Aspire Housing customer champion Steve Meakin has been appointed Chair of the national Tenant Participation and Advisory Service (TPAS).
TPAS acts as a vital hub between government, social housing landlords and tenants, forging strong partnerships to help create better communities.
Steve, 60, who lives in Newcastle-under-Lyme, joined Aspire Housing’s Management Board as a customer representative in 2000. He later became Chair of the Customer Panel and the Grounds Maintenance Group as well as being actively involved in other areas, including being a Board member of PM Training.
Steve’s work in the community was recognised by the Queen, who awarded Steve an MBE in 2006. When the Aspire Group was created in April last year, Steve became a director, in recognition of his services and skills.
Steve said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be elected chair of TPAS. I am passionate about the tenants’ voice being heard, especially during a time of huge change in the social housing sector with the forthcoming welfare reforms.”
In 2000 there were only 13 customers involved with the work of Aspire. Now there are around 800, of which 100 are actively involved, thanks to Steve’s contribution.
Steve is actively involved in annual festivals in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which attracts more than 13,000 people and Steve also served as a member of the West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service Community Engagement Panel.
Sinéad Butters, chief executive of the Aspire Group said: “Steve thoroughly deserves this new role. He is totally dedicated to his work, representing the voice of the customer and has been an excellent ambassador for Aspire. I wish him all the best in his work with TPAS.”
Aspire Housing is one of just 46 housing associations across the country accredited by TPAS for excellence in resident involvement.