Invitation to Tender

Irish Tenant Engagement Network Research

Developing an evidence-based framework for tenancy engagement in Ireland

Background to the Irish Tenant Engagement Network

Tenant Engagement is a relatively new area to the social housing sector in Ireland and, in line with the new regulatory standards, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) are beginning to form and implement their tenant engagement strategies. The new Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) published new standards [1] for AHBs which will look to ensure tenants and tenant views are central to the work of AHBs. This tenant-centred approach will include developing effective relationships with tenants, making sure services meet the needs of tenants by providing them with opportunities to have their voice heard on a range of issues relating to their tenancy, and consulting with tenants on approaches for improving the communities they live in.

Key aims and objectives of the Tenant Engagement Network:

• A shared space for tenant engagement staff across the network.
• A space to strengthen professional identity of tenant engagement.
• Develop a platform for cross- organisational training opportunities.
• Create an All-Ireland evidence base for tenant engagement.
• Promote tenant engagement on an organisational and national level.
• Participate in research to create best practice programmes.
• Build toward a National Tenant Voice.

The Tenant Engagement Network (TEN) was set up in November 2021 and is an independent network of Tenant Engagement professionals in AHBs across Ireland from Tuath Housing, Circle VHA, Cluid Housing Association, Co-operative Housing Ireland, Fold Housing, Oaklee Housing, Focus Ireland, Apex Housing, HAIL, Respond and North and East.

Members of the network have a national remit in their organisation with a large geographical area covering all 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland. The TEN first came together online in February 2022 to explore the concept of the network, how it could work for our organisations and have a positive impact for all residents and their communities. The TEN will undertake its duties in a democratic, collaborative, fair and transparent fashion encouraging widespread participation and giving equal consideration to opinions from all members.

Collectively, member organisations of the TEN provide tenant engagement services to 87,000 residents. Collectively network member associations manage over 36,000 homes (based on 6 AHBs’ data) covering general needs, older person housing, refugee resettlement, cost rental, private rented, mortgage to rent, supported living and homeless services.

Research published in 2022 by Tuath Housing, ‘Embedding a Culture of Tenant Engagement’[2] recommended that there should be a greater priority given to building collective engagement mechanisms reflecting the clear support among AHBs for a national Tenants’ Forum. The research paper also notes the publication of ‘The Performance Standard and Assessment Framework’ by the Regulation Office in 2018,[3] in which AHBs are expected to deliver excellent tenant services and manage their stock efficiently and effectively through clear tenancy engagement policies whilst also providing opportunities for tenants to shape and influence the services they receive.

As tenant engagement is relatively new to the AHB sector in Ireland, and there is a dearth of research or evidence for the Irish context. This practice is much more embedded within the UK and European social housing sector.

Purpose of this research project

AHBs have made considerable progress in recent years in terms of committing to an organisational culture of tenant engagement. However, further work is required, with some significant challenges to overcome in achieving this.

Firstly, there exists a research gap with regard to tenant engagement in Ireland – we need to know more about how best to do it and the kind of data that we should be collecting. Therefore, a literature review setting out good practice in tenancy engagement in the UK and European social housing sectors, as well as recommendations for tenancy engagement initiatives that may work in an Irish context, will form the form the basis for this project.

Another important element of this research is that of understanding the data related to the socio-economic and demographic profiles of tenants is collected by AHBs and how this data, if, at all, informs the delivery of tenant engagement practices and programmes.

In addition, while members of the TEN vary widely in size, tenant engagement practice, resources, staffing and funding available, we wish to encourage greater alignment in our understanding and utilisation of the tenant voice. The TEN is therefore proposing the creation of a shared national tenant engagement data collection tool, informed by this research.

The main elements are set out in more detail below:

1. (a) Literature review of Tenancy Engagement practices in the UK and Europe.

While research on good practice in tenancy engagement in an Irish context is limited, the UK and Europe have more developed programmes. It is envisaged that the first part of this research project will comprise a comprehensive literature review on successful tenancy engagement strategies and make recommendations as to what may work best in an Irish AHB context.

There should be a particular focus on tenancy engagement strategies and practices that have been evaluated, providing a strong evidential framework as to how they have benefited social housing tenants and the organisation.

Some useful sources for this literature review are: Tpas (England’s leading tenant engagement experts), Internal Union of Tenants, Housing Europe, Housing 2030, Wooncompagnie (Netherland’s top three housing associations in 2022).

2. (b) The collection of socio-economic and demographic data from AHB tenants

Part of this extensive literature review should also focus on how AHBs in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK collect and utilise their tenants’ socio-economic and demographic data, and the purpose of this data. Is it currently being used to solely fulfil regulatory demands, or is it also being used by organisations to inform strategic objectives, policies, practices and procedures relating to Tenant Engagement?

This is an important component of this overall research project as it will inform future tenancy engagement. Understanding the gaps in the data will be essential to understanding the needs of tenants, their backgrounds and circumstances. However, data protection and GDPR requirements will need to be addressed.

Aims of this research:

1. Examine and evaluate tenancy engagement practices and strategies across UK and European social housing providers.
2. Capture key learnings and recommendations from the literature review and make recommendations regarding an optimum model for the Irish context.
3. Examine the data currently being collected by AHBs in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK, and how it is being used, relating specifically to:
   1. Data Type 1: Demographic Data
   2. Date Type 2: Socio-Economic Data
4. Identify and address any structural barriers to AHBs implementing tenancy engagement strategies and practices.

Objectives of this research:

1. Providing an insight into the tenancy engagement practices and strategies across the UK and European social housing sector.
2. Understanding how and why different AHBs in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK currently collect and utilise socio-economic and demographic data to deliver tenant engagement programmes.
3. Evidence of the impact of data collection on Tenant Engagement, from a strategic, policy and practice perspective.
4. Identifying any structural barriers for AHBs in implementing tenancy engagement strategies and practices.
5. Delivering a final evaluation report and series of recommendations for ITEN.

Budget and timeline

The proposed project would be carried out over a 6-month timeframe, commencing 3rd of June 2024. The budget for this evaluation is set at €15,000 (including VAT and all relevant expenses).

Closing Date & Application Process

All tenders must be returned by 5pm on Friday 17th of May, 2024.
No applications will be considered after this date.

Completed Applications to be returned to: ITEN@respond.ie

[1] AHBRA (2022), The Regulatory Framework for Approved Housing Bodies in Ireland, Available at: https://www.ahbregulator.ie/app/uploads/2022/10/The-Regulatory-Framework-for-Approved-Housing-Bodies-in-Ireland.pdf (Accessed: 2nd January 2024).

[2] Frey, J., & Shanks, P., (2022) Embedding a Culture of Tenant Engagement Recommendations for Social Housing in the Irish Context. Available at: https://tuathhousing.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Tuath-Embedding-a-culture-of-Tenant-Engagement.pdf (Accessed: 2nd January 2024).

[3] The Housing Agency (2018) The Regulatory Framework for Approved Housing Bodies. Available at: https://www.housingagency.ie/sites/default/files/18-11-26-AHB-Voluntary-Regulation-Framework-FINAL.pdf (Accessed: 2nd January 2024).