Focus Groups

South Essex Homes holds 'Focus Groups' with residents, to ensure that residents are involved in the work that we do.

The Focus Group meetings, which are held in different frequencies according to the need, give tenants the opportunity to have a say in service delivery and voice their opinion in an environment which ensures that the right people receive feedback from tenants and can adjust plans accordingly.

We combine face to face and online meetings across our focus groups, giving greater access to our residents in helping us shape our services.

Residents smiling and sat down at the Neighbourhood focus group meeting

At present, Focus Groups exist for the following service areas:

  • Disability & Carers
  • Income Management
  • Leaseholder
  • Planned Maintenance
  • Responsive Repairs, Gas, and Voids
  • Residents' Panel for Improvement
  • Residents' Complaints Review Panel
  • Editorial Board
  • High Rise Living 
  • Neighbourhood

The terms of reference and previous minutes for each focus group will be linked below as they become available. If you have an interest in any of these subject areas and would like to find out more or read previous minutes, please contact the Resident Engagement Team via email to residentengagement@seh.southend.gov.uk.

Disability and Carers Focus Group minutes

The aims of this Focus Group are to make others aware that disabled people & carers are listened to and to help disabled people and their carers regardless of the age race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Terms of Reference:  Disability & Carers Action Group Terms of Reference [pdf] 2MB

Income Management Focus Group

Some residents who are keen to get involved are working with South Essex Homes to help improve services. They agreed to set up a Focus Group to look at issues around rent and payments. South Essex Homes understands that it is their responsibility to provide a clear and helpful service so residents can manage their rent accounts more easily.

Terms of Reference:  Income Management Focus Group Terms of Reference [pdf] 125KB

Planned Maintenance Focus Group minutes

Resident representatives are working with South Essex Homes to help improve services by involving residents more. They agreed to set up a focus group to look at issues around planned maintenance. The aim is to improve communication, make information clearer, involve residents more in decisions, work closely with South Essex Homes and their contractors, build better relationships, and make sure services offer good value for money.

Terms of Reference:  Planned Maintenance Focus Group Terms of Reference [pdf] 142KB

Responsive Repairs, Gas, and Voids Focus Group minutes

Resident representatives are working with South Essex Homes to help improve services by involving residents more. They agreed to set up a focus group to look at issues around repairs, gas servicing, and empty homes. The aim is to improve communication, make information clearer, involve residents more in decisions, work closely with South Essex Homes and their contractors, build better working relationships, and make sure services provide good value for money.

Terms of Reference:  Repairs, Gas, Voids Focus Group Terms of Reference [pdf] 139KB

Residents' Complaints Review Panel Terms of Reference

The Complaints Review Panel will look at complaints information, including recent trends and more serious cases. They will speak up for residents, suggest improvements, check that lessons are being used, and review policies, performance, and plans to make sure standards are being met.

Terms of Reference: RCRP Terms of Reference 2025.pdf[pdf] 198KB

Neighbourhood Focus Group

residents sat around a table at the focus group meeting, residents are turned to the camera and smilingResident representatives are working with South Essex Homes to help improve services by involving residents more. They agreed to set up a focus group to look at estate issues, anti social behaviour, and tenancy services. The group will bring residents and managers together to review how things are going, agree priorities, and find practical ways to improve neighbourhoods.

Terms of reference: Neighbourhood Focus Group - Terms of reference.pdf[pdf] 72KB

Editorial Board

Residents sat at a table for the Editorial panel meeting, there are five residents picturedThe Editorial Board, made up of residents and South Essex Homes representatives, oversees and advises on the content of the Insight publication, the website, as well as posters and letters. Its role is to review drafts, provide feedback on tone, clarity, and relevance, and suggest topics to ensure all communications are engaging, transparent, and aligned with resident interests.

Terms of Reference:  Editorial Board Terms of Reference.pdf [pdf] 84KB