Engagement framework

We're excited to launch the new Resident Engagement strategy and framework 2025-2028.

It sets out our approach to resident engagement, ensuring we're putting resident's voices at the heart of our service delivery.

Your views and experience are important in helping to improve and shape the services we offer residents. There are many ways you can get involved in making a difference in how we work. Use this form if you are interested in any of these opportunities.

Roadshows

There will also be annual roadshows, with dates confirmed annually and promoted throughout the year. Two will be virtual, and two will be in person.

A member of the Housing Services senior leadership team will attend and present an update on the services being provided. This will include work on the transformation programs and any key changes in staff and structure that will impact residents.

Roadshows will only be for common issues and not individual issues. However, a drop-in session could be held to pick up individual issues before the meeting. We will provide information on any upcoming areas of engagement and offer the opportunity for residents to take part.

Repairs open days

These will take place across estates, with a different estate each time to offer an in-person opportunity for residents to meet staff and report repairs/ asset management issues. A calendar of these events is available.

Door knocking

The community relations team conducts monthly door knocking, with staff from other teams. To increase our outreach, we will focus on estates where we do not have email addresses for many residents. We will prioritise visits to older and more vulnerable residents during winter.

Estate walkabouts

Residents or resident groups can request estate walkabouts. We will coordinate the attendance of relevant staff or stakeholders and promote these events widely to residents. Each walkabout will have a designated staff member as a point of contact to ensure residents can follow up on any unresolved issues. This contact will be the most appropriate for the issues raised, such as repairs, environmental concerns, or housing management. A clear process with defined timescales will be in place for resolving issues.

Housing officer surgeries

These events will be developed in collaboration with housing officers and will focus on areas with suitable spaces on the estate or nearby and available resources. While they may not be appropriate for all estates, they will be trialled where possible. The frequency and continuation of these events will depend on resident participation.

Partnerships

We work with partners to fundraise and deliver projects that benefit residents. This includes fulfilling social value contributions and meeting contract requirements.

Our partnership efforts focus on enhancing collaboration across the Council to improve services for residents, ensuring their voices are heard and can influence outcomes. We build strong relationships with community leaders, resident representatives, neighbourhood groups, and support agencies. We also we seek partnerships with training providers to offer further support. These efforts align with Lewisham's strategic partnership network and other Council services.

Resident groups we work with include community gardening groups and Tenants and Residents Associations.

Community projects and events

We will continue to support existing community projects and events that benefit our council housing residents (eg. Free tutoring for residents and Street Games on estates.

We will consult residents on their priorities annually to deliver community projects (primarily environmental improvement and training) that benefit residents and enable us to engage residents in building trust. These will be funded through social value or fundraising.

Workshops 

We'll hold one-off sessions, online and in person, for all residents and stakeholders to come together, discuss and develop an action plan on how to approach important issues and services. Residents and stakeholders can suggest workshop topics.