Listed below are the different ways that residents can influence the way Raglan works through direct individual involvement. These may be particularly suitable if residents would like to influence decisions that Raglan has to make about the future of the Association's services but do not have the time to attend formal meetings.

You may also wish to view the information on being involved through more formal committees and associations and/or surveys.

Elected Spokesperson
Some residents may want to participate in the way Raglan works but would prefer not to do so through a formal residents' association. As an alternative, a spokesperson can be elected through a secret ballot. The spokesperson should represent the collective views of their neighbours.

Although no specific funding is allocated to spokepersons, guidance and general support is provided by the community initiative officers. Elected spokespersons are encouraged to keep their neighbours informed through news-sheets.

Estate Agreements
Estate agreements are drawn up by residents' associations and Raglan following consultation with residents. The agreements contain:

• details of services residents can expect from Raglan and its contractors
• a list of estate priorities identified by residents and how they are to be dealt with
• information about how residents will monitor the agreement

Each agreement also contains an equality and diversity statement committing the residents' association to implementing a programme of positive action while ensuring no one receives less favourable treatment.

Readers' Group & 'People With Opinions'
Raglan retains a contact list of residents who are unable to attend meetings and participate in the more formal committees and groups but still want to be involved.

Readers' group members are consulted on written material that Raglan publishes. They are sent documents to review prior to publication, and ensure they are written in a clear manner without too much jargon.

'People With Opinions' are residents who are willing to be consulted on various issues (eg policies, procedures) through a range of ways suited to them and agreed with Raglan.

Service Development Reviews
Residents play a key role in developing Raglan's services by getting involved in service reviews, which are set up to challenge existing practices and present proposals for improvement. A range of methods is used for service reviews such as focus groups, telephone surveys and postal questionnaires.

Round Up
This is Raglan's residents' magazine. It is published three times a year and provides information and features about Raglan and its residents. Residents are encouraged to contribute articles and any other information that could be included in the magazine. Round Up is also used to consult residents on new policies and services.

Advice Panels
These panels are made up of residents who are happy to give their opinions and advice but do not have the time to attend meetings. They are specialist panels and we contact members when we need their input in areas of our work which will benefit from their expertise. We currently have four advice panels:

• sheltered housing
• disability
• young people
• estate regeneration

we are currently working towards setting up advice panels for:

• BME residents
• leaseholders

Specific Consultations
These are usually carried out by written questionnaire and/or residents' meetings because they concern issues that directly affect particular residents, examples include:

• major repairs or improvements such as kitchen or window replacements
• changes or improvements that may result in service charge rises
• changes to communal areas
• maintenance contracts

In these circumstances residents are given 31 days or no less than 14 days (if a quick decision is required) to reply. In the case of a ballot one vote per household will be given. Where Raglan is consulting on contractors' quotes, they will be made available for inspection for a further 31 days. If the lowest quote is not accepted Raglan must inform residents within 21 days of entering the new contract stating the reasons for the decision. Residents are informed of the outcome of the consultation either by individual letter or in the residents magazine - Round Up .

If you would like to get involved with any of these please contact the Housing Services Centre by email hsc@raglan.org or telephone 0845 070 7772 where you will be advised on how to contact your community initiatives officer.