2025
Agenda:
- Review of Key Performance Indicators (by exception)
- Home Safety Team update – overview of roles by Max Zauner, Adam Gad & Nicola Wiecha
- Horizon Scanning – what upcoming legislative changes to the sector are there?
- Updates
- Awaabs Law
- Areas to consider for future ‘spotlight talks’.
Summary:
The meeting focused on reviewing compliance performance, particularly gas and electrical safety. Updates were provided on landlord gas safety records, with seven overdue cases confirmed as being in the legal or lettering process, and on electrical safety certificates for general needs homes, where the number of overdue inspections had reduced from a peak of 47 to 32 following a contractor transition. Legal cost implications were discussed, with clarification that recovery of costs from tenants is subject to court decisions.
Tenant group members asked whether Red Kite or the tenant cover court costs; it was explained that the court makes this decision.
Agenda:
- Review of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (by exception)
- Updates
- Awaabs Law
- Home Safety Team update
Summary
The meeting reviewed compliance performance and upcoming legislative requirements. Gas safety checks had six overdue homes (including newly-acquired Riverside stock), with one non-compliance resolved; electrical compliance had 28 overdue Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) due to procurement delays, with interim cover in place and mobilisation for the new contract from 1st July. Third-party audits (13) all passed and there were no overdue actions for asbestos, water hygiene, or fire risk assessments. The team confirmed Sureserve Compliance as contractor for gas and electrical services, noted Alan Core’s promotion to Head of Property (from 23rd June) and ongoing recruitment for a new Home Safety Manager, and recognised Pippa’s “Rising Star” award. Awaab’s Law requirements (from 1st October 2025) and Red Kite’s monitoring approach were discussed. Actions included circulating the KPI dashboard and Awaab’s Law slides, drafting combined terms of reference, continuing weekly damp/mould performance monitoring, and confirming the next meeting date.
Tenant volunteers shared feedback and questions centred on the experience of compliance activity in their homes. They requested clearer appointment windows, more advance notice of visits, and a consistent approach when access is missed, including support for residents to rearrange. There was a preference for straightforward explanations about the nature of checks being carried out—such as gas, electrical, and damp/mould—and what tenants should expect before, during, and after these visits. Regarding damp and mould, tenants expressed interest in the new Awaab’s Law timelines and sought clarity on how they would be kept informed at each stage, from inspection through to completion, as well as what constitutes an emergency. Additionally, they called for a single point of contact or a clearly defined escalation pathway should they feel their case is not progressing. Finally, concerns were raised about the condition of homes transferred from Riverside, with requests for updates on the progress of stock condition and asbestos surveys, alongside any subsequent remedial programmes.
Agenda:
- Review of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (by exception)
- Update on Group
- Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) exercise - policy 1
- EIA exercise - policy 2
Summary:
The Compliance/Health & Safety Champion meeting on 19th March agreed to merge the Compliance Group and Health & Safety Champions Group into a single Home Safety Group. The KPI dashboard review noted 13 overdue gas safety cases (mainly delayed by court injunction timelines), with continued access attempts and minor audit defects rectified within 24 hours. The group completed EIA discussions on the Water Treatment & Anti-Scalding Policy and the Asbestos Management Policy, concluding both considered the 12 protected characteristics and were fair to tenants. Actions and next steps include adding “Spotlight on…” refresher items to future agendas and Alan Core to invite Adam Gad (Electrical) and share a team make-up/expertise chart at the next meeting.
The discussion highlighted tenant experience and concerns, including questions about why access is refused (e.g., ill health, hospital stays, hoarding or antisocial behaviour) and reassurance that the Home Safety team works with Communities to understand circumstances while continuing access attempts. A tenant representative raised confusion about why annual gas safety checks are still required where there is no gas boiler; it was clarified that properties with capped gas or gas-cooker provision still require at least a visual inspection to meet legal requirements and to ensure suitable fixed heating and hot water. When reviewing the Water Treatment & Anti-Scalding and Asbestos Management policies, the group emphasised practical support for tenants to enable appointments and access (including help if clearing access is needed) and considered the impact of temporary rehousing and major works on households with vulnerabilities such as children, disabilities, or mental health needs.
Alan Core approached the group to consider the merging of the current Compliance Group and Health & Safety Champions Group to form a new Home Safety Group. The group agreed that they could see the benefits as many of the areas covered by each individual group crossed over. It was agreed that the new group would be called the Home Safety Group.