We always communicate with the Resident Panel by email. For this we use a secure mailing system. Each email you receive has an option to view in your web browser. Once you view the email in the web browser, you can use your preferred assistive technologies.
We’ll always try to use simple language and explain things in a way that’s easy to understand.
We cannot provide phone calls as a communication channel to members. If you need assistance with any of the emails you receive, please email residentpanel@housing-ombudsman.org.uk or contact us.
When you joined the Resident Panel, we asked if you might need an adjustment to help you participate. You can request a change in the way we communicate with you at any time during your membership.
We review all requests for reasonable adjustments in line with our reasonable adjustment policy.
ReachDeck is the digital inclusion tool that supports our website. ReachDeck is there to make our website accessible and usable for everyone.
To activate the tool, you can select the accessibility icon from the bottom left of your screen. This will add a toolbar to the top of your screen. Using the toolbar, you can select a range of options from translation services to screen masks and audio.
You can find more information about the accessibility of our website in our accessibility statement.
We use a platform called EngagementHQ to host surveys and consultations. We work closely with the website team to make the software accessible to everyone. The site has their own accessibility statement.
Zoom guidance
We use Zoom for all our online meetings. This is because Zoom is free, easy to use, and accessible from most devices.
Zoom also allows us to turn on a chat transcript which provides subtitles when speakers are talking. We can also use the app to allocate members to breakout rooms for smaller group discussions.
If you have not used Zoom before or would like to follow a guide before joining meetings, we have created guidance for panel members to follow.
We share presentations during our meetings to enhance learning and understanding of the topics we discuss.
We understand that presentations can present challenges for different audiences. To make sure the slides we present can be used by everyone we’ll always use:
large font
clear headings
accessible colours
In addition to this, the speaker will speak slowly and clearly. You also have the option to switch on captions if you wish to read the dialogue.
After every meeting, we’ll send the presentation to all panel members by email.
