Resident Involvement

We want to work with all  estate residents to provide an excellent housing management  service. To do this we encourage you to get involved in a number of different ways.We seek involvement by-:

• Holding public meetings and listening to residents opinions

• Publishing newsletters and Annual Reports

• Holding estate inspections with residents

• Carrying out improvement and satisfaction surveys.

• Consulting with residents regarding our Service Charters

• Consulting with residents regarding Major Repairs Improvement plans and planned maintenance programmes.

• Seeking feedback on all services provided.

• Providing opportunity to elect Board Members

• Consulting on Best Value issues.

• Providing a clear and transparent housing management service.

• Developing an estate specific compact and comprehensive Business Plan

• Working in partnership with local community projects for example, the Clapham Youth Centre, Ground Work Lambeth and Friends of the Windmill Gardens to provide activities for all residents. 

Why get involved?

Taking part in discussions and decisions enables residents to have a real influence on the services they receive. Residents can ensure that their concerns and priorities are listened too by becoming involved in the estate management. By becoming involved in the management of Blenheim Gardens Estate, residents are able to:

• Reduce bureaucracy 

• Develop localised services which are reflective of local need

• Ensure your wishes and priorities are met

• Influence the spending of our budget

• Develop plans for improvements including a business plan 

• Improve community spirit

• Empower their community

We currently have 17 dedicated board members. All of our board members, with the exception of one, are residents on Blenheim Gardens Estate.   Board members can be council residents, leaseholders and freeholders on the estate. You do not need any specialist qualification or experience to become a board member and we particularly welcome residents from ethnic minority groups, since at the present time residents from these groups are under represented at board level. Any training required by board members is provided free of charge. 

Board Members 2007/8

In 2007 Blenheim Gardens RMO has a committed board of 17 Resident’s. Board Members are council resident’s, leaseholder’ and freeholder’s who actually live on the estate.

• Angela Bartley (Chair)
• Maud Simmance (Treasurer) 
• Ann Spencer (Secretary) 
• Derek Bailey  
• Mary Bailey    
• David Spencer 
• Joan Osborne
• Diana Thompson 
• Blodwen Outlaw 
• Tom Gibbs
• Janet Hayes 
• Elsie Binder 
• Selena Ellis   
• Susan Alldis (co-opted member)
• Sonia Antolin Guerra
• Robert Harvey  
• Anton Manickam

How do I go about Joining the Board?

By completing a Board nomination form attached to the notice of an AGM (Annual General Meeting) and getting a friend or neighbour on the estate to nominate you by signing the paper.  Return the nomination paper to estate office for the attention of the secretary.  Alternatively you may simply turn up at the AGM and put your name forward. If you are a freeholder, who does not pay a service charge, you cannot be elected, but you may still become a co-opted member. 

Residents Panel - Why not become a member?

Blenheim Gardens RMO aims to provide excellent housing management services. To provide the best Housing Management Services possible we need to find out what you think about our services and how you feel these maybe improved.  One of the ways of achieving this is by implementing a Resident's Panel. The RMO already has 17 committed board members and the idea of the Residents Panel is to focus discussions and decisions taken at full board level.    

What is a Residents panel?

The Resident Panel is made up of residents, leaseholders, freeholders and household members who are asked to provide their views on the management of the estate. The Residents Panel will ensure we are providing the right services and more importantly, providing them in the right way that meets the needs of our community.  Resident Panel members will be encouraged to comment on all estate services and improvement program's so any concerns or recommendations made can be presented to full board and/or at public meetings.  

Why do we need a Residents Panel?

It is important that all members of Blenheim Gardens Estate have the opportunity to become involved and influence decisions that affect the estate.  It is envisaged that the Residents Panel will have a key role in making this happen. The Residents Panel is particularly keen to appeal to residents from black and ethnic minority groups, teenagers as well as young adults.

What is the difference between a Resident Panel member and a Committee Member?         

In a nutshell the main difference is time.  The Residents Panel members will only need to dedicate at least 2 hours every 4 months. Board members are required to meet every month for approximately 3 hours.  Some board members are also members of our Finance Sub-Committee. 

Residents Panel membership is open to all residents on the estate, including members of your household. We will be sending out invitations to join the Residents Panel.  Unlike full board committee members, you do not have to be nominated by a third party to become a Resident Panel Member-you can simply nominate yourself!   

How long will I have to be a Residents Panel member?

The membership to the Residents Panel is totally voluntary. We will however encourage memberships to be for a minimum period of one year.    

What will being a Resident Panel member involve?

The Residents panel will meet up approximately 3 times each year.  These meeting may take the form of a discussion and/or completing questionnaires.  Resident Panel members will also be sent draft documents (newsletters, policies and procedures etc) and asked to comment on them.

Commitment to our Residents Panel Members:

A Resident Panel member role is totally voluntary. However, we will provide you with feedback on all discussions, surveys and/or questionnaires presented to full board and/or at public meetings. As a Resident Panel member we will:-

• Provide a translating / interpretation service where required
• Provide and finance any relevant training required
• Where applicable, contribute towards crèche facilities 
• Provide Refreshments

Confidentiality

Any information you provided or which is discussed in a Resident’s Panel meeting will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Blenheim Gardens is your estate, ensure you have your say…..

If you would like more information regarding becoming a board member or resident panel member please contact the estate office on

Tel: 020 7926 0158       Fax: 020 8678 7021    Email: blenheimgardens@lambeth.gov.uk