The Housing Policy Panel
A consultative body to the Department for Communities
To fulfill our role as the Independent Tenant Organisation (ITO) for Northern Ireland, Supporting Communities regularly convenes a Housing Policy Panel made up of tenant representatives from the social housing sector.
The Housing Policy Panel acts in a consultative function to the Department for Communities (DfC), focusing on social housing-related matters.
The Panel has developed an action plan that will form the basis of its development and enable the Panel to reflect on achievements year on year.
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Read more about the work of the HPP in these recent reports below.
The Role of Panel Members
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To represent the interests of social housing tenants in the development and review of departmental policies
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To provide a voice to ensure that tenants' rights and concerns are represented and taken into account
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Membership of the Panel is voluntary, although a travel and subsistence allowance will be payable
Key Skills Required of Panel Members
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Experience and understanding of the social housing sector
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Listening, reading, and assessing information and identifying critical points/issues
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Analysing information and using it to form opinions and conclusions
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Disseminate information and collate responses from within their business area to present any issues back to the Panel for discussion
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The Chairperson
The Chairperson of the Housing Policy Panel fulfils the role of Tenant Advocate as described in the Tenant Participation Strategy for Northern Ireland. In addition, this person is responsible for the smooth running of Housing Policy Panel meetings, allowing all Housing Policy Panel members to have their say and ensuring meetings adhere to the group’s terms of reference.
Find out more about the role and the duties of the Chairperson/Tenant Advocate.