Your neighbourhood
Residents’ associations
A residents’ association is a formally organised group of residents who represent the interests of everyone on the estate. The association works to:
- address common concerns
- advocate for residents’ needs
- enhance the quality of life within the community.
The association acts as a bridge between the residents and the Council, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and considered in decision-making processes. The association also sends representatives to the Tenants' Consultative Committee.
Structure
A residents' association typically operates with a formal structure including a constitution to guide its actions and elected positions such as:
- chairperson
- secretary
- treasurer
Elections are held at annual general meetings (AGMs), where residents vote to appoint their representatives. This structured approach ensures that the association functions smoothly and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Meetings
A residents' association should hold regular meetings to discuss current issues, plan upcoming activities, and make important decisions. Meeting schedules are often set in advance, with minutes recorded to keep an official record of discussions and decisions. Some meetings will for the committee and others for all residents. An annual general meeting must be held every year to elect a committee and key roles.
Activities
Residents' associations often organise activities and initiatives such as social gatherings, festivals, and celebrations to bring residents together. Improvement projects can be initiated to enhance communal spaces, such as
- gardening projects
- playground enhancements
- community art installations
Funding
Residents' associations can apply for grants and funding from various sources, including local councils, charitable organisations, and government programmes. These funds can be used to support the association's activities, projects, and events.
Resident compacts
A compact group is a less formal, smaller-scale organisation than a residents’ association, which still aims to represent the interests and address the concerns of residents within an estate. The primary goal of a compact group is to foster a sense of community and ensure that residents have a platform to voice their opinions, discuss issues, and work collaboratively with the council and other stakeholders.
Structure
A compact group typically has a more flexible and less formal structure compared to a residents' association. While it may have designated roles such as a coordinator or lead representative, it often operates without the need for formal elections.
Meetings
Compact groups hold regular meetings, but less frequent than those of a residents' associations but are still essential for maintaining communication and engagement within the community.
Activities
Compact groups engage in a variety of activities aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and fostering community spirit.
Funding
Compact groups may have limited access to funding compared to residents' associations, but they can still apply for small grants or seek support from the council for specific projects. The financial management of a compact group is usually straightforward, with funds managed by a designated member or coordinator.
Residents’ associations and resident compacts: key differences
| Questions | Resident Compact | Residents' Association |
|---|---|---|
| Are you required to sign up and work to the Council’s standard constitution? | No | Yes |
| Do you have to hold annual general meetings to elect chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer and other committee members? | No | Yes |
| Is there an informal agreement signed by residents who will represent the property/block/estate? | Yes | No |
| Is there a requirement to hold a minimum of four open meetings per year? | No (only as needed) | Yes |
| Do you need a bank account and keep accurate financial records which are audited annually? | No | Yes |
| Do you need to keep formal minutes of each meeting held? | No (just brief notes) | Yes |
| Can you attend area review board meetings and bid for improvement funding? | Yes | Yes |
| Can you apply for a resident’s association annual support grant? | No | Yes |
| Can you apply for councillor-held funding (City Living, Local Life)? | Yes | Yes |
| Can you apply for one-off events grants to meet costs of organising a local event to encourage sense of community? | Yes | Yes |
If you would like further information, please email your resident engagement officer at [email protected], who will be pleased to help, or visit Residents’ Associations.
Events
The council’s Resident Engagement and Partnerships Team host a variety of events across the borough.
These events give you a chance to meet your dedicated engagement officers as well as your neighbours and others interested in taking an active role in your neighbourhood. TRhis page will be regularly updated with events taking place in the coming months.
Breakfast mornings
- Edenham Way – 1pm to 3pm
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Tuesday 5 November 2024
Tuesday 3 December 2024 - Henry Dickens, 10am to 12pm
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Friday 15 November 2024
Friday 6 December 2024 - Trellick Tower, 10am to 12pm
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Monday 11 November 2024
Monday 9 December 2024 - Portobello Court, 10am to 12pm
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Thursday 21 November 2024
Thursday 12 December 2024
Resident training
All events are held at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX
There are regularly opportunities for training for our involved residents, please keep an eye out on this page if you are interested. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in any of the opportunities listed below.
Scrutiny
Thursday 28 November 2024, 6pm to 8pm, Committee Room 2
Learn how to scrutinise effectively.
Last updated: 29 October 2024