In our January edition of Be Mag, we introduced an exciting new volunteer role: Void Inspector — giving residents the opportunity to play a vital part in ensuring our affordable rental homes meet high standards.
Void Inspectors assess our empty properties, making sure they’re safe, functional, and welcoming before new tenants move in. We’re proud to share that we’ve successfully recruited a dedicated team of volunteers, who recently held their first meeting on Tuesday 18 March.
As a Be Mag exclusive, we’re taking you behind the scenes to see how our customers are driving real change — helping us create quality, affordable homes that people are proud to live in.
The First Meeting: Setting the Foundations
The team kicked things off by reviewing our website, ensuring essential information — like how to report repairs or apply for a home — is clear, accessible, and up to date.
Next, the group explored what it truly means to be a Void Inspector. Tenants shared personal insights, drawing on their own experiences and those of friends and neighbours to help shape the role’s purpose.
The team agreed: Void Inspectors are there to make sure every empty home meets our high standards — offering new tenants a clean, functional, and welcoming blank canvas to make their own.
One Inspector shared:
"I joined the Group as a Void Inspector because I wanted to understand what happens behind the scenes — how repairs are handled and how the Group invests in bringing homes back to a liveable standard.
Since starting, I’ve seen firsthand how Staffs Housing spends its money to make properties safe, comfortable, and ready for new tenants. It’s rewarding to give back by offering my perspective as a customer — not just from my own experience, but from listening to my neighbours too.
This role has also been a fantastic way to meet new people and learn new skills. I’m really excited about what’s next and the difference we can make together.”
Getting Ready for On-Site Inspections
Voids Specialist Helen led the team through a detailed property checklist — covering everything from taps and sockets to flooring and safety features — ensuring the team knows exactly what to look for. Volunteers were then paired with neighbourhoods across Staffordshire and surrounding areas, matched based on their location and availability.
Customer Voice Specialist Jayne Tilolo followed with essential safety training, walking the team through risk assessments and explaining the importance of PPE during inspections to keep everyone safe.
"This is true customer engagement in action," said Jayne. "Our tenants aren’t just giving feedback — they’re shaping the future of our homes. It’s about working together to create places people are proud to live in."
What’s Next?
With the first meeting wrapped up, the next steps are even more exciting. The team will soon head out to complete on-site inspections, putting their training into action and helping ensure each home meets our high standards.
This is only the beginning — and we can’t wait to see how our Void Inspectors continue to influence and improve our services, ensuring quality, affordable homes for everyone.
Want to get involved?
If you’d like to join our Void Inspector team — or find out more about how you can help shape our services as a customer — email involve@honeycombgroup.org.uk or call 0330 094 8878.
