On Saturday 3 October, at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, John Fleck, a PCHA resident at Ernest Harris House in Westminster, received an award to celebrate his outstanding involvement in liaising between his fellow residents and his housing association, PCHA, which is part of Genesis Housing Group.

PCHA and its Residents' Association holds a Resident Involvement Conference annually. This is held to acknowledge the valuable part residents play in ensuring that their fellow residents' views are heard.

Residents were able to meet each other and learn more about the benefits of becoming directly involved in decision-making with their landlord. They were able to speak directly with PCHA managers, and provide feedback on issues that affect them such as service standards and improvement. Other topics discussed include 'going green', how Genesis Community provides options for those made redundant, and an introduction to the Tenants Services Authority, which regulates social housing.

In partnership with PCHA, residents decide the content and format of the event along with the chair of PCHA's tenant board. This ensures that important issues are on the agenda and will be discussed with management and the other residents in attendance.

Irene Bannon, Head of Business Support at PCHA, attended the conference to hear
residents' views and said "The residents' conference is a fantastic opportunity for residents and staff to come together to discuss the services PCHA provide, how we can improve, and what else Genesis Housing Group provides in terms of social investment and involvement in local communities. With many years of experience in forging links between PCHA and its residents, John is one of our most highly respected tenants and a big thank you goes to him and all residents and staff who were involved on the day".

Dorothy Chen, a local resident from Genesis' Larden Road scheme in Acton, who also attended the event, said "As a new leaseholder this was my first conference. I found it very useful and it was good to meet the staff".

Picture caption (l-r): John Fleck receiving the Katie Wilson Memorial Award, with Irene Bannon, Head of PCHA Business Support

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Notes to editors

Genesis Housing Group is a social investment business. It provides homes and services, supporting customers and communities to build futures. Genesis provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east of England. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads, Springboard and St Matthew housing associations. Genesis also has in its group a charitable foundation, Genesis Community. It is one of the largest and most diverse housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 40,000 homes. Its overriding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service.

PCHA has over 40 years experience of owning and managing homes. It currently provides homes and services to more than 10,000 households. PCHA owns and/or manages homes in 18 boroughs across London and the south east. Services include housing management, leasehold management services for shared owners and support services for vulnerable residents.

The Katie Wilson Memorial Award began in honour of a PCHA resident who passed away in 2004. The award recognises residents who have shown exceptional involvement, and who have been particularly active in representing other residents' views to PCHA.