2017/18 Report to Members Chair’s Message

Dear members,

Welcome to our Report to Members 2017/18. We have made some important decisions on I’m Fran Bevan, and I’ve been Chair of our behalf of tenants and employees, and the Democratic Body since January 2017. I Democratic Body is a great example of how have been involved with Merthyr Valleys powerful influence can be, and how our voice Homes from the very beginning as a tenant (on your behalf) is being heard and listened representative on numerous panels and to. It is also a shining example of collaborative forums, and I served on the Board as a working. When you walk into a Democratic tenant representative and its Vice-Chair Body meeting, you could not identify who for many years. is a tenant member or who is an employee member – everyone works together for a The Democratic Body has worked really hard common goal. Our relationship with the Board over the past year on behalf of members, and and the Executive Management Team has we will be sharing some of the highlights with strengthened, and there is a real feeling of you in this report. Back in 2016 we developed mutualism throughout the organisation. ‘Yfory’ our plan for the next few years. It is an ambitious plan, but we are really pleased with I am proud to have led the Democratic Body what has been achieved over the past year in during this time – being a representative is a line with our values and our aspirations. You very rewarding role. It’s been great to see the can read more about what’s been achieved in real difference we have made and can make in our Annual Report. the future as ‘together we are stronger’.

Fran

2 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 3 Introduction

Welcome to your second ‘Report to Members’ The Democratic Body has a number of key – your report from us, the Democratic Body. roles and responsibilities:

Inside you will find an account of our activities Key Functions during the last financial year (April 2017 – March 2018) – what we have achieved and To appoint (and remove) Non-Executive the decisions that we have influenced and Directors to the Board of MVH made on behalf of the members of Merthyr To approve the appointment (by the Valleys Homes. By working together we are Board) of the Chief Executive stronger, and this report demonstrates what To work with the Board and the can happen when members ‘have a say’. Chief Executive to ensure the good governance of the mutual It has been two years since Merthyr Valleys Homes changed its legal structure to become To work with the Board and the Chief ’ first tenant and employee owned Executive in developing the mutuals’ mutual housing association. Our mutual is business plan, including setting the owned by our tenant and employee members, strategic direction and approving the and these members are at the heart of the policy framework decision making. The Democratic Body are To approve the programme of internal here to act on your interests, and the wider audit and to monitor the performance interests of our communities in , of the organisation and we represent you. To set a Membership Strategy and to monitor its progress

4 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 5 Meet the Democratic Body

