This article was born out of a conversation at Castles and Coasts Housing Association’s (CCHA) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Champions group meeting. The group were brainstorming ways to showcase diversity within the organisation, and it was suggested that I speak to Janet, Chair of CCHA’s Residents’ Scrutiny Panel (RSP).
Sitting down with Janet, my first question was “How do you describe your ethnic background?” – her response surprised me: “Thank you for asking” she replied. I wasn’t expecting a thank you, but Janet elaborated:
“People often assume I am Black, but I’m Mixed Race and it’s important to me that I honour both of my parents’ backgrounds”.
Meet Janet, a remarkable individual who embodies the spirit of community and resident advocacy.
Recently re-elected as chair of CCHA’s RSP, Janet has been a Castles and Coasts resident for over four years. Having previously lived in London and then rural Essex, family brought her to the area. Her daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren moved to Carlisle for work, and Janet followed. Settling in rural Cumbria, Janet said:
“I love my new home in picturesque rural Cumbria, and the grandkids do too! They love to explore the local greenspaces and surrounding countryside.”
Community involvement is woven into the fabric of Janet's life. Her history speaks for itself, previously being the Chair of a parents and toddlers’ group, a co-opted and parent school governor, a Rainbows guider, and the founding member of a children’s fishing club. Despite having to give up her career in education due to disability, Janet's passion for making a difference remains strong. She even has prior experience in resident liaison work as a volunteer with her previous housing provider.
Janet (left) pictured with Markus Campbell-Savours MP and former RSP Chair Henry (right).
Initially, Janet wasn't sure if the organisation was the right fit for her. However, a conversation with Olivia, Customer Experience Assistant at CCHA, sparked a renewed sense of purpose:
“I realised that getting involved could be mutually beneficial, offering me a positive outlet and allowing me to contribute to my new community.”
Janet's approach to scrutinising CCHA’s services is simple yet powerful:
“I focus on what I, as a resident, need and want from my housing provider.”
Her belief is that if she sees a need and therefore wants something, other residents probably will too. High on her list is a good quality home and a responsive repairs service. Her guiding principles are clear:
“We’re all in it together. If you’ve got a voice, let it be heard. I’d rather be in it from the beginning than commenting on it at the end.”
She firmly believes that residents should be at the heart of everything CCHA does. Under her leadership, the RSP’s scrutiny exercises have resulted in tangible improvements for residents. A prime example is the improved communication regarding the change from summer to winter grounds maintenance schedules, now delivered directly to residents via email and clearly published online.
Although Janet brings a wealth of experience to the panel, she tries to focus on solutions rather than personal issues. It's important to Janet that she’s not seen as a ‘token’ representative. While her experiences as a mixed-race, disabled woman are valuable, she emphasises that the panel is for everyone:
“I don’t represent any particular group other than residents.”
However, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every voice, especially the lone voice is heard:
“I sit as the RSP Chair not the mixed-race Chair. All members of the RSP work together, ensuring that all voices are heard equally.”
During our conversation, I realised something profound. While celebrating our differences is important, what truly resonated was our shared humanity and common goals. Janet's dedication to CCHA isn't about her ethnicity; it's about her commitment to improving the lives of her fellow residents. It's about her passion for creating a better community for everyone.
Having served as an ordinary member, then vice-chair, and now twice elected as chair, Janet has built strong relationships across the organisation. She said:
“I haven't encountered any resistance in my role, and I remain focused on achieving goals. Working closely with CCHA staff, the RSP consistently finds a balanced approach that prioritises residents needs while understanding operational constraints. My chairing style is to actively encourage the sharing of ideas, ensuring that all group members have their say.”
Janet continued:
“My role is to facilitate positive change for residents. While the RSP has made great strides, we need wider representation, particularly from younger residents. The RSP is for everyone, I passionately encourage all residents to get involved and make their voices heard.”
Ultimately, my conversation with Janet highlighted that while lived experiences undoubtedly enrich the panel and inform perspectives, they don't define an individual's contribution. The RSP is about a shared purpose, and a collective desire to make a difference. It's a space where diverse voices come together, not because of their differences, but because of their shared commitment.
If you're interested in making a difference in your community, consider joining the RSP and help shape the future of CCHA. Find out about the RSP here!