A major international study into how world-class organisations engage with customers is being launched by Wheatley Group.

The research, in conjunction with the Democratic Society and the Chartered Institute of Housing, will be launched at an all-day event on November 29.

Tenants, staff and stakeholders will take part in a series of interactive workshops, led by engagement experts from across the world, at Wheatley’s Academy in Edinburgh. The speakers will present new ideas and the latest ground-breaking engagement techniques and lead the discussion.

The themes which will be explored on the day have been developed after a first phase of the research looked at engagement across Wheatley and include: making decision-making more open to customers, deciding how a pot of money should be spent and supporting community action.

The Democratic Society will capture views and ideas from the delegates during the sessions with the feedback helping inform a final blueprint for the future of engagement at Wheatley.

Wheatley Group chief executive, Martin Armstrong, said: “As one of the UK’s leading housing, care and property-management groups, we are determined to re-define customer engagement in the modern world, using the latest technology, the reach of social media and best-of-class international practices.

“This research is about challenging the norm, blowing away traditional thinking and unwinding stereotypical approaches. We hope to explore and capture fresh thinking that will give more of our customers real opportunities to engage and to influence decision-making and the design of services.”

Andy Williamson, managing partner at The Democratic Society, said: “The Democratic Society believes in getting people involved in the decisions that affect their lives so we’re excited to be working with Wheatley on this project. We’ll help Wheatley and their customers find new ways to engage and to help Wheatley take a fresh look at how they can become better at listening to and working with their customers for the benefit of all.”

CIH Scotland executive director, Annie Mauger, added: “Engagement continues to be a hot topic in social housing circles and an area where housing practitioners are constantly striving to improve outcomes and to make engagement with customers as meaningful as possible. It’s an area where there are bound to be useful lessons we can draw from international experience. This conference provides a timely opportunity to do just that.

“CIH Scotland welcomes the opportunity to work with Wheatley Group to push the boundaries of current research into a crucially important subject for the future of the housing sector.”

The speakers at the launch event for the research, which will take place at the Wheatley Academy at 8 New Mart Road, Edinburgh, the head office of Dunedin Canmore, include: