Incommunities has set up a new committee to give tenants and local people a voice in their decision making.

The Bradford-based social housing provider said the group will focus on issues that matter to customers in their everyday lives.

It is made up of eight members - including five residents from areas served by Incommunities. 

The first meeting was held in January.

Incommunities’ customers Tirivashe Mutindimuri, Zia Ur-Rahman, Karen Rispin, Nasar Haq, and Lara Oyedele will be sharing their views.

They will work closely with three Incommunities board members Kanika Selvan, Cath Owston and Mushtaq Ahmed-Khan.

Incommunities leaseholder Lara Oyedele, from Bradford, has 25 years of experience in a wide range of housing related roles.

She is also a non-executive director of a number of other housing and charitable organisations. 

Lara said: “I’m passionate about the provision of social and affordable housing in Bradford and want to make a positive contribution to how Incommunities look after tenants and residents. I want to be the voice for other leaseholders who may not have the time or the ability to comment directly on their experiences.”

Zia Ur-Rahman, who worked in local authorities for 12 years where he has helped social housing customers to keep their tenancies while helping them to maximise their income.

The Bradford resident said: “I have seen first hand how social housing can provide a lifeline for those going through a very difficult time. Being on the Committee will help me to make a difference to lives of families and individuals in the district and beyond.”

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All group members were hired after an in-depth application process.

Janey Carey, executive director of customer and communities at Incommunities, said: “They will help us to make important decisions about the things that matter to our customers and the issues that affect the people in their everyday lives.

“Their passion and diverse range of skills and expertise will make a real difference to the way we manage and maintain homes.”

Incommunities’ customer Tirivashe Mutindimuri previously served as on Incommunities’ Operations Committee.

Karen Rispin has 15 years of experience within the social housing sector.

Nasar Haq has 30 years of experience in marketing and communications and is a co-designed of the award-winning West Yorkshire Root-Out Racism Movement.

Nasar said: “I am passionate about ensuring that services are delivered in an inclusive way. I think having real voices from customers and tenants influencing the decision-making process will benefit everyone.”

Incommunities has also launched a ‘customer voice strategy’, creating opportunities for residents to shape and improve services.

Any Incommunities customer who would like to get involved and provide their feedback can enter their details online at https://bit.ly/3GSWL8G

It is open to all customers of Incommunities.