Council tenant praised for commitment to tenant engagement
26 June 2017
An Aberdeen tenant is celebrating winning a prestigious award for his commitment to Tenant Participation.
The Tenant Information Service have honoured Aberdeen City Council tenant Paul McMenemy at their conference earlier this month. Paul won the Frances Nelson MBE award which celebrates the hard work of an individual who has made a real difference in their community or wider area.
Mr McMenemy has been actively involved in Tenant Participation at Aberdeen City Council for 11 years after hearing more about it a tenant open day. He quickly grew in confidence and was soon Chairman of a number of groups including the Aberdeen Housing Service Review Group. During his work with Tenant Participation Paul has undertaken a number of service reviews which aim to improve the Council’s housing services. He has also been instrumental in organising study visits from other local authorities as he believe that it is important to learn from other tenants and their landlords
In addition to his work with Aberdeen City Council, Paul attends a number of community groups including his local community council where he is vice-chair and he is a board member of The Disabled Persons Housing Service.
Paul McMenemy said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win this award, but I can’t take all of the credit. I would like to thank all of the other tenants, residents and volunteers I have met and worked with over the years as their efforts really do make a difference.
“Getting involved in tenant participation has helped give me a lot of confidence; I have made some good friends and developed new skills.
“Aberdeen City Council truly is leading the way in tenant engagement and I am pleased to be one of the people helping to do so.”
During the award ceremony Aberdeen City Council was the only landlord to be a finalist in three other categories; Tenant Participation Excellence, Scrutiny Excellence and Most Inspiring Scrutiny Group.
Aberdeen City Council Communities, Housing and Infrastructure convener Councillor Yvonne Allan said: “Aberdeen City Council has a strong record in Tenant Participation and we are proud to be recognised for the work we do in partnership with our tenants and residents.
“I am delighted that the enthusiasm Paul has for tenant engagement has been acknowledged. He and his fellow housing volunteers play an important role in helping us develop policies and improve services that benefit all of our council tenants.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in Tenant Participation and encourage them to keep up the good work.”