Here are the opportunities that we have available for residents to volunteer with us. By getting involved, you help us shape our services. Our groups of resident volunteers are run in a variety of different ways and meet either online, in person, hybrid (a mix of online and in person) or by providing input via email.
If you would like to find out more, or have any ideas please email the Community Engagement Team at fairhivece@fairhive.co.uk.
Resident Forum
The Resident Forum provides meaningful resident insight, reviews how well services are performing, and works alongside employees and the Board to shape improvements. The Forum acts as a central hub for resident engagement, ensuring the resident voice influences policies, service delivery and value‑for‑money decisions. It champions inclusion, monitors key performance and satisfaction measures, and helps ensure services reflect what residents need.
Level of commitment: Meet once a month – 10 times a year (except for August and December). Meetings are hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer I will:
- provide honest, constructive feedback on Fairhive's services,
- review and analyse performance data to hold Fairhive accountable, highlight where services are falling short, and make sure residents’ voices are backed by clear evidence,
- review information on service quality, performance, resident satisfaction, complaints and value for money,
- take part in discussions and service reviews to help identify areas for improvement,
- contribute to shaping resident-focused policies and influencing decisions about housing and resident services,
- support with new strategies and recruitment of Board members,
- identify areas for deep-dive scrutiny reviews.
Resident Complaints Review Group
The Resident Complaints Review Group works with us to help ensure the complaints’ service meets customer service standards by providing an independent resident voice in reviewing how complaints are handled, ensuring they are dealt with fairly, transparently and in line with agreed standards. The group looks at themes, outcomes and learnings from complaints, working with employees to improve services and prevent issues recurring. By offering constructive challenge and resident insight, it helps strengthen accountability and drive better experiences for all residents.
Level of commitment: Meet quarterly - four times a year. Meetings will be hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer I will:
- ensure our complaints service is fair, effective and genuinely centred on residents, using real experiences to support better outcomes,
- review anonymised complaint case studies and identify what could be improved,
- make practical suggestions that strengthen the complaints journey for all residents,
- learn about the complaints process, including the Housing Ombudsman’s expectations,
- review our Complaints, Compliments & Compensation Policy and guidance in light of the Housing Ombudsman Complaints Handling Code,
- monitor complaints performance to review trends, outcomes and service standards to ensure the complaints process remains effective and continually improves.
Design Development Group
The Design Development Group consists of employees and resident volunteers to provide constructive advice and feedback on selected proposed new housing developments. This group is consultative and not decision making.
Level of commitment: Meet on an adhoc basis to review potential new housing developments. Meetings will be hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer, I will:
- take part in discussions about proposed new housing developments,
- share my views and experiences to help shape designs and ideas,
- provide constructive feedback from a resident perspective,
- understand that the group gives advice and does not make decisions,
- keep the meetings and subject matter confidential – no aspects shall be disclosed outside the organisation without the express permission of the Chair.
Estate Services Group
The group helps to improve Estate Services by providing feedback on service provision, monitoring contractor performance, reviewing resident feedback and influencing the formation of policies and decisions about block cleaning, grounds maintenance and other general Estate Services.
Level of commitment: Meet quarterly - four times a year. Meetings will be hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer, I will:
- ensure that the monitoring arrangements set in place are effective and drive improvement and satisfaction,
- improve block cleaning, grounds maintenance and estate services,
- review cleaning and grounds maintenance contractors’ performance and resident satisfaction,
- identify improvements and value for money opportunities,
- liaise with Block Inspectors and consider feedback from Block inspections
- carry out audits for cleaning and grounds maintenance contractors to ensure service standards are met, identify areas requiring improvement, and provide evidence‑based feedback on behalf of residents.
Policy Review Group
The Resident Policy Review Group ensures residents have a meaningful opportunity to influence policies that affect them. The group is consulted to provide feedback, insight, and suggestions on content and layout of new and existing policies to help ensure they are clear, fair, and responsive to residents’ needs.
Level of commitment: Meet on an adhoc basis to review updated policies and co-create new policies. Meetings will be hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer, I will:
- share feedback based on lived experience,
- assess how policies may impact residents, including potential risks or unintended consequences,
- recommend improvements to ensure policies are clear, fair, inclusive, and aligned with residents’ needs.
Resident Scrutiny Group
The Resident Scrutiny Group carries out in‑depth reviews into specific areas of the organisation to evaluate performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide evidence‑based recommendations for improvement. To read some of the groups reports, or watch their videos, please visit the Resident Scrutiny Reports page.
Level of commitment: Meetings take place once a week whilst a scrutiny review is taking place. Meetings are hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer, I will:
- review and scrutinise services from a resident perspective,
- identify improvements that deliver value for money,
- share resident views, experiences and insight during service reviews,
- make clear recommendations to improve service delivery,
- take part in Scrutiny training to build skills and confidence.
Procurement Group volunteer page
Residents are actively involved in the procurement of new services, so they can help ensure that the services provided are more likely to meet their needs and those of the communities they live in.
Level of commitment: Meetings will take place on an ad hoc basis and will be hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer, I will:
- help shape new services by sharing resident views during procurement,
- take part in planning, evaluating and reviewing services that affect residents,
- focus on improving service quality, accountability and value for money,
- complete essential training to support my role in procurement activities.
Block Inspectors
Block Inspectors monitor and improve the standard of services across identified areas by carrying out inspections. Block Inspectors provide feedback, report concerns and highlight repairs, helping to ensure services meet agreed standards.
Level of commitment: We aim for three inspections per year that can be completed in your own time.
As a volunteer, I will:
- carry out inspections of communal areas and green spaces,
- record and submit findings using a checklist,
- report concerns, repairs and issues within agreed timescales,
- identify improvements to communal areas,
- participate in training to be able to carry out inspections.
HiveView Group
HiveView is a digital-only group designed to be flexible and accessible for those residents that cannot be involved in traditional ways. It’s perfect for residents who want to contribute but may not have the time to attend meetings or visit our offices. HiveView members receive emails with surveys, polls, or documents to review, all from the comfort of their own home and at a time that suits them.
Level of commitment: Communication is sent on an ad hoc basic, with clear timelines for completion.
As a volunteer, I will:
- share my views by taking part in online surveys and polls,
- share my experiences to help identify what is working well and what could be improved,
- help highlight trends, issues and areas for service improvement,
- support the design and improvement of services using resident insight.
Influencers Group
The Influencers Group brings residents and employees together to directly influence how operational services are designed and delivered. Members use their lived experience to explore key topics, highlight what works well, and identify where things could be improved to drive meaningful and positive change.
Level of commitment: A minimum of five sessions per year. Meetings will be hybrid with the option to join online or in person.
As a volunteer, I will:
- take part in discussion sessions to share feedback and ideas,
- review specific topics from a resident perspective,
- put forward recommendations to help influence how services are delivered,
- work in partnership with Fairhive to achieve positive outcomes for residents,
- develop my skills through training and learning opportunities.
Nurture Your Neighbourhood Panel
We have a Nurture Your Neighbourhood (NYN) scheme, where residents can apply for environmental improvements to shared outdoor and communal spaces. The NYN Panel is made up of residents who help assess applications received from residents.
Panel members review, and score the applications, giving their views on proposed improvements. This helps make sure decisions are fair, reflect local needs, and are shaped by the people who live in our communities.
Level of commitment: Consultations take place on an ad hoc basis via email, whenever a new application is received for assessment.
As a volunteer, I will:
- review and consider applications fairly, based on the information provided,
- score the applications to approve or reject the request,
- keep the needs of the wider community in mind when making decisions,
- treat all information shared with the panel respectfully and confidentially.
