The development of Clúid’s National Resident Advisory Group (NRAG) is to facilitate the process of providing and introducing structures that enable residents to feedback and influence how services are delivered and developed.
The group is a resident lead initiative that assists Clúid in developing and delivering appropriate services. NRAG play a key role in helping us decide on resident insight methods, prioritise work from a resident perspective and develop appropriate responses. Resident insight/influence and effective use of this information is key to developing a strategy, policy, services, and communication that best meet our residents’ needs.
Clúid were quite explicit in creating the conditions for NRAG to become another arm of the organisation and play a critical role in shaping the organisation. These sentiments are echoed by NRAG members. Deborah (NRAG Chairperson) stated, “As a group we decided it would be a positive experience for everyone involved, working in partnership with Clúid to give feedback to any changes or improvements regarding Clúid’s policies, practices etc. NRAG has a national agenda that considers the lived experiences of all Clúid residents and strive to make our Clúid Community a truly great place to live.” COVID-19 restrictions were challenging, but, through the power of video conferencing and determination, Clúid Housing’s NRAG has achieved more than we hoped. The members have become part of the organisation and have been integral in developing new areas of work and also reviewing our existing polices for greater effectiveness for the Clúid community. It has been such a success that we have initiated the same process with our Age Friendly housing service, Clann.