The Search For A Voluntary Tenant Board Member Is On

RESIDENTS are being urged to play their part in helping shape Middlesbrough’s new housing organisation.

Erimus Housing in the town is searching for a tenant or leaseholder to become a new member of its board and help give the town a boost.

Now a special information day is being held on Saturday, April 9, in a bid to give people a taste of the role.

Current board members will be available from 10am-4pm in the Erimus Residents’ Resource Centre, to give information and to answer any questions.

Regular presentations will be given to show people exactly what the voluntary post entails and information packs, displays and refreshments will also be on offer at the complex, on Cinderwood in Thorntree.

As well as the open day, letters are also being sent to tenants with details of the opportunity.

Dave Bell, Erimus board member and a member of the Erimus residents’ panel, said the vital role on the board was incredibly rewarding.

"Your job is to help make Erimus a viable company by making informed decisions based on the correct information," he explained.

"As a board member you just be yourself. It is hard work but you will enjoy it."

The board is made up of 15 members including tenants, councillors and housing experts, with Middlesbrough’s deputy mayor, Councillor Bob Brady, as chair.

Board members are expected to become involved with at least one committee and attend at least nine board meetings a year.

Attending relevant seminars and conferences and taking part in discussions and decision-making is also on the agenda.

Any Erimus Housing tenant or leaseholder can apply to become a board member but they must be able to commit at least 200 hours a year to the role, as well as having knowledge about housing issues.

They must also be flexible and have the ability to make balanced and informed decisions.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 29th April and a shortlist will then be prepared. Interviews will take place in May.

Bob Brady, chair of the board for Erimus Housing, said: "This will give tenants the chance to play a major part in shaping not just the future of housing in Middlesbrough, but the regeneration of the town.

"It is a major role and I look forward to working with the new member to ensure the continued work to boost the lives of Erimus Housing residents and the surrounding communities."