Next Steps programme launched for 2019/2020

Next Steps is a free support programme for tenants and landlords funded by the Scottish Government. Aimed at housing organisations across Scotland, Next Steps helps tenants and landlords to review current tenant participation and scrutiny practice and to develop a meaningful and bespoke action plan for the future.

Delivered by TPAS Scotland and TIS, the programme is tailored to fit the needs and goals of each organisation. The programme comprises a series of workshop sessions, delivered over non-consecutive days, which focus on supporting staff, tenants and other customers to engage and embed participation and scrutiny activities into the organisation’s culture and practices.

Next Steps launched in 2018 and supported four local authorities and four registered social landlords (RSLs) in its first year. This second year of the programme will build on the successes of last year.

Brian Cameron, Housing Policy and Investment Manager at The Highland Council, said: “The Highland Council has been delighted to work with TPAS on the Scottish Government’s Next Steps programme.

“The programme has a real focus on tenants and officers working together to discuss tenant participation and scrutiny arrangements. We are looking forward to finalising our action plan and delivering meaningful outcomes for tenants.”

Lesley Baird, Chief Executive of TPAS Scotland, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has committed to a second year of the Next Steps programme and look forward to working with TIS and the SG team again.

“Last year, we worked hard with committed tenants and landlords, striving to improve their engagement and partnership working through new action plans, and we are looking forward to achieving more great results with Next Steps in 2019/2020.”

Evelyn Mathershaw, Housing Manager at Paragon Housing Association, said: “We have really valued working with TIS to complete the Next Steps Programme.

“At Paragon, we have always prided ourselves on putting tenant engagement at the heart of everything we do. 

“The Next Steps Programme has been a real breath of fresh air and has been well received by staff, tenants and our management committee. It’s been a real opportunity to take a long hard look at how we communicate with tenants and, most importantly of all, has helped us develop an action plan based on what tenants are telling us they want.”

Ilene Campbell, CEO at TIS, said: “The Next Steps programme offers an innovative and bespoke support package to enhance community engagement. We are delighted that the Next Steps programme is being extended, and we look forward to continuing our work with TPAS and the Scottish Government.”

For more information go to www.tpasscotland.org.uk or www.tis.org.uk