Residents make up the largest group on our Board and our resident-led model empowers tenants and leaseholders to take a central part in our decision-making.
We will be reviewing our Community Engagement Strategy this year and will use resident feedback and our learning so far to continue to make sure residents can make a real impact at both Phoenix and within the wider community.
“Together – we are building a better future for our Phoenix community.”
Together with... Priscilla Asumanu and Emily Norman
“I would encourage anyone thinking about joining the Phoenix Academy to go for it. It’s a great introduction to housing and there’s support available if you need it.”
Priscilla Asumanu, Phoenix resident
Priscilla Asumanu, a Phoenix resident, decided to join the Phoenix Academy due to having more free time while on furlough. Priscilla has completed the Phoenix Academy Level 1 and 2 courses.
“I joined the Phoenix Academy during lockdown as I wanted to stay productive and use the time to find out more about the housing sector. I work in housing currently and enjoy my role, but there’s so much more to learn. I found the lesson on tenants’ rights and landlord responsibilities to be particularly insightful.”
The Phoenix Academy is about empowering our community through shared learning and is open to both residents and non-residents. Of the 205 previous graduates of the Academy, five have become Phoenix Board Members, others have joined the Resident Scrutiny Panel, and more are involved at all levels of governance.
“Even though the classes are virtual, we have the opportunity to discuss with each other and work together as class,” Priscilla said. “It’s interesting as everyone has different experiences so you get a broad range of perspectives on different topics.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about joining the Phoenix Academy to go for it. It’s a great introduction to housing and there’s support available if you need it.”
Phoenix Communications Officer, Emily Norman, also completed the Phoenix Academy Level 1 and 2 courses. “I started at Phoenix remotely and felt this would be great way to get to know Phoenix beyond my role,” Emily said.
“I’ve worked in housing for three years now and have always been interested to learn more about other areas of the organisation. The courses have covered everything from the history of Phoenix to asset repairs and maintenance.
“I’ve come out the other side with a greater understanding of the housing sector and feel better equipped to support residents and my fellow colleagues with their communication aims.”
Building the picture together
Policy working Group
- 40 residents took part in online consultations
Resident Communications Group
- Reviewed 62 pieces of communication, including this report (more than last year)
Gateway Committee
- Supported 3 strategy reviews - sustainability, building new homes and the refresh of our corporate plan
Scrutiny panel
- Carried out a review on social value
- Carried out a review on our Phoenix performance and standards
Phoenix Academy
- 30 students graduated from the Phoenix Academy level 1, 12 of which were Phoenix residents and 7 were Phoenix members of staff
- The Phoenix academy was delivered virtually, resulting in £8,342 in savings by moving online
Home Ownership
- Held 8 homeownership welcome and consultation events
- 75 homeowners attended at least 1 event this year
Connecting with you
Digital future
- We progressed with our digital journey to enable resident events, consultations and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to proceed with no additional costs
Be part of it
- 3,568 Shareholders and 3,563 Gold Club members at the end of the year
Have your say
- We contacted 1,800 residents to check on their welfare
- Completed a Coronavirus Experience Survey and used feedback to set our renewal plans and identify residents who wanted advice on benefits, getting online or job seeking
