Shape the housing service
These groups represent all residents living in Westminster housing. They scrutinise the service and help plan future developments.
Resident Forum
At the Forum residents get updates from the housing service, help shape the part of the service being discussed, hear from other Council departments and get an opportunity to speak directly with housing service leaders. Whether you have been on a panel or group, or have never come along to a meeting before, The Resident Forum is for you. The Forum is a great way for people to dip into engagement and a welcoming space for people participating for the first time.
The Forum is open to our wider community, you can join online or in person. The agenda is shaped by the Resident Panel with each meeting focussing on a different theme.
Why should you take part?
- Hear updates from the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and senior staff about key developments and performance in housing.
- A chance to ask questions and help shape the part of the service being discussed.
- Meet other residents who are interested in making a difference.
How to sign up?
If you are a Westminster Housing resident, you can sign up to attend a Resident Forum meeting.
To make sure that the meetings are manageable, there is a maximum of 77 places at each meeting. You will need to sign up in advance to attend. We would also ask you to submit questions in advance, although we also try to answer questions on the night.
At every meeting, we make sure that there is a balance of tenants and leaseholders so that we have a representative group of residents.
Time commitment
2 to 3 hours per meeting. You can come to meetings regularly, or as a one-off.
Future meetings
- Tuesday 28 January 2025
- Wednesday 26 February 2025
- Wednesday 26 March 2025
- Wednesday 30 April 2025
Register for our January Resident Forum
Previous meetings
Read notes from previous meetings of the Resident Forum.
Resident Panel
This is a group of up to 20 residents who help shape the housing services you receive. They scrutinise and monitor the housing service and challenge things they don’t think are working. They chair the Resident Forum and set the agenda for future meetings.
We’re recruiting new members to the Resident Panel.
Why should you take part?
- Help to lead the direction of the housing service and drive improvement
- Work collaboratively with council officers and gain understanding of how big organisations work
- Develop new skills in leadership, service design, monitoring and reporting and communication, which will look great on your CV
- Access training and attend conferences
- Meet other residents
Time commitment
Members join two meetings a month of up to 2 hours and are also sent information to read between meetings.
Approximately 10 to 12 hours per month.
Join the Panel
The panel represents all of Westminster and reflects the diversity of Westminster residents.
We are currently recruiting 5 new members to join the panel. Opportunities are open to anyone living in Westminster Housing. We are particularly keen to hear from residents who are under 30, from a global majority background, or those with disabilities.
The selection process will involve a conversation with current members of the Resident Panel. If you apply but do not get a space this time don’t worry, we have many other ways that you can get involved.
Read the job description for a panel member:
Other details
Travel expenses will be covered and we can provide support to attend, depending on your needs. Just get in touch with us.
Resident Association Chairs Group
Our chairs group is open to the elected chairs or a nominated person from each local resident group. The chairs group meet quarterly. These meetings are a valuable networking and peer support forum for local leaders. Chairs and other RA representatives share challenges, successes and ideas for running an effective Resident Association.
The chairs group also provides an opportunity for resident group leaders to give feedback and suggest improvements to the housing service or the support they receive.
If you are a leader of a Resident Association and your group is not yet attending the chairs group, please contact us via our resident engagement form.
Time commitment
2 to 3 hours every three months.
Future meetings
Monday 16th December 2024, 6:00 PM (online and in-person location TBD).
Published: 18 April 2024
Last updated: 10 December 2024
