Viewpoint has achieved top Tenant Participation Advisory Service accreditation award

An Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife provider of housing and care services for older people has become the first landlord in Scotland to successfully achieve gold level Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) accreditation.

Viewpoint was recognised for its robust organisation-wide approach to involving tenants and many tenant-led improvements to housing services achieved over the previous three years.

Lesley Baird, chief executive of TPAS Scotland said, “We’ve been impressed by the way Viewpoint works in partnership with tenants to set standards and scrutinise performance. There’s a genuine will to involve tenants and the level of involvement of the Viewpoint Tenants’ and Residents’ Group, ensures tenants are able to influence the decision making process effectively.”

To achieve the gold level of accreditation Viewpoint had to demonstrate excellence in 10 standards that TPAS has identified as keystones to good tenant involvement.

Viewpoint has also re-designed its website, opened Facebook and Twitter accounts and introduced computer clubs to help tenants access on-line services.

It was applauded for an excellent understanding of its customers, reflected in its charter, which has been gained by holding an annual tenant conference as well as other events throughout the year as from regular tenant surveys.

Chief executive of Viewpoint, Dorry McLaughlin said: “From the day I arrived at Viewpoint I have been impressed by the level of interest and participation of tenants in our work.

“Through challenge and collaboration tenants have helped us shape our services and the way we work.

“Along with the board and our staff I want to continue this work. Achieving gold is good – retaining gold will be better.”

The award will be presented at Viewpoint’s tenant conference on 30 October.