Fran Jefcoate, Industrial Dwelling Society Society’s resident empowerment champion, was highly commended in the Tenant Champion category at the 24housing Awards 2019 earlier this month.
The 24housing Awards, held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, celebrate the very best the housing sector has to offer, and recognise how changing times have brought the best out of social landlords and the people who work for them. The Tenant Champion category aims to shine a light on the work of inspirational tenants who are a key part of their communities.
Fran dedicates hours of her time each week to engaging with her fellow tenants, supporting them as they take their first steps towards shaping Industrial Dwellings Society’s services. But Fran is a Poplar HARCA tenant, and her work with Industrial Dwellings Society’s tenants is in addition to time and energy she already puts in to helping her own landlord.
Having “gradually found” her “own voice” since she first got involved in resident engagement 12 years ago, Fran is now dedicated to helping as many tenants as possible to become equally empowered.
Commenting on being Highly Commended by the award judges, Fran said: “It feels wonderful to have been recognised, especially as I was up against such wonderful, dedicated tenants from up and down the country.
“I got involved with Industrial Dwellings Society because wanted to share my experiences to help others. I encourage everyone to engage with their landlords wherever an opportunity arises. It is valuable work, and it helps to challenge the misconceptions that exist around social housing and the people that live in it.”
Suzanne Wolfe, chief executive of Industrial Dwellings Society, said: “Congratulations to Fran, who truly deserves to be celebrated. We are delighted to have her as part of our team – her devotion to empowering others is an inspiration to us all.”
