Customer Engagement Round-up: June 2025
Every month we pull together a round-up of information including:
- Opportunities to get involved
- Latest updates, news, and information
- Training, employment and support
- Coming soon
If there’s anything you’d like to see, or you have any questions please email customer.engagement@stonewater.org
Gardening competition
The competition has launched and there’s prizes to be won. It’s nice and easy to enter, all you need to do is pick your category, take up to three photos and write a sentence or two about your entry.
Customer Annual Review
Every year, we put together a Customer Annual Review to show what we’ve been up to across the year, how things are going across the organisation and to share some great stories from your communities.
We’d love to hear what you’d like to see in this year’s annual review so we can make it even better.
Community Days
We’re excited that our Community Days are back for 2025. They’re events where you can chat with colleagues, contractors, and partners to make a difference in your community. We had lots of customers join us last year and made great improvements such as new bin stores, fencing, and seating areas. There will be refreshments, children’s activities, and some competitions too.
Watch our video Community Days 2024 to see what they’re all about!
Community Days aren’t the only times we’re out making improvements in Stonewater neighbourhoods – our teams are always out and about meeting customers and checking everything’s okay, so if you see one of our colleagues or contractors, please feel free to pop over and say ‘hi’.
If you'd like to make a difference in your local area you could consider volunteering as a Community Champion.
Latest updates, news, and information
Success in recruiting customer volunteers
We recently sent a campaign to customers who said they’d be interested in volunteering to help improve our services and communities. We’ve had an incredible response with over 50 applications.
The campaign was sent in response to our annual communications and engagement survey that helps us to change and improve the way we communicate with you. A big thank you if you filled this in.
It’s not too late if you want to volunteer. We’ve got lots of opportunities to get involved and they can be flexible around you too. Visit our get involved web pages to find out more and apply.
Government’s spending review commits to social housing
In the Government’s latest spending review they’ve committed to invest in social and affordable housing. The funding will focus on providing more homes and improving the quality and sustainability of existing homes.
Read the article: Tpas Welcomes Government’s Spending Review Commitment to Social and Affordable Housing
Safeguarding Policy review
Customers reviewed two safeguarding policies (adults and children). They were briefed on the key changes and the reasons behind them. We received suggestions that helped us to think about:
- Safeguarding in customer communities and making sure customers know how to share any concerns
- If the information could be put into a simple leaflet format with pointers for customers
Shared Ownership improvement plan
We’ve started a 12-month shared ownership improvement plan and asked customers to let us know their thoughts on the draft shared ownership policy.
We received excellent feedback, and it’s given us a clear picture of what works, and where we need to improve. To continue this conversation, we’ve recruited eight customer volunteers who’ll be part of a service improvement group. One of the first actions was to set-up an estate inspection with customers, colleagues, and contractors. This is planned for Thursday 17 July.
We’re developing a customer-friendly guide to walk potential buyers through buying a shared ownership home. It’ll include insights from our workshops, and we’ll invite customers to share their thoughts to help shape the final version.
As part of our commitment to the group we’ll be holding another two workshops and sending out two written updates.
Heat Network Metering and Billing policy consultation
Customers from our Ageing Well Board and Scrutiny Panel focused reviewed three areas of our new metering and billing policy including billing, emergency credit, and accessing customer homes. Their feedback was positive and said:
- The billing will be clear with a breakdown of costs
- The policy clearly explains Stonewater don’t profit from energy charges, which helps to build trust
Once approved it'll be added to the policies section of our website.
Facebook live | Digital Services
On Tuesday 18 June we held our Facebook live event all about our digital services including:
- Live Chat. An easy way to speak to our team via the website.
- Customer hubb. (you’re here already
) - Our website. A good place to check for answers first
- My Home. Book repairs, check your rent, and update your details online.
- Social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
- We are Group. Offering free training and equipment to get you online.
Missed it? No worries, you can still watch our Digital Services Facebook live.
We hold Facebook live events once a month. Follow us on Facebook to find out when the next one is.
Training, employment, and support
Financial support from Clean Slate
We’re pleased to announce that through Longleigh, we’ve funded financial help and advice for Stonewater customers for another year. Our charity partner, Clean Slate can support you with:
- Money
- Employability
- Debt
- Benefits
Find out how Clean Slate helped one of our customers increase their annual income by almost £18,000.
If you think Clean Slate can help you, please email jolene.walker@stonewater.org or call 01202 319119.
Stonewater Graduate Programme
If you or someone you know is a graduate looking for a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your career in housing, we have an opportunity for you! Our Graduate Programme is a paid opportunity that gives you the chance to work in different teams across Stonewater over an eighteen-month period. You’ll get hands on project experience, and a dedicated workplace mentor. Be quick as applications close on Tuesday 1 July.
Our vacancies
We’ve got a range of vacancies on the Stonewater careers website.
Work experience opportunities with Fortem
Fortem, one of our repairs and maintenance contractors offer work experience opportunities for anyone aged 14 years and over. Explore an office-based role, or learn the basics of a trade such as plumbing, electrical, or joinery.
The opportunities are unpaid but offer valuable experience for up to 12 weeks. To apply or find out more, email pathways4life@fortem.co.uk. If you need support with expenses, please reach out to jolene.walker@stonewater.org.
Coming soon
A sneak preview of what we’re working on and things to look out for.
Scrutiny Panel | Grounds maintenance review
Our Scrutiny Panel’s latest service review has been on our grounds maintenance services. They’re making the final touches to their report, and it’ll be ready to view soon. It’ll include what they found out and recommendations on how we can improve. Visit the Scrutiny Panel web page to see all their other service reviews.
The Digital College
Very soon we’ll be able to offer you access to free accredited online learning and professional qualifications. We’re busy behind the scenes getting this up and running. If you have a course in mind, please reach out to jolene.walker@stonewater.org. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.