28 January 2009

The survey said…

Good neighbours, local amenities and a quiet place to live. The search is on to find out what tops the wish list for tenants of Coventry’s largest affordable housing provider.

Independent researchers hit the streets this week (start Mon Jan 26) to survey Whitefriars Housing Group tenants and find out what they like and dislike about their area, and the services they receive from their landlord.

The survey results will be used to decide the priorities income from rents should be spent on, and also to introduce improvements to services where needed. They are provided to the housing watchdog to enable Whitefriars to measure its services against other landlords.

Lynn Hanson, customer involvement manager at Whitefriars, said: "At least every three years we head out into the city and complete a survey. This allows people to have their say on our performance. As well as fulfilling the government’s requirements, it also gives us a steer on what matters most to customers so we can concentrate our efforts in those areas.

"We are keen to involve customers and take on board their views, and this formal survey is just one way of doing that. So thank you in advance to everyone who donates their time to help out and give their views."

More than 1,000 tenants, who have been randomly selected, will receive a one-to-one visit from independent researchers BMG Research at their home in either January or February.

Those who have been selected to take part in the survey will have received a letter. If a researcher then calls they will have identification and a letter from Whitefriars.

Residents with concerns about whether someone is a Whitefriars member of staff or representative should call their housing office. Genuine callers will be happy to wait.

For further information please contact Michelle Hallmark at The Bridge Group on 024 7656 0448 or m.hallmark@bridge-group.co.uk