04/09/2023
Interview with an INfluencer
Are you interested in finding out how you can share your feedback on our services and influence changes across the Group? As you may already know, in February 2023 we launched our Tenant INfluencer Network, to help create one inclusive and INvolved tenant community. In August 2023 we caught up with one of our Group INfluencers, Michelle, to find out why she decided to get involved and what discussions she’s already been part of!
"It’s a great community to be a part of, and I appreciate coming along and hearing other people’s stories.”
Why did you decide to become a tenant INfluencer?
“I’ve been very privileged to be part of tenant scrutiny for more than 20 years. I came to the first INfluencer event here and saw that things could potentially be a lot different and carried on from there! I can see positive things happening, and even the way we’re greeted when we come in the door makes a big difference.”
What do you enjoy most about being involved?
“I enjoy being able to make a real difference to both tenants and staff. Sometimes we think of things that staff haven’t thought of, which might make their lives easier. It’s a joint thing and we work together to identify what’s gone wrong and what we can do to help improve it. It’s also nice to step away from my day job. I run a volunteer family food bank, so we take supplies from those who don’t need them and give them to people who do. I also spend a lot of time looking after my grandchildren, so it’s quite nice to be human and use my brain space for something else.”
What discussions have you been a part of?
“This is the third INfluencer day I’ve attended, and we’ve already discussed topics such as damp and mould and anti-social behaviour. It’s great to be involved in these conversations, as we all have our own individual experiences to share. I also had the opportunity to attend a tenant TPAS Conference in July, which was great as I was able to build on what I already knew and learn some new things! We also get sent lots of surveys asking for our feedback on different topics. I just say yes really and if I can do it I will!”
How much time do you spend getting involved?
“The time I spend varies depending on what I’m doing. When I attend the in-person events I travel from Ipswich, so it’s usually a whole day for me. However, I also complete digital surveys and have phone calls, which don’t take me long at all and I can do them in my own time. I wouldn’t say it’s a huge time commitment and I don’t feel like I need to do everything. I can pick and choose what works for me which I love!”
Would you recommend being an INfluencer to other tenants?
“Yes, I would highly recommend becoming an INfluencer to other tenants! If I ever come across a Flagship tenant, I always encourage them to give it a try and see how they can help. There’s no point sitting at home complaining about things and I believe change can only happen from people knowing what’s going on and getting involved. By joining you also become more informed as a tenant and can find out what is and isn’t possible and the reasoning behind this. I would recommend the in person-events, however some tenants may be happier to do things online so you can choose what works for you. I think certainly the community that has been built up is brilliant and especially after being in lockdown for a while, it’s nice to meet new people. It’s a great community to be a part of, and I appreciate coming along and hearing other people’s stories.”
Like what you hear?
If becoming a tenant INfluencer sounds like the right move for you, then we’d love to have you on board! It’s easy to have your voice heard in a way that suits you, with different levels of involvement and commitment. Head over to the get involved page below, to find out more about getting involved either from the comfort of home, or maybe even signing up to become a Group INfluencer like Michelle!