Access to information

Tenants have a right to look at their individual files held by the Association. Any information provided by other organisations in confidence will not be available for inspection neither will information included on the file that relates to someone else.

“Files” include both paper and computer files. Any tenant wishing to view their records must give at least 24 hours notice, however where possible we will try to provide immediate access. We will ask for proof of identity before showing anyone files.

Confidentiality

All information held on both paper and computer files relating to tenants is confidential. The information we hold can often include sensitive details including medical, financial or personal information. Most of this information is provided by tenants, or in support of tenants and is given voluntarily and expected to remain confidential.

Reports to the Board of Management or information provided to other organisations will be anonymous. All information relating to tenants and applicants that is processed and stored on our computer system is protected by the Data Protection Act 1984. Under this act we are obliged to disclose information, on request, to the Police, Local Authority and Department of Social Security

Requests for information from any other organisation will be treated differently, and either the Housing Officer or Housing Manager will restrict the access to information.

We do not automatically pass on a forwarding address when a tenant leaves, instead we will forward mail if an address is known.

Equal Opportunities

We have an equal opportunities statement which is as follows:

‘Rhondda Housing Association aims to be recognised as an equal opportunities organisation and will ensure fair, just and lawful treatment to all potential employees, employees, clients and any other person(s) it has a connection with. We will not discriminate or disadvantage any individual on any basis which is unfair, unjust or unlawful on grounds such as gender, marital status, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. We will continuously concentrate on creating and maintaining a workforce and a service which is free of discrimination and harassment and is representative of our culturally diverse community.’

If you would like further information, please contact your Housing Officer for a complete copy of the Association’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

We hope that you will not have any complaints about the service that we provide but we also recognise that sometimes we make mistakes.