RBH members make their mutual voice heard

The audience put questions to members of the Board and Representative Body

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Everything from voting to an X-Factor star was on the agenda as around 150 RBH members held their Annual Members Meeting at Middleton Arena.

The event is the most important in the mutual society’s membership calendar and reflects its status as the UK’s first social housing provider to be owned by its tenants and employees.

Since becoming a mutual society in 2012 RBH’s unique way of working has seen it named as one of the country’s top five landlords by prestigious magazine 24 Housing.

Those attending the meeting had the chance to hear of the challenges and achievements of the last year and to help shape the society’s future plans.

In addition to voting to approve the annual report and accounts and the Representative Body’s annual report, members also learned the results of the recent Representative Body election.

Another highlight was a series of one-minute presentations which saw employees and tenants stand on a soap box and provide valuable information on topics including switching energy suppliers, dealing with debt and IT training.

As with previous years a popular feature was the afternoon question and answer session which offered the chance to raise issues with members of the RBH Board and Representative Body.

The event also included a series of feedback sessions which saw members give their views on what RBH’s future priorities should be.

Away from the serious business there was wonderful musical entertainment from Middleton Youth Band and 2014 X-Factor contestant Danny Dearden from Littleborough.

Noel Chambers, Chairman of the RBH Board, said: “Once again the Annual Members Meeting proved both a celebration of our mutual values and an opportunity to put them into practice.

“By using their vote and providing valuable feedback our members have helped us to identify our priorities and ensure we are well placed to meet further challenges.”

Lynne Brosnan, Chairwoman of the RBH Representative Body, said: “Our borough has a proud tradition of finding new ways of bringing people together for the benefit of all.

“I’m confident that the passion and commitment shown at the meeting will continue to drive us forward as we seek to improve lives and communities.”