What we've been working on: Check and Challenge Group

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Consulting on policies
  3. Reviews
  4. Training sessions
  5. Get involved

Overview

The Check and Challenge group have taken part in a variety of tasks over the last year.

They have been:

  • Consulting on policies
  • Conducting reviews
  • Attending training session

Consulting on Policies

The group have taken part in consultations on policies that were introduced during 2024 / 25.

This includes the Good Neighbourhood Management (GNM) Policy and the Domestic Abuse Policy.

Reviews

The group has been asked to periodically review how South Tyneside Council Housing Services manages complaints.

They conducted a desktop review and analysis of the housing complaints process. Results demonstrated that previous recommendations, suggested by the group, had a positive impact and they could see real improvements in complaint handling.

The group has also been out in the community, visiting some of our new builds in Hindmarch Drive and learning about the green technologies that have been used in them and assessed how they will benefit our customers.

They also carried out a review on the Handy Homes handyperson service and the report was passed to the service manager with several recommendations for them to consider.

During the transition back to the Council, the group attended meetings with the Communications Team and gave opinions on the new South Tyneside Council Housing Services branding and van design, which are now being used.

The group are currently helping to shape the new Tenant Engagement Strategy and are taking part in consultation sessions.

Training sessions

The group has attended training sessions delivered by Northumbria Police on Hate Crime and Fraud and Scams.

They have also attended useful Energy Ambassador training, delivered by the Green Doctor.

We will also provide training sessions to tenants to help assist them in their role.

Get involved

If you would like to attend a Check and Challenge meeting to see the great work our tenants do, contact the involvement team by:

Phone: 0300 123 6633
Email: involvement@southtyneside.gov.uk