Tenant Representatives

The Democratic Body is made up of eleven elected tenant representatives Gaynor Bradley Kim Ford (elected by tenant members); eight elected employee representatives Gaynor is mother to 4 boys Kim has been a Merthyr (elected by employee members) and two nominated Local Authority and is a Director on the board Valleys Homes tenant for representatives (one Officer and one Councillor). of a local charity. Gaynor over 6 years. Kim is originally volunteers in the from Cardiff but has lived and has a keen interest in in for over 25 Here you can find out a little bit more about each of us: drama and theatre production. years. She is a fully trained Gaynor returned to college and completed hairdresser and beautician and trained at a BTEC diploma in business and internet Merthyr Tydfil College and she currently works systems. In her spare time she makes bespoke in a local school. Frances Bevan Natalie Ryan celebration cakes and greeting cards. Chair (Tenant Representative) Vice Chair (Employee Kim is a proud mam to five beautiful but crazy Representative) and amazing children, and is most passionate Frances Bevan has been Marlene Burns about her community and ensuring that involved with Merthyr Valleys Natalie started her career Born and bred in Merthyr children have opportunities and safe areas to Homes since its inception in in MVH working in our ICT Tydfil Marlene has worked in play. Kim enjoys being on the Democratic Body 2009. She has served as the department, before joining the the town in a variety of jobs as she is always learning something new. Chair of the Democratic Body for almost two Engagement & Ownership Team in 2016 as our including the NHS. After years, after serving as its Vice Chair since May Digital Communications Officer. Natalie has Marlene retired she took up a 2016. Prior to this appointment, Frances served been on the Democratic Body since 2016, and number of voluntary positions Val Lloyd on the Board for a number of years as a Tenant has served as Vice Chair since 2017. Natalie is with charities including Merthyr Tydfil Credit Born and reared in , Board Member, and was Vice Chair of the Board due to take over as Chair in the autumn. Union, of which she was a founding member. Val worked in Kayser Bonder for two years. Fran feels passionate about our wages office in as mutual – the service Natalie lives in Merthyr Tydfil with her husband Marlene has served on the Board of both well as the local Mothercare we provide to tenants, the wider community and young daughter and their dog. She is very Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Merthyr store in the town centre. Val and its commitment to change to meet community orientated, and is keen to develop Valleys Homes, and is a tenant representative has and continues to undertake voluntary roles new challenges. services for tenants and residents alike across on several panels and forums. Marlene brings with Citizens Advice Bureau, Visually Impaired the borough, believing that having projects or a wealth of housing experience with her onto Merthyr, Marie Curie, W I and others. Frances’ background is in general and centers that bring people together is vital for the Democratic Body, and enjoys the level of psychiatric nursing, National Health Service our tenants and the wider community. Natalie influence that members have. Marlene was Val lives in a community living scheme management and served as a Nursing Manager has previously undertaken lots of volunteering pleased to have been voted back on to the where she joined the Tuesday group and the for 12 nursing homes in the private sector. work, and has worked in one of Merthyr’s Democratic Body in 2017. gardening club. She enjoys every meeting of Frances has served as Chair of Governors of a largest youth clubs, Forsythia Youth Club, after the Democratic Body and Val hopes that we local high school. She sat on the South Wales attending herself as a young person and seeing will be joined by more young people as they Independent Advisory Group, a police group the benefits of this provision first hand. Vivian Evans are the future for our long-term success. relating to race relations and diversity. Vivian lives in the lower end of Natalie has enjoyed seeing the progress that the borough in , Frances lives in Trefechan, and enjoys spending the Democratic Body has made, and how it and has been a tenant of MVH time with her daughter and two grandchildren. has grown in strength. Natalie feels that she for ten years. In her spare time she enjoys watching her has grown in confidence too, and this was grandson play rugby, and is also a very big fan demonstrated in her delivering a speech in the Although Vivian is a newer member of the of musical theatre. Houses of Parliament recently. Democratic Body, joining in September 2017, he can already see that talking things through with the ability for all representatives to have their say is a great way to solve problems and come up with new ideas. 6 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 7 Meet the Democratic Body

