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Respect– a community approach to tackling unacceptable behaviour

We have signed up to something called the ‘Respect Standard for housing management’, part of the Government’s Respect Agenda. By signing up we want to show that we are committed to doing all we can to put a stop to unacceptable behaviour in your community. To meet the Respect Standard we need to:

• take issues of antisocial behaviour (ASB) and respect seriously
• involve residents in the decisions we make and work together to sort out issues
• do all we can to prevent antisocial behaviour happening in the first place
• provide an individual and sensitive approach to support everyone who reports issues to us
  use our legal powers, where necessary, to put a stop to antisocial behaviour and make sure our staff are well-trained to do this, and
• provide support to those who are acting in an antisocial way and help them find long-term solutions and turn their lives around.
  

To mark the start of our involvement with the Respect Standard, we held an official launch at Newbury, where staff, local residents, and members from the local council attended, to hear all about our future plans. Through Respect, we are also sponsoring local schools for citizenship resources,and were pleased to provide cheques totalling over £1800 to St Bartholomews, Kennet and Park House Schools, Newbury.

Presentation to Paul Dick, Head Teacher and pupils of Kennet School, made by Rebecca Horne, Sovereign’s Anti-Social Behaviour Advisor.

We have already made improvements such as updating our policy and procedures on antisocial behaviour and setting up a way for you to report incidents at any time through our website. A new plan will also help us meet the ‘Respect Standard’. This includes actions like:

• launching a ‘neighbourhood investment strategy’ to improve quality of life on our priority estates – link to our strategy here please
• using more ‘good neighbour agreements’ to promote respectful behaviour
• improving our links with partner agencies in areas where we have lots of homes
• Piloting a 24-hour phone line for residents to report antisocial behaviour
• investing money in the community to help divert people from antisocial behaviour
• providing more support to those at risk of taking part in antisocial behaviour
• Improving training for staff so they are better skilled to deal with all aspects of ASB

We know our goals are ambitious, however, we are confident we can put a stop to unacceptable behaviour in our communities, but only with your help and support.

You have our word that we are committed. Are you?

For more information on the Respect Standard and our plans, check visit the ‘Respect’ website at www.respect.gov.uk, www.communities.gov.uk or call Rebecca Horne, Anti Social Behaviour Advisor on 01635 572166.

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