Social housing sector: Youth engagement

6. Study participants

6.1 All 160 Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and 26 Local Authorities with housing stock in Scotland were invited to participate in this study and complete an online survey.

6.2 A total of 30 housing organisations responded; comprising 18 RSLs and 12 Local Authorities - representing 16% of social housing organisations in Scotland.

6.2.1 In the online survey, participants were asked to answer a series of questions focused on gaining a better understanding of the baseline of youth engagement (16-34) in the Scottish social housing sector, including:

• The number of young tenants that live in their properties;
• The current involvement of young tenants in Registered Tenants Organisations (RTOs), scrutiny groups, focus groups, public meetings, consultations, training, RSL Boards, and other opportunities available to influence housing and wider community services.
• The existing participation options available to young tenants;
• Training opportunities available for young tenants; and
• Any challenges and opportunities when making efforts to engage young tenants.

6.3 In addition, the 30 participants who responded to the online survey were invited to detail the impact of Covid-19, specific to engaging young tenants, and any challenges or opportunities that emerged as a result.

6.4 Furthermore, of the 30 who participated in the survey, 9 were selected to provide additional case study information. The selection process was based upon factors including: both RSL and Local Authority representation, a range of housing stock size, and a balance of urban and rural areas covered to ensure findings broadly reflect the operating contexts of housing organisations across the Scottish social housing landscape.

6.4.1 The 9 housing organisations who were selected and took part in providing additional case study information were: Aberdeen City Council, Angus Council, Blochairn Housing Association, East Lothian Council, Eildon Housing Association, Falkirk Council, Fife Council, North Ayrshire Council, and Queens Cross Housing Association.

6.4.2 Case study participants attended online and in person interviews to discuss in detail their methods of engaging young tenants in their consultation activities; challenges and success and the support needed to increase youth engagement in housing service delivery across the sector.

6.5 Where the housing organisation told us about positive practice, we have highlighted this in the study, alongside the name of the organisation. TIS has not directly assessed the reported practice.