Employee Representatives

Joan Marshall Tracey Powell Alex Bartlett Robert Davenport Joan was born in Merthyr Tracey is originally from Alex moved to Merthyr Tydfil Bob is a Community Housing and attended Troedyrhiw Swansea, but has been living from his hometown of Milford Officer with Merthyr Valleys Secondary Modern School. in Merthyr Tydfil since 1991. Haven in 2016, to come Homes and is involved Joan moved away from Tracey has five children. and work in Merthyr Valleys in all aspects of housing Merthyr, got married and had Tracey has been an active Homes as an Infrastructure management. Bob has 3 children. She returned to Merthyr Tydfil in tenant representative for almost seven years Support & Development Officer. Alex has worked in this role for 30 years both with MVH 2014. Joan has a Social Policy Hons Degree, sitting on several forums and panels, and recently changed roles within the organization and the Local Authority (before transfer). Bob is specializing in deviance alongside community served as a Tenant Board Member for several to Performance Officer. Alex was keen to join also a Trade Union representative and is an active & urban development, followed by a PGCE in years. Tracey has been a representative on the Democratic Body to make his contribution member of the Merthyr Tydfil Trades Council. further education. Joan’s paid and voluntary the Democratic Body since 2016, and was towards improving our mutual and the services work has never been far from public sector pleased to have been voted back on in the we provide to our communities. Bob believes that social housing is crucial in concerns and in her leisure time she enjoys 2017 elections. Tracey’s role is all about raising living standards for all in the community creative activities. representing tenants and having a real say in Alex has vast experience in volunteering roles, and that our ‘mutual model’ is vital in keeping what matters for them. offering his ICT and administration skills, and the tenants and employees of MVH on board was the Secretary of the local branch of the with the aims and values of our mutual. Nigel Phillips-Gunter Royal British Legion. Alex currently resides in Nigel was brought up and Olga Thomas Taf Fechan Housing Co-operative, the first educated in Merthyr Tydfil, Olga lives in Georgetown, housing scheme of its kind in Merthyr Tydfil, Mark Davies and originally graduated with Merthyr Tydfil with her and serves as it’s Secretary. Mark works in our a B.Ed. (Hons) in Cardiff. Later husband, and has resided Neighbourhood and in his career, Nigel re-trained there for 21 years, four of Environmental Team as a as a Business Analyst. Being these as a Merthyr Valleys Kevin Clifford Grounds Maintenance and involved on the Democratic Body and other Homes tenant. Kevin is a Maintenance environmental operative. forums and groups has allowed Nigel to gain Supervisor working in the a wide variety of skill sets, and takes great In addition to the Democratic Body, Olga Homes and Property Team at Born and bred in Merthyr Tydfil, Mark has pride working for the betterment of tenants gives a lot of her spare time to MVH serving Merthyr Valleys Homes. Kevin worked since the age of 16 doing a variety and employees alike. on our Residents Participation Forum and was brought up and educated of roles including working is way up to Lance Grants Panel. Olga is also the Secretary of in Merthyr Tydfil and originally qualified as a Corporal in the Army and running his own In his “free” time, Nigel sings with the choir the Georgetown Tenants Association and toolmaker, he then re-trained as a carpenter business. Before joining MVH, Mark worked at St David’s Church Choir in Merthyr, is a is a voluntary member of the Georgetown and joiner with a large contractor for a few as a Grounds Maintenance Operative in the member of the Pastoral Chaplaincy Team, Foodbank years before moving back to Merthyr to join local council. PCC Secretary and Deanery and Diocesan the Council’s Planned Works team. Since representative. He is also studying for a the transfer to Merthyr Valleys Homes Kevin Mark is very community focused. He set up B.Theol at St. Michael’s College in Llandaff progressed to Supervisor. and is the Chairman of Community with a view to ultimately qualifying as a Group – a group of around 30 volunteers Hospital Pastoral Chaplain. Kevin was voted onto the Democratic Body in around Cyfarthfa Ward which carry out litter 2016, and finds his role to be very rewarding. picks and light grounds maintenance work. His interests out of work are martial arts, and family life with his wife, four daughters and three grandchildren.

8 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 9 Meet the Democratic Body

Local Authority Representatives

Mansell Mason Stephen Puddy Julian Pike Mansell Mason is a Plasterer Stephen has worked in Julian is employed as When you walk into in our Homes and Property Merthyr Valleys Homes since the Housing Manager at Team. Mansell transferred its inception in 2009, and Merthyr Tydfil County a Democratic Body over to Merthyr Valleys transferred from the Local Borough Council, managing meeting, you could not Homes in 2009 from the Authority. He is currently a wide range of housing identify who is a tenant Local Authority, where he had worked for many employed as the Procurement Manager for services. Julian qualified as an Environmental member or who is an years prior to transfer. Mansell plays an active the Homes and Property Team at Merthyr Health Officer in 2002 and later achieved employee member – role as an employee, and as well as being an Valleys Homes and is a member of the an MSc Management Qualification in 2012. everyone works together Employee Representative on the Democratic Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Professionally Julian is passionate about for a common goal. Body, Mansell is a Trade Union steward and a (MCIPS). Stephen is also a member of the Audit all things housing, regeneration and Health & Safety representative. Committee and the Complaints Panel, and community safety. these roles allow him to better understand the risks and financial complexities associated Julian is originally from the Rhondda, and Ceri Price with running a busy housing association, whilst currently resides in Aberdare with his wife Ceri is a Tenant Liaison appreciating the hard work our organisation and two children. Julian is passionate about Officer within the Homes does to ensure that tenants are at the heart of rugby, and describes himself as having a and Property Team. Ceri has what we do. rugby addiction. been with the organisation since transfer in 2009, and Stephen was raised and educated in Merthyr prior to that was employed by Merthyr Tydfil Tydfil, and currently resides in Cardiff. He Cllr Tanya Skinner County Borough Council and has over 13 years finds it very rewarding to work with tenants Tanya is the nominated experience working in the housing sector. Ceri and employees on the Democratic Body, Councillor from Merthyr enjoys being on the Democratic Body and feels and observing first hand how they can have a Tydfil County Borough that it is really important for both tenants and real say in the way they would like to see the Council, and is an employees to have the opportunity to be able organisation heading. Independent Councillor to feed in and influence the decisions that representing the Park Ward. Tanya has been are made. a Local Councillor since May 2017.

