Resident Involvement FAQs

If you'd like to know about resident involvement, you might find the answer to your question in our FAQs below.

How can I find out all the ways I can get involved with Circle 33?

There are several ways you can get involved with us. Take a look at our Resident Involvement Guide Book (296 KB).

You can also pop into any of our offices and collect a leaflet with full details and who to contact. Or you can call our Team for Communities Department on 0207 447 3066 who will be able to assist with your enquiry.

Can you tell me more about Resident Involvement?

Resident Involvement is a two-way process. Its about making sure all residents have the opportunity and choices about how they have a say in the decisions that affect their homes and communities. It is about influencing how YOUR neighbourhood is managed and the services that matter to YOU. If you are a tenant or service user, and care about living in a better home and more pleasant neighbourhood, then Resident Involvement can help you achieve this!

How can I become a Resident Trust Board Member?

Only Residents who have been elected to the Joint Commission tenant group can go through the interview process to sit on the Circle 33 Trust Board. There are 4 positions available for Residents. Please contact the Resident Involvement Team on 0207 447 3066 for more information.

Can I apply for funding to set up a local Residents group?

Yes. Resident associations are eligible to receive an annual grant for running costs including stationery and administration costs, travel expenses, phone calls, meeting room hire etc.

There are also grants available for one-off community events and community projects, especially involving the elderly, vulnerable or young people. Individual residents who attend Circle 33 meetings are reimbursed their travel costs.

Will “being involved” make a difference?

Absolutely! Resident Involvement is about making a difference, and becoming involved in the things that matter to you. Tenant groups have made a huge impact on the wellbeing of residents in their neighbourhood, from fundraising to installing new play equipment, through to organising children's trips, campaigning to deal with antisocial behaviour or drugs, or simply taking part in a postal survey, all your comments are listened to.

Will Resident Involvement take up a lot of time?

Resident Involvement only takes up as much time as you are prepared to give. Everything you do, from responding to a questionnaire to helping with a community project or attending a meeting, plays an important part in improving your neighbourhood or how the services that Circle 33 provide are run.

The main Residents discussion group, The Joint Commission meets six times a year. Local resident associations typically meet between two and six times per year.

We run one off focus groups that normally take up 2 hours of your time. We are currently running focus groups every month on different elements of the organisation. We also have a group of over 600 residents known at the “Have Your Say Panel” who are willing to take part in various consultation exercises to look at policies, strategies and other local work on the ground.

What benefits are there in becoming involved with Resident Involvement?

It can help improve Circle 33 services as staff are better informed about your concerns, priorities and ideas.
You will be able to have a say in the service you receive.
It will give you more choice and influence over your own home and the environment in which you live.
It can create a better sense of community on housing estates.
It does not cost you any money! If we ask you to come to a meeting, we will reimburse you for travel expenses and childcare costs, and if the meetings run over lunch or dinner times food will be provided.
With some of our Focus Groups we do offer a Gift Token as a thank you for your time with us.

Will I be paid for my time?

No, but reasonable out of pocket expenses can be claimed.

Where are Resident Involvement meetings held?

This depends on the subject but wherever possible residents affected will be consulted. If the meeting involves a particular area then the meeting will be held as near to that area as possible. If it concerns a general issue, the meeting will be held at a suitable venue, taking into account value for money of the venue, transport and safety.

Can’t I leave Resident Involvement to someone else?

If everyone did this we would not know anyone’s views. You cannot rely on others to give your opinion. Make sure we know what you think.

Are the Resident Involvement meetings friendly and what if I don’t know anyone?

The first time you come to a meeting you may not know anyone and be worried about coming into a room of strangers. Contact Team for Communities on 0207 447 3066 and they will ensure that the person running the meeting/training/focus group session will arrange to meet you before the meeting and you can arrive with them.

Also remember that the chances are high that some of the others won’t know anyone and that it will be a good opportunity to meet new people. We always try and make the activities friendly, all we ask is that you are polite to each other and remember people are entitled to their views.