Ways to get involved

At Tenants First we have a number of opportunities for members to participate at a level they are comfortable with in the running of their Co-operative. We will also, support members who wish to set up community groups such as Resident Association or Neighbourhood Watch Schemes as we believe such groups will benefit our members and the communities in which they live.

The Committee Of Management

Members of the COM at a meetingThe Committee of Management,elected at the Annual General Meeting (see below), is responsible for the overall running and control of the Co-operative. The Committee makes decisions on rent levels and property improvements. They are responsible for setting budgets and targets for performance in arrears, repairs and other areas. They also have to make sure that the Co-operative has all the correct policies in place and that the finances are well managed. Click here to find out more on the Committee of Management.

Sub Committees

The Sub Committees deal with operational matters, in other words, the things we actually do to make sure the Co-operative functions well.

Our Co-operative has five sub committees being 'Audit', 'Customer Relations & Staffing', 'Finance & Corporate Services', 'Housing Management' and 'Property Management & Development'. Click here to find out more on what these sub-committees do.

For more information on getting involved in a Sub Committee please click on the headings below.

Why are the Sub Committees important?
The Sub Committees are important because they give members of the Co-operative the chance to be involved in more detail in the Co-operative’s activities. The Sub Committees are involved in developing policies, in measuring how well the Co-operative is performing and in discussing all aspects of the services it delivers to us, its members.

Who can become a member of a Sub Committee?

Any member of the Co-operative is eligible to become a member of a Sub Committee.
What’s involved in being on a Sub Committee?
Most of the Sub Committees meet every 6 weeks in Tenants First’s Aberdeen office. You would be expected to attend meetings whenever possible. You would also be expected to prepare for meetings by reading the papers which are sent out around a week before each meeting. We are currently looking at ways to make it easier for people living in remote areas to be able to take part in Sub Committees.
What support would be given to me if I joined a Sub Committee?
As a member of a Sub Committee you would get help and support from Co-operative staff, including the manager with particular responsibility for the Sub Committee on which you are serving. To help you improve your skills and confidence, various training opportunities are offered. We can also help with practical things like travel costs or carer costs.
What’s in it for me?
Being a member of a Sub Committee is a great opportunity to really have a say in what the Co-operative does and the services it provides. It also gives you the chance to learn new skills and improve your confidence. And it’s a great way to get to know other members who share your interest and commitment to making sure Tenants First is the best it can be.
How can I join a Sub Committee?
Contact Angela Reilly at our Aberdeen office on 01224 628400 or email us at info@tenantsfirst.com.


Tenant Panel

The Tenant Panel is way for members to have a say on how we develop our policies and procedures without having to attend meetings or leave the comfort of their own homes

A various times we will need to consult with our members on how we develop our policies and services, members of the Tenant Panel have agreed to be consulted whenever the need arises.

Consultations are usually carried out by post with the very occasional phone consultation. Normally members of the panel will receive a copy of the policy under review along with a letter of explanation and a short questionnaire for the member to complete and return.

We are always happy to have additional members on the panel, if you would like to add your name please contact us at either at our offices.

Newsletter Editorial Panel

The Editorial Panel is made up of a group of members who review articles and decide what goes into the Tenants First newsletter. To join the Editorial Panel members do not have to have experience in publishing or a literary background just an interest in what goes into our newsletter.

On average we produce 3 newsletters per year, a Spring edition, Summer edition and a Winter edition. The newsletter editorial panel normally meet two or three times before each edition to discuss and decide which article will be included. The editorial panel is supported by Tenants First Staff who will liaise with a publisher to organise the printing and delivery of the final draft.

If you would be interested in joining the Newsletter Editorial Panel please contact us at either at our offices.

To read previous newsletters click on this link.

Focus Groups

Focus Groups are set up to consult with members on particular issues. These can cover a variety of issues such as, services, policies and procedures

Normally there would be between 1 and 3 meetings when members of the focus group get together to discuss the issue, once the issue has been dealt with the focus group would be wound up.

Taking part in a Focus Group is for members who want to be involved in issues they are interested in but don’t want to make a long term commitment.

If you would be interested in joining a focus group in the future please contact us at either at our offices.and when the next focus group is being set up we will contact you with more details.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

AGMs are very important and should not be ignored. Tenants First’s AGM is held once a year usually around September. This is an opportunity for members to find out how the Co-operative has been performing over the past twelve months and how it intends to perform during the months and years ahead.

The functions of the annual general meeting are to:

  • present the Chairperson’s report on our activities for the previous year
  • present the accounts, balance sheet and auditor’s report
  • elect Committee members
  • appoint the auditor for the following year
  • consider any other general business included in the notice calling the meeting

Every member receives at least two weeks notice of the AGM. In order for the AGM to proceed a minimum of 10% of the total membership must be represented. At Tenants First we try to encourage as many members as possible to attend on the night.



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