Ceri was brought up and educated in Merthyr Originally from Cardiff, Tanya has lived in Tydfil. Outside of work Ceri has a busy life, Merthyr Tydfil for over 15 years, and currently she has she has four children – a 13 year old resides in Georgetown. For her ‘day job’, daughter and 10 year old triplets (two boys Tanya is the Social Enterprise Manager at and a girl). Ceri enjoys holidays, socialising Fir Tree Community Association. and keeping fit and has also been involved in several charity fundraising events across Merthyr. Ceri currently lives with her children Resignations in 2017/18 in , Merthyr Tydfil. Graham Walmsley – Tenant Representative January 2018

10 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk Our Key Activities

62.5% of the Board have been Appointments appointed by During the past year we have appointed To date, since 2016, the Democratic Body have Democratic another Non-Executive Director to the appointed 5 of the 8 Non-Executive Directors Body Board. The Democratic Body approved the on the Board. These appointments have been advertisement, and established a sub-panel successful, and by having the majority of the to interview shortlisted candidates. When Board appointed by the Democratic Body, this interviewing candidates, as well as ensuring encourages accountability back to the body that they have the right skills and expertise, that appointed them. Our co-operative values the panel ensure that they have the right are being put into practice around the Board values and beliefs that fit with our mutual. The table, and this is evident from the decisions successful candidate, Jonathan Tumelty, was being made and the collaborative working recommended to the Board for appointment, between the Board and the Democratic Body. and joined the Board in October 2017. Jon is the Community Safety Manager at Trivallis (a We also get involved in the appointment of Housing Association that operates in Rhondda senior positions within MVH, including Director Cynon Taff) and brings a wealth of experience and Head of Service posts. This year we in his field. assisted in the recruitment of a new Head of ICT and successfully appointed Jan Ryan. Jan has over 30 years experience working in ICT, in central and local government and the not-for- profit sector, and joined us in January 2018.

12 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk Yfory and Annual Plan Governance Back in 2016, we worked on a new vision for Plan’ of tasks and objectives. We reviewed We did a lot of work to set up our new One of the responsibilities of the Democratic Merthyr Valleys Homes – ‘Yfory’ (‘Tomorrow’ and scrutinised the Annual Plan looking at the structure in 2016/17, so this year we have Body is to appoint the external auditors. in English). Yfory sets out how we want to performance during 2017/18, including a full received some refresher training, and have External auditors play a critical role in checking shape our future together to make it a better review of all of the areas where targets taken the opportunity to put our policies and an organisation’s finances, and provide an place. It is a brave, aspirational document, with haven’t been fully achieved. We also looked processes into practice. We are keen to hear independent review. Our external audit lots of goals and objectives, but one we feel at areas that are of particular interest to us from members, and for members to assist us in services contract expired in March 2018, so we is achievable, building on the good work that and the members we represent, including influencing and decision-making. As you read participated in a tendering exercise. After a fair MVH has done over the past few years. repairs and maintenance; empty properties; through our report, you will see the ways in and open process, we appointed Mazars as our rent and income and housing management. which members have been involved this year. external auditors for the next three years. The Democratic Body has the powers to hold the Board to account. Even though we have We are satisfied that the Board and the The role of internal audit is to review our every confidence that the Board will deliver Executive Management Team are performing arrangements for managing governance and against the goals that we have set out in Yfory, well, and that the objectives outlined in Yfory This year we have risks, and to ensure that our internal policies we have been monitoring the organisation’s are being progressed as they should. been looking at and processes are operating effectively. These performance and progress against an ‘Annual ways in which reviews help to protect our mutual, as they are an independent review of whether we are members can complying with the law and best practice, ‘We reviewed become involved and providing good services. We checked the and scrutinised in influencing and audit reports from the last financial year), and the Annual Plan, making decisions set the plan for the year ahead, making sure that all of the key risks are being covered. We including the areas also have representatives on Audit Committee, of particular interest who alongside representatives from the Board, to us, and are are responsible for reviewing and monitoring pleased with what external and internal audit and risk. has been achieved’ “

