Do you want to help to formulate future Housing Market Renewal policy and influence the HMR Board?
Can you spare some time, either on email or in meetings, to offer your perceptions, experience and opinions of HMR?
Do you want to find out how your neighbourhood fits into the wider HMR strategy and meet residents from other neighbourhoods?
Why not become a member of the Residents Sounding Panel?
What is the purpose of the Residents Sounding Panel?
The RSP was established in 2006, and is designed to give an opportunity for residents to give their views and opinions about the Housing Market Renewal programme and policy development at a Pathfinder-wide level.
What does the RSP do?
The RSP discusses issues that are common to several neighbourhoods across the Pathfinder and aims to gather input to policies and decisions at a strategic level. The RSP provides on-the-ground intelligence from each neighbourhood, and evaluates aspects of HMR delivery such as consultation and communications materials. The RSP does not replace local forums and steering groups, but aims to bring together common issues and look at possible solutions.
What happens to its recommendations?
The recommendations and opinions of the RSP are fed back to the HMR Board and key decision-makers within the Pathfinder, and therefore it is a real opportunity to make an impact. You will also be given regular feedback from the HMR Board.
Who should be involved?
Members of the RSP are drawn from across all HMR neighbourhoods in both Oldham and Rochdale. It is important that the membership is broadly representative of the Pathfinder community and therefore we encourage applications from all members of the Pathfinder community. There are seats available for 20 RSP members each year, and as members are allowed to hold their seats for three years, there are nine seats vacant for this year.
What format do the discussions take, and when?
At present, the RSP core group meets quarterly at venues rotating between the various Pathfinder neighbourhoods in Oldham and Rochdale. However, in response to what residents have said, we are also currently developing some additional ways for people to get involved as alternatives to meetings e.g. email, postal surveys, telephone interviews and discussion forums, and there are unlimited places for people to join the wider RSP email group.
Do I need to know anything about HMR to take part?
Members of the RSP are not expected to come with prior knowledge of HMR policy or process. We aim to get a mixture of people from different backgrounds, and your perceptions and opinions are all equally as important to us. For members of the core group, we will offer occasional presentations and training to help you find out more about the key issues.
What do I get out of it?!
As well as a direct opportunity to learn more about the overall programme and find out about key decisions and opportunities facing the Pathfinder, you will also be rewarded for your input. Prize draws will be held in reward for regular participation. Core group members will also get refreshments, travel and a £10 shopping voucher for each meeting attended.
What next?
This year’s recruitment process for the Core Meetings Group takes place during March and April. The closing date for applications is 22 April 2008. Those selected for the Core meetings group will be notified in May. Other applicants will be added to the wider email group, but will not be contacted until later in the year.
If you would like an application form for the RSP or just a chat to find out more information, please call Claire Morgan on 0161 770 8328 or email claire.morgan@oldham.gov.uk