A day in the life of Scottish Borders tenant Tracey Glover

It’s always great to come across someone who is passionate about tenant participation, with the drive to making a difference.

 

Tracey Glover has been a Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) tenant for the last 9 years.  She moved from Edinburgh when her parents became elderly and is now fully immersed into the Borders way of life.

 

A recent candidate on the TPAS Scotland’s TP Certificate course, Tracey has also recently graduated with a Masters in Housing Studies.

 

As a tenant rep on the Scottish Borders Housing Association Board, Tracey’s day starts with a review of the board papers for the up-and-coming board meeting. This week’s reading is the financial analysis, which isn’t her favourite, but Tracey knows it’s a big part of the Board review.

 

Next is a read of the draft summer edition of the SBHA tenant newsletter.  As part of the editorial team, Tracey has contributed to the stories and ideas of things happening in and around the local community as well as proofreading the final version.

 

Championing tenants’ rights and ensuring that tenant’s voices are heard is close to Tracey’s heart.  A committee member of the Scottish Borders Tenants Organisation (SBTO), Tracey is involved in ensuring tenants voices are heard in relation to SBHA’s Policies and Procedures to ensure tenants get the best homes and services possible.  The next meeting is happening both in person and online and will be discussing scrutiny and training.

 

Tracey continued our chat by telling me about a recent visit, organised by the SBHA team, to take her and other colleagues of the SBTO to the new, modern, affordable homes recently built in Kelso.

 

When I asked her why she was so active in her local community, Tracey said, “Everyone has the right to a good home.  I am really interested in social housing, which is why I have done so much training in this area. I want to make sure everyone has their say in their own home.  As social housing tenants, we should be able to share our thoughts around standards, quality, heating etc and I am more than happy to contribute to the discussions as a tenant.  I am very happy to have played a part in seeking and sharing tenants’ views and ensuring tenants voices continue to be heard.”