Clarion Housing is set to trial a community ambassador scheme in Merton, following recommendations from the Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel. The Merton Council cabinet has approved the scheme, which aims to improve engagement with residents on estates without existing tenant or resident associations.
The ambassador scheme is specifically designed for estates that do not have tenant or resident associations, ensuring it complements and doesn't duplicate existing community efforts.
The initiative follows a meeting on 26 March 2025, where Clarion Housing presented an overview of their services, including regeneration, repairs, maintenance, estate services, and resident engagement. The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel subsequently recommended that Clarion introduce a formal ambassador scheme for estates without existing tenant or resident associations.
Clarion has agreed to consider introducing a community inspector/champion scheme. This project will address communal estate issues and individual resident concerns, allowing community inspectors/champions to bring these matters to Clarion's attention.
Residents will be involved in shaping the new project, and Clarion will address data protection concerns, particularly regarding the role of community inspectors/champions in advocating for vulnerable residents. A proof-of-concept trial with community inspectors will be conducted to gather feedback before a wider rollout. Clarion have advised they will conduct a proof-of-concept trial with community inspectors to gather feedback on the approach before rolling it out further.
The council will monitor progress through regular six-weekly liaison meetings with Clarion, and a formal update on the pilot is expected by the end of January 2026. The scheme is not expected to require funds from the council, according to the Public reports pack.
While a formal update on the pilot will be provided by the end of January 2026, long-term plans for the community ambassador scheme beyond the trial period have not yet been disclosed.
