Michelle's Update: March 2024

I am sure that after the cold and darkness of winter, like me you are looking forward to the warmer, sunnier days ahead. Although the storms and freezing temperatures are hopefully behind us, our commitment to ensuring your home is well looked after remains firm all year round.

Taking care of your home

To ensure your comfort and safety, carrying out repairs promptly and delivering larger scale improvement works lie at the heart of our home maintenance provision. This is represented in Clarion Commitment no. 3, which we spotlight alongside our latest performance report. The report shares how we take care of your home, the types of repairs we carry out, plus our advice and guidance on what to do if you have an issue.

Watch our webinar on tackling leaks condensation, damp, and mould

In line with this commitment, we recently invited involved residents to the first in a series of webinars. Kicking off with a focus on leaks, condensation, damp, and mould, the webinar served to not only create awareness but provide insight and practical solutions. Watch a short highlights video.

Please remember that if something at home needs a repair, the best way to book an appointment is through your online account, which is accessible 24/7. Not only can you view appointments within the next 28 days, but you can change or cancel your booking to fit your plans. Once booked, you can also opt in to enter our prize draw to win a brand-new tablet and 12 months free mobile data.

Explore all the benefits your online account has to offer, including making secure payments, viewing your statements / charges, using our online chat to get in touch quickly, updating your personal details, and much more, or register now.

Supporting the Make Things Right campaign

Alongside our mission to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home, we are passionate about ensuring your feedback is listened to and that you are able to voice any concerns. This is why we remain a strong supporter of the government’s Make Things Right campaign.

We will do everything in our power to resolve issues and provide a good quality and efficient service. However, we also recognise that sometimes despite our best efforts, things can go wrong. Therefore, it is vital you know how to raise any concerns you may have and that you feel supported by us through the process. Find out more.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to mention that Four Million Homes, another government-funded programme, are offering guidance and training on resident rights and how to stand up for them. Four Million Homes have developed a series of free bitesize training videos on their website, which you can watch whenever you like.

We’re here to help

As the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets and show no immediate sign of easing, I wanted to remind you of our free, dedicated, and practical guidance we offer to help you manage your home and wellbeing.

From making the most out of your money to the easiest way to report a repair, mastering digital skills, help with finding a new career path to accessing support with common wellbeing issues, we have compiled a simple guide you can turn to whenever you need it.

Debt Awareness Week - shining a spotlight on our money support

If you are struggling with debt, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and we are here to help support you in getting back on track.

We know that it can be hard to take the first step, which is why we are again supporting Debt Awareness Week, led by StepChange Debt Charity. People from all walks of life can find themselves facing money difficulties for many different reasons. Whatever it is, our dedicated Money Guidance team is ready with free, practical, confidential support and may be able to offer the right guidance to find a solution. Find out more.

Have you ever considered an apprenticeship?

As part of National Apprenticeship Week in February, we hosted a special webinar where we talked about the different types of apprenticeships, including pay levels, progression, guidance on how to apply and current apprenticeship vacancies. There was also a chance for participants to ask questions. If you missed the session, you can watch the 23-minute recording whenever you choose.

Introducing our new Customer Committee

You may remember, last summer we invited residents to become members of our new Customer Committee group. I am incredibly passionate about ensuring your voices are heard and that we deliver the best possible services to you. Therefore, I am delighted to say that after receiving a huge 120 applications from across the country, we now have our six new members in place.

You can read all about your Customer Committee members and what they will be working on to make improvements and shape services on our dedicated page. Please also check out how you too can make a big difference by joining our vibrant resident involvement community and have a read of our latest Resident Involvement impact assessment, which showcases the great things that have happened as a result of working together.

Clarion forges partnership with the National Emergencies Trust

In January, we became the 10th patron of the National Emergencies Trust, an independent charity dedicated to raising funds for people affected by UK disasters. It’s a partnership that builds on our own work to support residents and communities during the Coronavirus pandemic through our own charitable foundation, Clarion Futures - and means that when the next emergency arises, the Trust can be there at speed to help those affected, including Clarion residents and local communities. Find out more about the partnership.

With best wishes,

Michelle Reynolds, Chief Customer Officer