Blog

Years ago, when designing and delivering our early prototype workshops, I devised an exercise where we drew someone and then cut them (the sheet of paper!), in half. 

One half was the landlord and the other half was the tenant.  Participants were asked take the role of tenant or landlord. Together we snipped words out of magazines and stuck them on one side or the other. We looked for words that reflected the things we cared about as either the landlord or the tenant.  You’ve guessed it – they were largely the same.  They both wanted the other to be reliable, open, trustworthy and able to pay the rent. 

Our reason for supporting landlords with their Tenant Engagement work operates along the same principles.  Because we’re fantastic at bringing people together and building relationships. In delivering workshops, whether to scrutinise Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) or provide tenants with a voice and opportunity to meaningfully feed back on repairs, communication or how anti-social is tackled in their neighbourhood, tenants and landlords get to agree on the things they both want to improve.  

So we’re thrilled that we can now offer housing associations our award-winning approaches to engaging with your tenants and facilitating the hard conversations with our Tenant Engagement offer. 

As independent facilitators, this is what our inclusive, engaging and equitable workshops with your tenants achieve – a shared purpose as well as visible progress for your Boards, investors and the Regulator. 

By partnering with Your Own Place, housing associations can enhance the support they provide by truly hearing their tenants and acting on their feedback. This improves tenant outcomes as well as ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Our flexible and relationships-first solutions and a collaborative approach can lead to more effective and sustainable support structures for both housing associations and their tenants in a world where all eyes are on how landlords treat their tenants.

“Your Own Place has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics associated with tenant meetings. Their attention to detail and ability to manage logistics has resulted in seamless and productive meetings with the outcomes influencing key strategic decisions“

– Rebecca Claydon, Customer Engagement Manager, Freebridge Community Housing

Your Own Place CIC and The Trussell Trust’s Norwich food banks have forged a transformative financial inclusion partnership, weaving a safety net for vulnerable communities using food banks in Norwich. By combining Your Own Place’s expertise in financial inclusion workshops and support with the Trussell Trust’s extensive network and commitment to eradicating hunger, we’ve created a dynamic new alliance.

This collaboration goes beyond providing immediate relief; it empowers individuals to break the cycle of food bank reliance – a shared aim. Your Own Place’s tailored financial inclusion programmes equip beneficiaries with essential skills, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, the Trussell Trust’s food banks serve as a vital resource hub, with their many partner and volunteers, addressing immediate needs while also facilitating, thanks to this new partnership, access to comprehensive financial guidance.

Together, we amplify impact, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by those seeking help and food. By intertwining financial literacy with essential resources, this partnership is sowing seeds of positive change, nurturing a community where individuals not only survive but thrive. It’s a testament to the belief that true empowerment comes not just from a full stomach today, but from the tools to shape a more secure tomorrow.

We’re proud to now count ourselves among the Trussell Trust’s delivery partners. 

When it comes to business, the right team is crucial. This is especially true for non-executive directors, who provide leadership and guidance to companies. Recently, Don Evans stepped down as chair, opening up the position for someone new. Hannah Harvey, already a member of the board, was chosen to fill the role due to her valuable contributions and experience. The company also welcomed Simon Pickering as a new non-executive director, bringing his 15 years of experience in the VCSE and Public sector to the table.

Simon brings with him an impressive diversity of experience, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges facing businesses today. He’ll be bringing fresh ideas and insights to the board. Additionally, Simon is known for his imaginative and creative approach, which can be a valuable asset when it comes to problem-solving and innovation.

Overall, the addition of Hannah as chair and Simon as a new non-executive director is a positive development for the company. Joining Emma Corlett and Warren Gannaway, the board’s combined experience, skills, and creativity make them well-positioned to help guide the company towards continued success.