We have a new Chair for our Resident Scrutiny Group

The RSG are a group of customers that regularly review the services we provide to those living in our communities. They make sure we’re doing everything we should be and use their findings to make recommendations for improvements, providing support where it’s needed. The group tracks the progress of changes and improvements through regular follow-up reviews. 

The Chair’s responsibility is to provide leadership and direction for the RSG. Andy will be responsible for overseeing the Scrutiny process, making sure that reviews are being carried out fairly and appropriately, in line with the terms of reference. The Chair also facilitates committee meetings, represents the group at other committee meetings, meets regularly with colleagues at Abri, leads recruitment drives and is a champion for advocating the RSG.   

Andy has taken over from Kevin Williamson, the RSG’s previous Chair, who led the group since it was first formed in September 2020. We’d like to thank Kevin for his hard work and support in establishing and leading the RSG as an effective group who’ve helped bring about positive change for Abri and our customers.  

Hi Andy – tell us a bit about yourself 

Hi! I live in South Dorset and have been an Abri customer since 2016. I joined the Resident Scrutiny Group some time ago and this year got the opportunity to become the Chair. 

I grew up in social housing and my first proper job was in the housing sector. Since then, I've worked for both charities and councils in various roles. Until recently I was also a trustee of a local charity that helps develop and manage community assets where I live. 

In my spare time I like to get outdoors, walking or cycling in the amazing countryside of South Dorset but the thing I like to do most is potter around my allotment with a mug of tea.  

Andy, what has your experience been like as a member of the RSG?   

It's been great! I was a member of the RSG for a couple of years before I became Chair. In that time, I got to know so much more about Abri and worked with other members of the group to put forward new ideas and suggest improvements. 

RSG members are passionate about the work they do and really care about helping make Abri great for customers and residents. 

Are there any memorable reviews you’ve worked on?  

It's a joint effort and RSG members put a lot of work into reviews to come up with suggestions and insights that help Abri move forward and improve things for residents.  

I've helped with reviewing Abri's Customer Annual Report, but other members of the group have completed reviews on a wide range of subjects including repairs, sustainability, anti-social behaviour, communications, and complaints. All the reviews have come up with great ideas and suggestions which Abri is working to implement. 

What made you want to get involved in scrutiny at Abri, and to now Chair the group?  

I joined the RSG because it seemed a good opportunity to help shape the organisation for the benefit of residents and customers.  

When the opportunity to become Chair came up, I jumped at it! It's really important for customers and residents to have influence and the RSG provides that. 

What can we expect to see from you and the RSG as our new Chair? What’s coming up next? 

Kevin, the previous Chair, and the RSG members have already done so much to establish the group and make it effective. I just want to help keep the momentum going, build on what we've already got and help the group continue to make a difference for residents and customers. 

We have more reviews planned and will be going out to residents in the New Year to ask what subjects they want us to focus on next. 

Want to find out more?

You can find out more about the RSG and scrutiny at Abri by visiting this page on our website. We’re also continually looking to improve our services and are always on the lookout for new members to work with us to review, challenge and improve our services. If you’re interested in getting involved we'd love to hear from you, even if you'd just like to find out more about how scrutiny works at Abri. You can email us at scrutiny@abri.co.uk.