Are you from an ethnic minority background and live in social housing in Scotland?
If so, TIS wants to hear from you to help shape an important, national research study that aims to pave the way for a more inclusive future for tenant participation and engagement practices in Scotland.
About the research study
The Tenants Information Service (TIS), commissioned by The Scottish Government, is leading a national research study which aims to gain a better understanding of the baseline of tenant participation and engagement amongst tenants from ethnic minority backgrounds within the Scottish social housing sector.
Findings from the research study will inform a national report focused on identifying the barriers which affect participation and between social housing providers and tenants from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The findings will look to break down and overcome these barriers to foster fresh approaches to tenant participation – which enable all tenants to have their say in the housing decisions that affect them, their families, and communities.
Why this matters
The introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 made it a legal requirement for social landlords in Scotland to actively develop and support tenant participation.
This means all Councils (Local Authorities) and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), such as housing associations and housing co-operatives, must work with tenants and involve them when making decisions about their homes and communities. The law also says every social landlord must have a Tenant Participation Strategy in place.
To be truly effective, tenant participation works best when tenants from all backgrounds and walks of life are represented and have opportunities to take an active role in shaping housing services that reflect their needs and priorities.
What is tenant participation?
Tenant participation is about giving people a say in decisions about your home and community. It helps improve services, strengthen communities, and ensures your social landlord is listening to the views of tenants – working with you to improve the housing services that you receive.
To find out more, read our "Fact Sheet for Social Housing Tenants on the Essentials of Tenant Participation".
Get involved If you are a social housing tenant in Scotland and are from an ethnic minority background, then we want to hear from you. Your insights will help shape the final report and ensure it reflects real voices, lived realities, and practical insights from those at the heart of Scotland’s communities.
If you would like to find out more about this research study or get involved, please contact TIS at info@tis.org.uk or by calling 0141 248 1242.
Important information
We use "ethnic minorities" to refer to all ethnic groups except the White British group. Ethnic minorities include White minorities, such as Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller groups.
Click here to see a list of ethnic groups recommended by the government (applicable to Scotland). ➔ www.tis.org.uk
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