Launching Our New Approach to Resident Engagement

This year marks the beginning of a new era for Watmos residents, as we launch  a new approach  to resident engagement in shaping our services. Watmos was founded on the principle of resident empowerment to enable Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) to offer direct services to residents. The TMOs served residents in Walsall well, helping to  establish  safe, well-run estates. We want to thank especially the  tenant-volunteers who served their communities by running TMOs, committing their time and  expertise  over many years.  

  However, over time, managing large estates became more difficult, with complex regulations including fire safety and financial constraints. So that, in 2020, the TMOs and Watmos agreed to centrally manage all services and gradually move towards a simplified structure. While this process continues, we want to ensure that the principle of tenant-empowerment  remains  and is strengthened even further.  

Resident involvement will always remain at the core of what we do as a housing association. Our new Resident Involvement Officer, Mara Lusardi, is working with the Communities Team, to refresh our approach to resident involvement and boost engagement. We would love residents in Walsall to help shape this new era with us, so please do contact us if you would like to get involved.  

 We  remain  committed to working with residents to support the establishment of new residents’ associations or forums, as well as strengthening the Resident Voice network, where you can help to scrutinise services or bring about improvements in areas like repairs, estates services or community events and activities. Over 100 residents are currently engaged in this way.  

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in and supported TMOs in the past. We value your contribution and hope to continue to hear from you, as we strive to bring about the changes and improvements in services that you want to see.  

If you would like to be involved in shaping our services to residents, please get in touch at community @watmos.org.uk  or call 07775 227 543.