The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has announced that it is wanting to recruit new Tenant Advisors, to inform their work and bring a tenant perspective to its scrutiny of landlords' services.

The SHR is the independent regulator of registered socials landlords (RSLs) and local authority housing services in Scotland, working to safeguard and promote the interests of tenants, people who are homeless, and others who use social housing services.

The SHR will appoint 12 independent volunteer Tenant Advisors. It is inviting applications from tenants of RSLs and local authorities across Scotland.

Individuals from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for this voluntary position and be instrumental in informing the future of social housing services in Scotland.

Tenant Advisors are tenants of either RSLs or local authorities who volunteer to participate in regulation work and support the Regulator by:

• Testing landlord services by acting as mystery shoppers, assessing information and materials produced by landlords for their tenants.

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• Reviewing SHR draft publications and website facilities, and helping the SHR to make sure material is both accessible and user friendly for tenants.

• Asking other service users for their views when the SHR assess the quality of service provided by social landlords to give the SHR a direct, user perspective to add to other regulatory evidence.

Experts in housing, community development, and engagement practice, the Tenants Information Service (TIS), will work in partnership and support the Regulator in our recruitment of Tenant Advisors.

George Walker, Chair of the Scottish Housing Regulator said: "Our role is to protect tenants' interests and to drive up the quality of services which social landlords deliver. We can only do our job effectively if we understand what is important to tenants.

"Tenants are a diverse group with different needs and priorities and it is important that we work with the most diverse group possible to understand these and take account of them in our work.

"So, I'd encourage as many different types of tenants with experience of the wide range of services that social landlords provide, to apply. We will work with our Tenant Advisors to get their perspective on the services provided by social landlords across the country."

Applicants do not need any formal qualifications, training, or experience to become a Tenant Advisor, and will receive ongoing support to ensure their role will be fulfilled confidently.

Ilene Campbell, Chief Executive at TIS added: "We are thrilled to work alongside the Scottish Housing Regulator in their recruitment of twelve Tenant Advisors. This voluntary role is a fantastic opportunity for tenants across Scotland to get involved and play an active role in improving social housing services.

"Individuals of all characteristics are invited to apply and will gain opportunities to take on new challenges and build on personal development skills. If you are passionate about making a positive change, we would love to hear from you."