Reading Borough Council's Tenant Participation Unit are leading on the development of a Residents Involvement Champion (RIC) network for the South East region.

Our initial referal to lead was due to our Housing Department's success in being awarded 2 stars and promising prospects for improvement rating from the Audit Commission in 2007. Following that we were successfully awarded a grant from the CLG to establish the network and sustain it for the first year.

We feel the main aim is to share skills and knowledge so we are able to help residents to be actively engaged in influencing operational and strategic housing outcomes within their communities.

On 27 March 2009 we held the first South East Regional Conference in Reading which was a success and attended by approximately 100 delegates who took part in our round table discussion.

Delegates were asked to discuss questions including the benefits of a South East resident involvement network and what activities, services and support they would like to see provided.

Generally people wanted to see more networking opportunities like the conference, case studies on good practice, joint training opportunities and peer support, and other priorities were providing a voice and being able to influence national bodies.

The RBC Steering Group will be working to agree how the network will be co-ordinated and to develop a programme of activities for the next 12 months based on the feedback from the conference.

All housing organisations in the region are invited to join the network and help shape the way it develops - for more information please visit our membership page or contact our Tenant Participation Unit on 01189390055 or email Ricse@reading.gov.uk