What is the Customer Safety Panel?
The Customer Safety Panel is a new panel that is not yet established. Customers will be invited to express interest in joining as their buildings are consulted on resident engagement strategies.
The panel will focus on fire and building safety in high-rise blocks (six storeys or more). Its purpose is to ensure that residents living in these buildings have a clear voice in how safety is managed and improved.
Panel members will meet with Abri managers to make sure commitments around resident engagement and compliance with safety standards reflect residents’ perspectives and lived experience. Members and managers will work together where improvements or changes are needed.
What has the Customer Safety Panel achieved so far?
We are currently in the process of setting up the Customer Safety Panel, so there are no achievements to share at this stage. But do check back for updates over the next few months.
FAQs
How often does the Customer Safety Panel meet?
We expect the panel will meet between four and six times per year.
There may also be additional optional workshops or learning opportunities from time to time.
How much time will I need to commit to being on the Customer Safety Panel?
You should expect to commit around two hours per month.
This includes attending meetings or workshops and spending some time reading emails, reports or relevant information between sessions or in preparation.
What time do Customer Safety Panel meetings happen?
Meeting times will be agreed once the panel is formed and will be based on what works best for the members.
Will I need to travel to be part of the Customer Safety Panel?
There is no requirement to travel.
Meetings are likely to be held digitally, although face-to-face or hybrid meetings may also be arranged if this suits panel members.
For any in-person sessions, Abri will:
- Cover public transport cost
- Pay mileage for those who drive
And we offer IT training and equipment should you need it to help you attend meetings online.
We will always do our best to ensure you can take part in the meetings regardless of your circumstances.
What does the Customer Safety Panel do?
The panel will:
- Focus on fire and building safety in high-rise blocks
- Meet with Abri managers to discuss safety standards and resident engagement
- Ensure resident perspectives and lived experience are reflected in safety approaches
- Work with Abri to identify improvements or changes where needed
The aim is to make sure residents feel safe, heard and informed about how their buildings are managed.
How does the Customer Safety Panel influence decisions?
The panel will report to the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee at least once a year.
The Committee will seek assurance that Abri has listened to residents living in high-rise blocks and responded to any concerns raised.
This ensures that resident views on building and fire safety are visible at Board level and inform how safety commitments are delivered.
How can I join the Customer Safety Panel?
We take every step to support residents who’d like to join with support such as training, IT advice, the use of accessible venues and help with transport or transport costs.
If you’d like to join, call or email the Resident Involvement Team.
Email: resident.involvement@abri.co.uk