Joining the Building Safety Programme Board

Lia Green has been a Phoenix resident from the very start and recently joined the Phoenix Building Safety Programme Board as a Tenant Member. Lia shares why she decided to apply as a Tenant Member on the Building Safety Programme Board and what it involves.  

I’ve always been involved with Phoenix and currently sit on the Gateway Committee, as well as on the Community Chest judging panel.  

Fire and building safety have always been at the forefront of my mind due to my own personal circumstances, so when I heard about the Building Safety Programme Board, I knew it was something I had to get involved with.  

My mother is disabled and for a while her bedroom was upstairs. It was a real concern for our family if there was ever an emergency. It wasn’t until we had adaptations made to our home and was able to move her downstairs, that I felt confident about the steps we would take in the event of a fire. It’s not just about being safe, it’s about feeling safe. 

I first found out about the Building Safety Programme when Fire Safety Consultant, David Rowson, presented to the Gateway Committee about the programme and what it involves. The session covered changes in safety legislation, personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) and the importance of resident involvement in such an important topic which affects everyone.  

It can seem like an overwhelming amount of information and I’m still learning about it through meetings, training and self-education. As a full-time working Tenant Member on the Board, I will endeavor to attend as many meetings as I can and will bring my opinions and comments towards the steps required to keep residents safe.  

I feel very passionate about ensuring residents from different types of homes are considered. It’s also important that everyone is involved and represented, whether that’s through surveys, attending an event or reading the safety information for your home.  

We’re resident-led and the opportunity is always there to have your say at a level that suits you, so please use your voice!