You can find ‘Yfory’ on our website – please take a look

14 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 15 Rent Setting Value for Money We have been discussing our rents and how available, and recommended a new, affordable In July 2017, the Democratic Body discussed Last autumn we undertook a tenant survey, affordable they are during the course of the rent policy which we have called ‘living rent’. MVH’s current approach to Value for Money called ‘STAR Survey’. Although overall tenant year. At a joint away day session with the We were also asked to consider whether we (VfM), and considered what VfM means to satisfaction increased, there was a drop in the Board in October 2017, we agreed some clear should move away from the 48 rent weeks tenants and staff. Following a discussion it was number of tenants who think that their rent is principles including affordability, maintaining to 52 rent weeks in 2018/19. Paying over 48 agreed that a VfM Strategy was needed, and value for money. We were disappointed with frontline services and fairness. We want to weeks is becoming less relevant – for our we held a special meeting in August to draft this and wanted to understand why tenants feel apply these principles to rent setting for direct debit payers (over 1,400 households) our approach. this way. The Engagement & Ownership Team 2018/19. who make regular payments over the year and ran a survey with members, and followed this for those tenants who are on or will be moving We are in a unique position in MVH as our up with six focus groups across the borough The responsibility for rent setting sits on to Universal Credit. It also makes rent tenant members (who generate our income to find out tenants’ views on how we spend with the Board, however, in line with our setting clearer and easier to understand for through paying rent) and our employee our money; what areas of our work they collaborative way of working, the Board asked our tenants as all of the information from the members (who utilise our income) worked would like us to focus on in terms of value for the Democratic Body to comment on a new Welsh Government is based on a 52 week rent together to decide how we could create the money (VfM) and how they would like us to approach to rent setting – one based on year. We asked for a wider consultation with best Value for Money. For us it is not just communicate this to them. The services that fairness and affordability. It is important for us our tenant members, and over 600 tenants about “the money” it is about maximising the were most important were: to get the rent levels right so we can continue were contacted to give us their opinion. The resources available to us to deliver excellent to provide services, and we discussed and majority of tenants were in favour, and we services to tenants and to benefit the wider agreed what this means to us. But we were also instigated this change from April 2018. community. We agreed on two key goals: mindful of setting a rent that was affordable and fair. We looked at the rent setting options 1. To spend our tenants’ rent wisely. 2. To deliver our Yfory (our Corporate Plan) successfully. Community Community Improvement We also set out a series of rules which we Living Initiatives Programme expect staff to follow when making decisions Schemes We agreed some We contacted on behalf of Merthyr Valleys Homes, including: and Support clear principles, over 600 Services • to set a fair rent including tenants asking • to maintain our homes and services at a The focus groups were extremely successful affordability, for their high standard and many of the tenant members who took maintaining opinion • to buy good quality products and services part expressed their interest in being involved frontline services at a good price in focus groups in the future. and fairness

We recommended a new, affordable rent policy which we have called ‘living rent’ We developed a Value for We held six focus Money Strategy, and we groups to find out will be monitoring tenants’ views on how performance and best to spend our progress twice money a year.

16 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 17 Budget Setting Other Decisions Members’ Involvement Each year the Board needs to approve a budget The Democratic Body are able to influence As well as getting involved in rent setting and in line with the organisation’s business plan. strategies and policies that affect tenants Value for Money, members have been having This year we participated in a ‘Star Chamber’ and employees. This year we have assisted in their say throughout the year. Members session (a panel consisting of the Executive the development of a Procurement Strategy, named our new office, voting for ‘Ty Brychan’. Management Team, Democratic Body setting out the principles we will follow when Our Grants Panel (made up of tenant and representatives and a Board representative) we buy goods and services. We also fed into employee members) awarded over £30,000 to scrutinise any increases or savings (over the service standards that have been set by our in grants to assist community groups in the £3,000) in departmental budgets, and we also Residents Participation Forum. provision of activities, projects and services looked at the Capital Programme budget. We within Merthyr Tydfil. were able to influence the budgets that were We also get involved in wider pieces of work Over £30,000 set, and we took into account some of the with the Wales Co-operative Centre and their Members have been offered training and feedback that was gathered from the Value for ‘Mutuals’ Alliance’, and with the Confederation development during the year, including picking of grants awarded to Money focus groups with members to ensure of Co-operative Housing, where our Vice- up skills and tips from our ‘Handy Homes Hints’ community that money was being spent in the areas most Chair, Natalie Warner, spoke in the Houses of event, to First Aid Training. We are intending groups important to them. Parliament about MVH, our mutual structure to offer more opportunities for members in and the difference it is making. That made us 2018/19, so look out for more information. quite proud!

