Kingston Residents' Independent Scrutiny Panel (KRiSP)

What the benefits are

• the chance to make a real difference to our housing services and to improve things for you and your neighbours
• the opportunity to develop your life and work skills, including leadership, interview, report writing and information analysis skills
• reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses including travel, child care, relief care (if you look after a family member or friend), and personal assistant or support worker costs if you are disabled and need help to carry out your panel responsibilities
• reward for KRiSP members with shopping vouchers for regular involvement

Full training and support are provided to all new members to carry out this role with confidence and existing members receive regular refresher training each year.

KRiSP panel members come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a mix of skills to the group. The main qualities we look for are an enquiring mind, the ability to work as part of a team and plenty of enthusiasm.

How much time you need to commit

Regular panel meetings take place every 2 months for approximately 2 hours. This may vary depending on the nature of work and reviews scrutiny are engaging in

In addition, each KRiSP member will be expected to take part in a minimum of one scrutiny review each year. The reviews will usually last around 4 months and need an average commitment of a couple of hours a week by each of the 5 or 6-panel members involved. You and your scrutiny colleagues will be able to choose the most suitable times to do your investigations to fit in with your existing personal commitments.

KRiSP meetings are held locally at Council offices. Occasionally, there may be a need to visit other housing providers to compare Kingston’s services. In such cases, panel members always travel in pairs and costs are reimbursed.

The main tasks for this role

These include:

• helping to prepare accurate and easy-to-read reports for each scrutiny review and recommendations for service improvements. The focus is on the council's Tenant Satisfaction measures and performance indicators
• attending visits to other housing services, interview staff and consult with residents
• collating and check information
• being actively involved in any training and development activities that will support your volunteering skills

Get involved in the scrutiny panel

The benefits of taking part in scrutiny are you:

• get a real opportunity to influence our services to improve and change your estate and local neighbourhoods
• will meet new people and discuss scrutiny projects with the Housing Management Team and how the services can improve these
• gain an in-depth insight into our work as a social landlord
• will gain new skills and expand your CV through training and development opportunities

If you would like to join our panel tell us why you are interested. Email your answer to involvedinhousing@kingston.gov.uk.