How we developed new guidance on the Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs)

At Manningham Housing Association (MHA), we are fully committed to providing our tenants with as much information as possible, so they know how we operate and how we want to keep them safe in their homes and their properties in tip-top condition. 

As such, we welcome the Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) transparency standards brought forward by the government to give tenants more rights to access information about how their homes and services are managed. 

That said, when information on STAIRs was first released, there was a degree of uncertainty amongst our internal teams at MHA over precisely what content organisations in our sector should publish under each category of the new scheme.

So, when we were approached by the National Housing Federation (NHF) to join the STAIRs working group, we thought it was a great opportunity to come together with external colleagues to understand STAIRs in more detail and offer MHA’s considered thoughts on how best to shape the guidance and policy.

All group members were given the chance to review and comment on several versions of the draft guidance and draft model policy. Feedback included simplifying language, ensuring the guidance and policy was applicable to our sector, and provide our views on potential different versions of documents that may be published. Discussions included incorporating basic explanations and examples throughout the guidance to ensure the content is easy to understand for STAIR’s leads or staff assisting with STAIR’s requests.

There was a shared view that, for smaller organisations, STAIRs could feel a little overwhelming. However, being party to the STAIRs working group enabled me, as MHA’s STAIR’s lead and Data Privacy Manager, to fully appreciate concerns raised by other members of the group. I was also able to take on board their personal perspectives and understanding of what is required of all organisations within the sector, regardless of size.

I would strongly encourage STAIRs leads, and data protection and governance professionals, to download a free copy of the guidance and policy – expertly written by Anthony Collins – from the NHF website, as the model policy can be easily adopted and/or adapted by housing organisations of all scales.

In my view, having spent many hours analysing and discussing its contents – internally at MHA and with working group colleagues – the model scheme specifies what should be published. Furthermore, the guidance serves as a highly valuable tool for STAIRs leads and staff with responsibility for the collation and publication of data.

The document outlines the requirements for information release, publication, accessibility and comprehension of data from a tenant's perspective. It also addresses procedures for redacting or withholding data; differentiates between STAIRs, data subject access requests, and Freedom of Information exemptions; and details the process for informing tenants about STAIRs and responding to STAIRs requests.

Change within our sector is always a challenge but, for me, STAIRs also presents a gilt-edged opportunity for housing organisations to serve the needs of their tenants better than ever before. By using this guidance document, that is the positive attitude MHA will adopt.