Whether you would just like to know when there are competitions or events, or you would like to be part of a specialist group of tenants that want to help shape the services, support your neighbourhood or have a say in our strategic matters. There is a range of ways you can be involved!
If you would like more more information about how to get involved, please fill in the form below.
Sign me up now for getting involved in housing services
View the Housing Tenancy & Leaseholders Privacy Policy (PDF, 338KB)
Ways that you can get involved now
Have a look at the current tenant engagement groups that we already have, or are recruiting for and join the conversation to have your voice heard on what matters to you the most.
Current Groups
STAP (Strategic Tenants Advisory Panel)
The Strategic Tenants Advisory Panel is currently fully recruited. STAP are the group that oversees strategic level matters, such as how we shape our policies and procedures, they delve further into our overall performance statistics as a housing provider. They have regular access to the leadership and management teams to meet and discuss news, issues and plans for change and improvement. STAP do not cover operational issues that happen at neighbourhood level, they are the only group that does not as they are focused and dedicated to the strategic structure and performance of F&HDC Housing.
All enquiries for STAP should be submitted to tenant.involvement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or telephone 01303 853723
Independent Living Forum
The ILF has been running for many years and is solely focused on the residents and officers involved in this area. There are Independent Living schemes right the way across the district from Lydd to Lyminge. The ILF has 2 representative from each scheme that collect any points to raise from their schemes to bring to the meetings. Meetings are attended by Council Officers and our contractors, such as Mears and Swale Heating, so that answers and further details can be sought immediately.
There are vacancies on the ILF for several schemes. If you would like to hear more or would like to become a member, please email tenant.involvement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or telephone 01303 853723
Representatives are currently needed from :
- Walmsley House
- Win Pine House
- Mittel Court
- Philippa House
Leaseholders
Leaseholder forum is set a little differently from the other involved tenants groups as their needs are different. The Leaseholder Senior Specialist is on hand to answer queries as they arise, however the virtual coffee morning give leaseholders the opportunity to meet each other and discuss common issues, gain a better understanding of leasehold in general and have a say in the policies and procedures that affect them such as service charges and right to buy.
Leaseholder forums are always available. To sign up for alerts for virtual coffee mornings or consultations please email tenant.involvement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or telephone 01303 853723, for general enquiries around the Leasehold service please email homeownership@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Tenant Champions for Repairs, New Build, Compliance & Major Works AB
We are currently fully recruited for the Assets & Development Tenants Champions, however if this is the area you are most interested in, there are ad hoc projects and activities that come up for these teams. Please complete the form below outlining where your main interests are.
Communications
We want to hear from you about what you want to hear from us! Whether it is what you would like to see on our website, how we develop 'My Account' to better suit the needs of the tenants, how best to inform you when there news, such as planned works coming up and what goes into our mailings and newsletters.
Recruiting for this group now. To find out more, please email tenant.involvement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or telephone 01303 853723
Estate Champions
We are looking for voluntary estate champions who will help us keep our blocks and communal areas looking as good as possible. This covers aspects such as block cleaning, communal areas and gardens, general repairs and upkeep of the neighbourhood. You would work with the Neighbourhood team to ensure your community is well managed and a nice place to live.
We are just working on the details and hope to be recruiting volunteers soon. To find out more, please email tenant.involvement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or telephone 01303 853723
Facebook Group
Facebook is an easy, instant way for us to share current news or articles that are of interest to our tenants and leaseholders. The group is private and for tenants only, so that your messages do not get diluted or lost in the general crowds on our main socials pages. This is the easiest way to be an involved tenant as it only requires you to join the group. Your level of involvement within the group can be as much or as little as you are comfortable with.
Join the Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/fhdctenantsandleaseholders
Consultations & Surveys - Specific group of willing participants
If you are happy to take part in ad hoc surveys and consultations please email or telephone us with your details. We will then contact you for your involvement. This year we have asked for your feedback on:
- Cleaning Contract
- Leasehold Service
- Decarbonisation Project
- Tenant Satisfaction
- Independent Living Review
- Stock Survey
And more. The surveys are usually short & to the point, so will not take up too much of your time. Your input is incredibly important to us and has already help to shape the service we offer. To add your details to take part please email tenant.involvement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or telephone 01303 853723, stating that you would like to be a survey participant.
To ensure we are hearing from all our tenants and leaseholders we have joined up with the Tenant Participation & Advisory Service (TPAS), a not-for-profit organisation that promotes, supports and champions tenant involvement.
As one of our tenants you can access the TPAS website and create your own free TPAS account to instantly access free resources, advice and information from your mobile device or computer.
Follow these simple steps to create your free TPAS online account:
- Go to this website link tpas.org.uk
- Go to the membership tab and down to 'our members'
- In the search box type the name of your organisation and press search
- Click on button relevant to you - you can join as a tenant
- Complete all your details and press join group. Make sure you check the box to receive e bulletins. This will ensure you receive your membership news into your email inbox
- You will receive an email to activate your account, you can then access the member's area by logging in from the top right hand side of the TPAS website