Richmond Council reaffirms commitment to resident-led housing improvements at national conference

We joined national housing leaders in London to spotlight our work ensuring social housing standards meet residents’ expectations and needs.

Speaking at the Tenant and Resident Engagement Conference on Thursday 15 May, Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader of the Council, took part in a panel on increasing tenant influence over policy and governance to highlight our commitment to putting residents at the heart of housing decisions. He was joined on the panel by Catherine Pickering, a borough resident and Community Ambassador, who shared her experience of tenant involvement and the difference the programme is making locally.

The event provided the opportunity to share how we, though not a stock-holding authority, works closely with housing associations to improve the quality of homes through its Social Housing Improvement Plan (SHIP). This includes joint work with key Registered Providers such as RHP, PA Housing, MTVH, and L&Q to strengthen repairs services, address disrepair, and deliver on sustainability targets.

Cllr Millard said: “We’re showing how councils without housing stock can still play a leading role in ensuring tenants live in homes that are safe, well-maintained and fit for the future. Residents are the experts on their lived experience, and their voices must shape how housing is managed and improved.”

The conference brought together over 500 housing professionals, tenants, Community Ambassadors from the borough and policymakers from across the UK to share best practice on embedding resident voice in governance and service delivery. 

Our Community Ambassador Programme was spotlighted as a practical example of tenant involvement in action. The scheme empowers volunteers from across the borough’s housing associations including RHP to lead estate inspections, raise issues, and drive improvements in their communities.

Cllr Millard said: "It’s great to highlight that, through our Community Ambassador Programme, we’re co-creating structures with residents that empower them through peer support and mentoring – helping them grow the skills and confidence they need not just to make a difference in the place they live, but also to participate in governance at the highest levels."

These efforts are part of a wider commitment to both increase the supply of affordable homes and raise standards across existing social housing, ensuring that all residents live in homes that are decent, sustainable, and responsive to their needs and in strong, thriving communities.

Through partnership, transparency, and a clear focus on resident voice, we continue to work to deliver long-term improvements that residents can see and feel.