North Ayrshire Council’s Tenant Participation team are celebrating after receiving their second gold award from the Tenant Participation Advisory Service.

Having been initially awarded TPAS Scotland accreditation in 2008, the council first received the gold level of accreditation in 2015 – the first local authority ever to achieve this.

The latest assessment report praised the team for a number of examples of good practice, including providing good information which is easily accessible to tenants, working effectively with Tenants and Residents Associations, good communications with the gypsy traveller community, continually gathering feedback from tenants, and their approach to promoting equality and embracing diversity.

TPAS Scotland’s role is to promote good practice in tenant participation, engagement and empowerment.

Lesley Baird, CEO of TPAS Scotland, said: “North Ayrshire Council have an excellent track record of working with and supporting their tenants. They have a very solid tenant participation infrastructure, supported and delivered by a committed and dedicated tenant participation team.

“In the past three years they have made excellent progress, and consistently demonstrate and embrace innovative practice.”

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “I am delighted that the team have retained their Gold award, which is testament to the hard work of staff in ensuring tenants have a say in how our services are designed and delivered.

“A number of positive new developments have been made since the previous accreditation process, and we will continue to work together on areas where improvements have been suggested, delivering the best possible service for North Ayrshire tenants.”