You know your area better than anyone. If you are the person in the block that everyone turns to when things go wrong or always know the right person to call when a problem arises, then you might be interested in becoming a block rep.
By telling us what you and your neighbours think and what’s important to you we can make sure that our services meet your needs. We’re looking for people who can help us find solutions and keep tenants better informed.
Our aim is that your area will be better maintained and a nicer place to live. All block reps are unpaid volunteers, there aren’t any housing management or caretaker responsibilities. However we are happy to cover any out of pocket expenses.
If you don't live in a block, we also operate a street rep scheme. You could become rep for your whole street or as little as your six of your neighbouring properties.
If you are interested and would like to apply please read the information below:
Who can be aBlock or Street Rep?
Any tenant or leaseholder in a Southampton City Council property can become a Block or Street Rep.
What area is covered?
A rep will cover an area of at least six properties. There is no limit to an area a rep can cover; however, it needs to be a manageable number of properties.
In larger blocks and areas, it is possible for two or more residents to cover the block rep role. If an area already has a Tenants Association (TA), we rarely set up block reps as well. In these areas we would encourage you to get involved with the TA.
What does a Block or Street Rep do?
You will provide a link between the council and your block/area. We hope that this will ensure that residents are better informed and that we can respond better to your needs; improving your services and area. Some examples of what block and street reps can do are:
- Chatting to your neighbours and completing surveys telling us what your neighbours think
- Go on area inspections with housing staff and neighbourhood wardens
- Tell us what important to you and your neighbours
- Meet other block reps to share ideas and provide mutual support
- Signpost residents to council departments when necessary
- Help at community events
- Provide your views about estate improvement such as environmental improvement projects
You will be put on to the Tenant Participation mailing list, giving you the option to get involved with conferences, training events, focus groups and other consultation events.
Is there anything I should not do as a Block or Street Rep?
Block and street reps are not there to:
- Get involved with neighbour disputes
- Take on the role of an unpaid housing worker, neighbourhood warden or support worker
- Be responsible for the management of an area
- Use your position to raise individual or personal issues
- Raise the individual issues of other tenants
Code of conduct
All reps are required to follow the code of conduct for tenant involvement and making sure you do not act in a way that could be considered discriminatory. Reps may be given sensitive information from time to time and we expect you to keep information confidential if we ask you to. We may remove our recognition of block or street reps if they abuse their position or do not follow the code of conduct.
