Tenant Auditors Group (TAG)

Executive Summary

The Tenant Auditors reviewed fire safety communication, resident engagement, consultation activities and support for vulnerable residents in Sandwell Council tower blocks through surveys, interviews, desktop reviews and site visits.

Key Findings

Fire Safety Information

• Website information was generally clear and easy to understand.
• Information was not readily available in alternative languages or accessible formats.
• Fire Risk Assessments were considered too technical for most residents.

Resident Engagement

• Fire safety survey responses were very low (around 2.5%).
• Tenants were not sufficiently involved in survey design or consultation activities.
• Limited evidence that survey results were analysed or used to improve services.
• Communication and follow-up with residents were inconsistent.

Fire Safety Posters

• Posters were unclear, overcrowded and lacked key fire safety messages.
• Resident involvement in their design was limited.
• QR code usage was not being monitored.

Vulnerable Residents

• There was no clear policy or process for supporting vulnerable residents through PEEPs or equivalent arrangements.
• Responsibilities and decision-making processes were unclear.

Tower Block Visits

• No visible fire safety information was displayed in communal areas.
• Auditors identified evidence of potentially vulnerable residents and outstanding fire safety actions.

Tenant Survey Results

• 88% understood fire safety information.
• 90% said they knew what to do in a fire, but many misunderstood the Stay Put policy.
• 71% did not access information online.
• Most tenants preferred written communication.
• 12% did not feel safe in their homes.

Main Recommendations

• Involve tenants in designing surveys, consultations and communications.
• Provide information in accessible formats and multiple languages.
• Produce simplified summaries of Fire Risk Assessments.
• Improve analysis and use of resident feedback.
• Make fire safety posters clearer and more visible.
• Improve understanding of the Stay Put policy.
• Develop a clear approach to identifying and supporting vulnerable tenants.
• Reduce reliance on online communication and increase face-to-face engagement.

Conclusion

Sandwell Council should adopt a more resident-centred approach by improving communication, accessibility, tenant involvement and support for vulnerable residents. Particular attention is needed to strengthen understanding of fire safety procedures and provide information through methods preferred by residents.