Seat at the Table: Ethnic minority Voices in Tenant Engagement’ is my report that has been recently published, which I have been working on for roughly two years. It was sponsored by Tpas (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) and academically supported by CaCHE (UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence), I could not have asked for a better research team and support.
I wanted this report to tell a story, firstly looking at root cause and effect, then hearing the voices of those with lived experience and then what can we do as a sector to support making equitable changes that are not just meeting a standard, but changing how we think about engagement. With a specific look at ethnic minority tenants. The biggest learning for me was scale of concern in the social housing sector when engaging with ethnic minority tenants. The social housing sector is one of the most diverse sectors in the country, so being able to address and support all people is paramount in the sector thriving.
The Report
With participation from over 370 social housing tenants from ethnic minority backgrounds and staff, from around the UK. This report is a very detailed and transparent report as the main purpose is to offer insight and spark conversations, which during the course of this report has already started. So, let’s talk about the key findings.
Targeted Communication and Outreach- tailoring communication for accessibility based on the audience and proactively engaging communities. Building Trust and Respect- which is something all organisations should strive for with tenants and vice versa. Addressing Systemic Barriers- being understanding and open to the barriers faced by ethnic minority tenants with an outlook to reducing them. Enhancing Staff Competency- supporting staff with the tools and training to fulfil their job role, and engage and support ethnic minority tenants. Strengthening Data Systems- poor data systems reduce means poor communication as information isn’t accessible and shared in the correct way to support tenants needs. Allocating Resources and Funding- looking into funding and partnerships to support engagement with ethnic minority tenants. Community-Led Initiatives– empower tenants to co-creation engagement efforts and lead focus groups or cultural activities.
These finding came from recurring themes in the data collection process and conversations with tenants and staff throughout the duration of the project. The findings led me to develop the T.A.B.L.E principles, which is an acronym.
- T: Tailored Training.
- A: Actively Engaging Communities.
- B: Bringing Everyone into the Conversation.
- L: Listening to Voices.
- E: Ethnic Minorities.
The T.A.B.L.E principles allow organisations to easily remember the steps to engaging with ethnic minority tenants in addition to the findings in the report.
This report has highlighted concerns in the sector that prejudice and discrimination is still prevalent, there is still a state of unease when engaging with ethnic minority tenants, which leads to low or non-engagement. Also, many voices are still going unheard. But it’s not all bad, many organisations are addressing this concern, and with the emphasis from the Housing Ombudsmen and the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) for organisations to look at and address their barriers to engagement, which could result in fines or further actions being taken. This is an issue that no organisation should overlook.
The full report can be downloaded from the Tpas website by clicking here.
This is a personal blog post. Any opinions, findings, and conclusion or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Centre for the New Midlands or any of our associated organisations/individuals.
ABOUT OUR AUTHOR:
Kai Jackson completed her BSc (Honours) Psychology and Counselling degree and achieved a British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation.
Kai has been the chair for her tenant’s scrutiny panel for over three years. In that time, she has carried out numerous reviews, been involved in stage 2 complaints, assisted in shaping policies, interviewed potential staff members and panel members, also been a part of the wider reshaping of the culture of the housing association.
She has been very vocal in her support for tenants to be more involved with their housing provider and working together to accomplish change, and strengthen relationships. Kai is a member of Tenants Advisory Panel with National Housing Federation (NHF), became a Tpas Associate, collaborated with CIH and Inside Housing and numerous other organisations in the sector.
Kai is the author of the national project ‘Diverse Voice: Transforming Tenant Influence in Social Housing.’ She is dedicated to echoing the tenant voice within the sector, and it being diverse, listened to and without stigma.” She is also a Member of CNM’s Housing and Communities Leadership Board.