Bield Improvement Group

The Bield Improvement Group (BIG) is an independent group run by tenants and supported by Bield.  They decide as a group which area of Bield’s performance they would like to review.  This could be budgets, communications, property repairs, voids - the list is endless.  The group then focus on how this particular area of the business is working.  The BIG meet with and speak to staff, review the current processes and they decide if there are ways things can be improved in the future.  They then report their findings to the Board for them to review and implement their recommendations, where possible.

Who can join?

Any Bield tenant can join the BIG.  We aim to have a mix of tenants from all of our different housing services.

What would my role be?

As a member of the BIG, you will be asked to work alongside other tenants to review the services Bield is delivering.  You will meet with staff, other tenants and possibly external groups to provide you with all of the necessary information about the service in question.  Together with the other group members, you will then prepare a report based on your findings with recommendations and comments for the Board.

What commitment would I need to make?

It is up to the group to decide how much time they will need to spend on reviewing a particular service.  Based on the reviews carried out so far, these can take up to 6 months with 5-6 different working sessions during this time.  We use a mixture of in-person and virtual meetings.  Don't worry if you don't have a device to attend virtual meetings, we will work with you to get you what you need.  As well as attending BIG meetings, you will be expected to read through information relating to the service you are reviewing and spend time talking to various people.  We appreciate that your time is valuable and we do our best to work around members' schedules.

What if I don't have the knowledge or experience to be able to take part in this group?

This is one of the most common concerns tenants have when they are asked to take part.  It is not essential to have any particular skill set or experience in reviewing services.  The most important thing you can bring to the group is your life experience; something all of us have.  This opportunity is open to all, regardless of background or career.  All we are looking for from you is a desire to help us improve the services Bield provide.

What will I get out of it?

The BIG will give you a better understanding of how Bield is performing and give you the chance to look at how tenants can get more from Bield in the future. It will also give you the opportunity to work alongside other tenants as part of a team and share your thoughts and ideas.  We hope it will be fun and interesting for you too!

Are members of the BIG entitled to expenses?

If you have to travel to attend meetings or undertake work on behalf of the BIG, we will reimburse you for all travel costs as well as any money needed for copying or publishing papers and arranging venues.

I'm interested, what next?

Great - we look forward to hearing from you!  Please email: engage@bield.co.uk

Click to view the BIG Terms of Reference.