Meet Laura Newey, Our Scrutiny Panel Member
We spoke to Laura to find out what made her join the panel and what she hopes to get out of the panel in future.
Q. Laura, what made you come forward and join the panel?
I was a new resident and had had quite a bit of contact with Gateway since I bought my shared ownership property in 2016. They approached me to join the panel and I thought it would be something I would find interesting and would also benefit me as I work in the housing sector myself.
Q. How have you found it so far?
I felt welcomed into the panel from the first day I joined and feel that my ideas are listened to. I have found it interesting to find out more about Gateway and how they deliver their services and what their vision as an organisation is.
Q. Is it what you expected?
I haven’t had the chance to be involved in a project from start to finish so I am looking forward to that and really getting involved in scrutinising the way Gateway’s services are delivered. What I have been involved with so far is what I expected and it’s good that everyone gets the chance to have their say at meetings.
Q. What has been your personal highlight so far?
I enjoyed presenting the panel’s report on communications to the board and the questions they asked us. I was also pleased to be invited to the Q&A for the recruitment of the new Chief Executive and felt inspired to further my own career listening to what they had achieved.
Q. Finally, do you have advice for anyone else thinking about joining the panel?
I would say apply, you will benefit from gaining new skills and also feel that you are able to make a difference to the services Gateway residents receive for the better.
Thank you Laura, you have made a tremendous difference since you have joined and we look forward to your continued involvement.
Could you be the next person to join the Panel?
The Panel are always looking for new people to get involved, in particular a young person, a Leaseholder/Shared Ownership and a General Needs Tenant…so if you want to find out more, please get in touch with Mo Ali - on 020 8709 4381 for an informal chat or email involvement@gatewayhousing.org.uk