Linda Gray is the Chair of the Resident Assembly. We asked her what being involved means to her and what she's already seen change.
The challenges we all face with spiralling cost of living increases only inspires me more to find ways to help all PA Housing residents across the country.
I’ve always been involved with PA, firstly as a Neighbourhood Champion, then as an Involved Resident and now, as Chair of the newly formed Resident Assembly.
I’d like to thank the previous Chairs, Joan Swift and Tony Aslam for their dedication and hard work over the past few years. As we move forward, I hope this group will be a voice for residents from all walks of life and across all types of property. Whether you live in a flat or a house, are in Independent Living Schemes, or Shared Ownership, everyone deserves to have a say in where their money is spent.
Since Mike – the new Chief Executive – started, he has made enormous progress in resident engagement. I’ve found him to be passionate about putting us first and empowering his staff to make the changes that ensure this happens. I may be retired but I still believe I have a lot to contribute, and this has given me the opportunity to make a real difference to everyone, hold PA to account, and recommend ideas for positive change.
Even these past few months have seen serious changes in the way PA operates. Complaints are down, the new telephony system means that call wait times are down, and recruitment of Neighbourhood Coordinators is the highest it’s ever been. What’s so encouraging is that PA is listening and learning from the feedback you give them and they’re making improvements in every area.
We’ll continue to rebuild the trust that many had lost and prove that there’s a way forward – a better way! I’d like to think that we all want the same thing, to take pride in our homes, to feel safe and happy but, more importantly, to be involved in the decision-making and policies that affect us all.
There are positive changes coming your way this year, changes that will help improve the services you receive as well as the home and area you live in. The Resident Assembly is here to ensure that happens. Watch this space!
Linda
Linda Gray
Chair of the Resident Assembly