18 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 19 Members’ Charity ‘Through the support of Our Members’ Charity of the Year in 2017/18 It has been a great year, and we will continue Merthyr Valleys Homes we was Merthyr and the Valleys Mind. We to work in partnership with Merthyr and the have been able to raise the supported them at the World Mental Health Valleys Mind in the future. Day event at the College, and worked in profile of our organisation partnership with them on the ‘Project 5’ and have been able to initiative co-ordinating activities to the over promote our services 50s in sheltered accommodation. Throughout and projects’. the year we held various fundraising events We raised a total with lots of members getting involved! of £1,929.30 Merthyr and the Our donation will help fund their ‘Talk to Valleys Mind Me’ services – free counselling for those who need to speak with a qualified counsellor quickly.

Members also voted on our Charity of the Year for 2018/19 – the Alzheimer’s Society.

20 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk Progress against the Membership Strategy Aim #1

To grow and maintain membership numbers to ensure that Merthyr Valleys Homes is a truly member owned organisation and to achieve a 10% In September 2016, we developed a Membership Strategy to support annual growth target year on year for the first three years. To ensure that our development as a mutual. The Strategy sets out our aims to build an membership is representative of the communities the organisation serves. engaged, diverse and representative membership. It outlines how we will progressively build membership, and how we will ensure that we effectively communicate and engage with members so that they can play an active role in the organisation. Objective Comments Have we complied?

1. To meet the annual We have increased our We are responsible for monitoring progress against the Strategy – here is target of 10% increase in membership by a further 13% the update for 2017/18. Membership, year on year, during 2017/18 for 3 years

2. To take steps to ensure We regularly check our the membership reflects membership database to the diversity of the identify any areas of communities that Merthyr underrepresentation (including Valleys Homes serves in terms of area, age, gender). We currently have a good balance against these factors

3. To develop a simple and Our application form is simple accessible process for and easy to complete – and is becoming a member available online and in hard copy

4. To maintain an accurate We keep a Membership Register membership database (statutory requirement) and which meets statutory membership database requirements and aids membership development

22 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 23 Aim #2 Aim #3

To communicate effectively with members, potential members To engage with members and encourage involvement to ensure and other stakeholders that members have an opportunity to influence decisions

Objective Comments Have we complied? Objective Comments Have we complied?

1. To promote membership We promote membership locally 1. To identify a range of This year members have had and the organisation’s work with tenants, employees and opportunities for members more of an influence than the other stakeholders, and nationally to get involved and have year before, ranging from rent at meetings, conferences etc. We a say setting and value for money, also promote digitally via website to naming our new office and and social media platforms. choosing our members’ charity of the year.

2. To identify further We identify members’ preferred opportunities for communication method, and 2. To ensure the views of This year we have used members’ two-way communication communicate in this way. We members are understood feedback to inform some key between members and have made good use of social and acknowledged decisions, including rent setting the organisation media, including Facebook. and budget setting. We are also using social media to encourage a two-way conversation, and feed 3. To ensure communications All members receive a welcome back views to assist with policy encourage engagement information pack on sign up. setting and reviews. with members We keep members informed of events, meetings, vacancies, decisions, consultations and 3. To encourage more We had a lively campaign for elections via a range of methods members to stand for both tenant and employee including direct targeting, election to the elections in 2017, and are members newsletter (Membership Democratic Body actively encouraging members Matters) our intranet (for to consider putting themselves employees), website and social forward in 2018. media channels.

24 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 25 Aim #4

To provide opportunities for members to benefit

Objective Comments Have we complied?

1. To identify what benefits/ We actively encourage members incentives/discounts to put forward ideas to determine members want what they could benefit from.

2. To develop partnership We have continued to work working with a range in partnership and this year of businesses across have increased the number of the borough businesses that participate in our membership benefits scheme. We intend to do more work in this area in 2018/19

3. To review the use of This is a task that we haven’t the benefits scheme completed in 2017/18. However, we are putting some additional resource in to assist with meeting this objective in 2018/19.

26 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 0800 085 7843 | www.mvhomes.org.uk 27 Merthyr Valleys Homes Ltd. Ty Brychan, 22 Lansbury Road, Gellideg, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1HA