jobs and careers

Housing Advisory Panel Member

Tenant/Leaseholder Representative – Housing Advisory Panel

If you are interested in applying for this role, please find the application form and instructions at the bottom of this page.

Payment: The successful applicants will be paid £100 per day.

Purpose of the Role:

As a member of the Housing Advisory Panel, you will help ensure that council housing in Hackney is safe, warm, and decent by providing independent scrutiny, challenge, and feedback on the Council’s housing services. You will help hold the Council accountable, contribute to meaningful improvements, and ensure that tenant voices shape decision-making. We are looking for two tenant and one leaseholder representative. 

Please note you will not be eligible to apply if:

  • You are an employee of the Council.
  • You are currently in breach of your tenancy or lease agreement (e.g. rent arrears, anti-social behaviour).
  • You have previously brought the Council into disrepute.
  • You are bankrupt or have an outstanding County Court Judgement or, forbidden form being a Company Director
  • You are currently a member of a TMO (Tenancy Management Organisation) or TRA (Tenants and Residents Organisation)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Independently review and scrutinise housing management and maintenance services.
  • Monitor delivery of the Housing Improvement Plan and review progress against key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Ensure that housing services comply with the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards.
  • Provide tenant insight, challenge service delivery, and recommend improvements.
  • Advise the Council and Cabinet on risks and areas for improvement.
  • Conduct deep-dives into particular service areas where necessary.
  • Represent and amplify the lived experience of tenants and leaseholders across Hackney.
  • Contribute to shaping housing policy and strategy.
  • Support learning and best practice sharing across housing services.

Time Commitment:

The Panel will meet a minimum of six times per year, four meetings linked to the quarterly performance reporting timetable and two meetings at times set by the Panel.  Members must attend regularly; missing three consecutive or four meetings within 12 months without a valid reason may lead to removal from the Panel. 

Support, Induction and Training

  • Panel members will receive a full induction, including an overview of housing services, the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards, the role of scrutiny, and the Council’s housing strategy.
  • Ongoing training and development will be offered to help members fulfil their roles effectively.
  • The Council will provide administrative support and reimburse reasonable travel or participation expenses (e.g. childcare, accessibility needs).

Term of Appointment:

Three years, renewable upon review.

Person Specification:

Essential:

  • Be a current council tenant or leaseholder in Hackney.
  • Be able to represent the interests of a diverse tenant population.
  • Be committed to fairness, respect, and transparency.
  • Make evidence-based judgements.
  • Have strong communication skills in terms of listening to others and the confidence to participate in discussions.
  • Interest in housing issues or local government
  • Be prepared to participate in induction and training sessions.
  • Abide by the Nolan Principles and the Panel’s Terms of Reference 
  • Complete an annual Declaration of Interest and maintain confidentiality.

Desirable:

  • Previous experience in tenant involvement or community work

How to apply

Interested?

If you have any questions or need any assistance with your application please contact HousingAdvisoryPanel@Hackney.gov.uk

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.