Event Summary: Housing Remuneration and Incentives Discussion
Monday 13th of October 2025
Nearly 100 participants joined our online event on 25th September, hosted by Tpas Policy and Insight Manager, Caritas Charles to explore remuneration and incentives for residents taking part in tenant engagement and scrutiny roles.
The session brought together Housing Professionals and Tenant representatives to share experiences, and challenges in recognising and rewarding residents for their vital contributions.
Setting the Scene
The session opened with a presentation from Guy Stovold (Nottingham Community Housing Association), followed by Rebecca LeCaille (Saffron Housing Trust), and Ellie Darling from Tpas, and Amanda and Sarah from Town and Country Housing Group who outlined different models of resident remuneration.
Frameworks and Payment Models
Guy presented NCHA’s Customer Engagement Payment Framework, which includes salaries for committee members, annual allowances for panel chairs, and attendance fees for panel members. He highlighted that this structured approach has helped attract a wider range of participants, improve retention, and raise the profile of engagement. Challenges remain around tax and benefit implications, but NCHA supports residents with one-to-one advice from a debt and benefits specialist.
Rebecca shared Saffron’s experience of designing a Tenant compensation proposal. Their model includes optional payments of up to £25 per meeting (capped at £250 annually) with vouchers used as the preferred method to minimise benefit risks. She emphasised the importance of balancing recognition with legal and HR compliance, and ensuring payments are framed as non-compensatory recognition rather than employment.
Ellie presented findings from a Tpas survey, showing wide variation across 30 organisations. While some boards pay annual allowances ranging from £400 to £12,000, most tenant panels receive between £50 and £5,000 a year. The results underline the diversity of approaches across the sector.
Professionalising Resident Scrutiny
From Town & Country Housing, Amanda Mankelow and Sarah Holden shared their Resident Scrutiny Panel model, which has run since 2013 and delivered 16 reviews. Panel members receive an annual allowance of around £1,400, alongside training opportunities and travel expenses. Amanda discussed that paying panel members has professionalised the role, created accountability, and helped recruit and retain committed participants.
However, they acknowledged the complexities: payments must be declared to HMRC, and residents in arrears are considered on a case-by-case basis. The organisation also provides mental health and accessibility support to ensure inclusive participation.
Independent Oversight and Budgets
The discussion closed with reflections on independent chair roles and financial oversight. Sarah explained how an independent chair, in place since 2013, has strengthened scrutiny processes and helped manage the challenges of a panel merger. The group also discussed how budget oversight is handled at organisational board level, with spending ultimately drawn from tenant rents.
Key Takeaways
- Recognition matters – Payments, allowances, or vouchers can help professionalise roles, improve retention, and show residents that their time and expertise are valued.
- One size does not fit all – Approaches differ widely between organisations, shaped by stock size, governance structures, and resident needs.
- Compliance is critical – Payments raise issues around tax, benefits, and HR, requiring careful structuring and clear advice to residents.
- Support builds confidence – Offering specialist advice, accessibility support, and clear communication helps residents feel secure in taking part.
This event highlighted the balancing act between rewarding residents fairly and managing the legal and financial complexities that come with remuneration. What’s clear is that housing providers across the sector are continuing to innovate in recognising resident contributions, while keeping residents’ needs at the heart of the conversation.
You can download the slides from the session here: