Solihull Community Housing - which runs Solihull Council’s housing service - scooped one of the top prizes at this year’s Housing Digital Innovation Awards.
The annual national awards are an opportunity to highlight the most innovative products, services and technology across all sectors of social housing.
The Customer Engagement team at Solihull Community Housing (SCH) won the ‘Most Innovative Approach to Resident Involvement,’ category.
The team supports residents to have a greater say on their homes, and the services delivered by SCH. This is achieved through innovative engagement opportunities such as the SCHape Panel, Virtual Improvement Panel (VIP) and Building Safety Advocates (BSA’s).
The SCHape Panel (Solihull Community Housing Achieving Performance Excellence) is designed for residents who want to be heavily involved in customer engagement, examining current performance levels and reviewing deliverable services.
Residents who require greater flexibility are encouraged to get involved in the Virtual Improvement Panel (VIP). This is a digital engagement opportunity where residents can become involved on their own terms in service areas they choose.
Building Safety Advocates are a vital component to fire and building safety, reviewing processes, reporting concerns, and taking part in safety events at one of SCH’s 37 high rises.
Cllr Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Cabinet Member for Partnerships and Well-being, said: “I am really pleased that staff in our housing service have been recognised nationally for their innovative approach to engaging with residents. Working together strengthens our partnerships and helps to ensure that we learn from each other and work together to improve services. Well done to the Customer Engagement team and thank you to our residents too for getting involved.”
SCH Chief Executive, Fiona Hughes said: “I am thrilled with our success at this year’s Housing Digital Innovation Awards. Our approach to customer engagement is at the heart of everything we do and has been transformed in recent years - this prestigious award is recognition of that.
“As an organisation, we are extremely proud of our Customer Engagement Team and very grateful to all of our residents who find time to engage with us. This collaborative working innovation has allowed us to learn and grow together.
“We will continue to dedicate our time to make sure our customer experience and services are the best they can be.”
The Housing Digital Innovation Awards winners were revealed at a ceremony on 10 February at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.