Inspection advice? Be open, honest and focused on improvement
Tuesday 28th of April 2026
Our April meet-up for LA and ALMO engagement officers gave members the chance to explore one of the sector’s biggest topics right now: inspections.
We were joined by Ada (Dacorum Council) and Seamus (BCP Homes), who shared their recent experiences in a relaxed, interview-style conversation. It was a really rich and honest discussion and well worth a watch if you haven’t already caught the recording.
Watch the full session here:
Key themes from the discussion
A number of useful insights came through, both from our speakers and the wider group:
It’s a conversation, not a test
The relationship with the regulator is key. Inspections felt less like a formal assessment and more like an open, ongoing dialogue, so be ready to engage.
Resident involvement is essential
Think carefully about how you involve residents in the process. Use the structures you already have and make sure their voice is clearly part of the story.
Demonstrate influence
Be prepared to show how tenants have genuinely shaped services and decisions, not just been consulted.
Keep it clear and concise
There’s no need to overwhelm with paperwork. Focus on providing the most relevant, impactful information.
Practice helps
Mock inspections were highlighted as a really useful way to prepare and build confidence.
A positive mindset matters
Above all, the strongest message was about approach. Being open, honest and willing to learn goes a long way.
As one participant neatly summed up in the chat:
“Be prepared, be honest, know your strengths and weaknesses, and have plans in place to address them.”
It’s a mindset that reflects a wider truth - seeking challenge and showing a commitment to improvement is a strength, not a weakness.
About the meet-up
This session took place on 23rd April 2026, with 21 engagement officers taking part.
The session was interactive and practical, starting with nine-minute networking, followed by a fishbowl interview with our guest speakers, and finished with open space, giving everyone the chance to raise topics and share ideas.
Next meet up
The next meet up is on Wednesday 1st July and you can book your place here
You can also join our online networking group for LA and ALMO staff – see more information here
Dave McKenna -Tpas Associate
April 2026