Why Does This Website Persist?

In this blog post, I delve into the intriguing question, ‘Why is the GreenSquareAccord Resident website still up and running’? The answers might surprise you. Whilst some are glaringly obvious, while others might be less so.

The Why

The website was created by myself in response to GreenSquareAccord's refusal to acknowledge emails addressing numerous ongoing issues. It became evident that copying senior leaders and board members on these emails disrupted the status quo. By doing so, two critical problems arose for GreenSquareAccord.  First, it made it impossible for middle management to conceal statistics misaligned with their KPIs, and second, it prevented senior management from claiming ignorance of the failings. This transparency made accountability unavoidable for failing departments.

The second motivation was the realisation that the issues could not be unique to myself and my neighbours. The website sought to expose the failings across the entire GreenSquareAccord property portfolio, ensuring that the community could collectively address the challenges faced.

Another goal was to foster a supportive community for all GreenSquareAccord customers experiencing unsafe, cold, and damp living conditions. The website became a forum connecting individuals facing neglect, providing mutual support when our housing provider fell short.

The fourth objective was to counter GreenSquareAccord's false boasting. Despite their inability to provide safe, warm, and dry homes, the housing provider actively pursued awards and positioned themselves as sector leaders. The website aimed to present a narrative grounded in residents' experiences, challenging the disparity between the story and the facts.

Achievements

The website successfully kept the issues in the public eye during the Housing Ombudsman's investigation into GreenSquareAccord's failings. Through widespread sharing on social media and tagging GreenSquareAccord's CEO, Ruth Cooke, the platform ensured that leadership was aware of the persistent problems.

As the website gained traction, it uncovered a network of residents with valid issues ignored by GreenSquareAccord. The community flourished, providing a constructive space to share concerns and unite against a failing landlord. Together, we aimed to hold GreenSquareAccord accountable for failing to provide safe, warm, and dry homes.

Moreover, the website countered GreenSquareAccord's promoted false narrative. By maintaining a public presence for issues and concerns, it pushed back against the housing provider's rhetoric. 

GreenSquareAccord's silence in response only amplified the concerns, underscoring the importance of the community's voice.

Why persist with the website?

This question has grown increasingly relevant to me over time, especially as I've assumed a role I never anticipated—housing champion, advocate, or troublemaker, depending on your perspective. While juggling this new responsibility and establishing another website dedicated to bridging the provider-resident gap (HousingSector.co.uk), the GreenSquareAccord Resident website has become somewhat of a burden.

After numerous conversations with many of you, it's evident that while you endorse my efforts and the sentiments I express, you can't openly lend your support. I get it; it's a small and interconnected sector, and you may also be grappling with providing essential services to your residents.

The majority of issues raised on this site have been resolved, albeit with support from the Housing Ombudsman and online sharing. My home and my neighbours' homes are, for the most part, safe, warm, and dry (though the lift still has its occasional faults). Many ignored issues have been addressed, and it often felt like the repair team's agenda changed in response to comments made on Ruth Cooke's LinkedIn or Twitter page.

In summary, maintaining the site is time-consuming and diverts my focus from the Housing Sector site, and it has served its purpose to some extent.

So, why persist?

A primary reason to sustain the website is to uphold an unwavering spotlight on accountability. While the Housing Ombudsman's investigation exposed certain failings, the website ensures that accountability remains an ongoing process. Documenting real-time issues and sharing them across platforms prevents them from being swept under the rug, making transparency a crucial tool in holding GreenSquareAccord consistently accountable for its residents' well-being.

Beyond individual cases, the website serves as a critical tool for addressing systemic issues within GreenSquareAccord. Discovering a network of residents facing similar problems highlights the pervasive nature of these challenges. By keeping the website active, we continue to shed light on systemic failures, fostering a collective effort for meaningful change.

The false narrative persists, and so does the need to challenge it. By consistently presenting the reality faced by residents, the website acts as a counterforce against misleading claims. Silence on their part is met with a resounding chorus of resident voices, emphasising the stark contrast between the marketed image and lived experiences.

The website is more than a platform for grievances; it's a virtual community where residents unite for support and shared goals. Sustaining the website ensures that this community remains intact, providing a space for strength, shared experiences, and a collective strive for better living conditions.

The ultimate goal remains unchanged, to advocate for safe, warm, and dry homes for all residents. The website serves as a powerful advocacy tool, keeping pressure on GreenSquareAccord for improvements. Sustaining the platform ensures the advocacy continues until tangible changes are realised.

In essence, keeping the website operational is a commitment to accountability, community, transparency, and the pursuit of better living standards for all GreenSquareAccord residents. It's not just about maintaining an online presence; it's about a journey that continues until residents can truly call their homes safe, warm, and dry.

Despite often not updating content, the website retains its visibility on search engines with over 31k page views from 13k visitors. GreenSquareAccord's adamant stance on taking the site down alone justifies its continuation. Having offered them the chance to take over the site, an offer they ignored in favour of legal action, and facing off again in court later this month, it's clear that Ruth Cooke and her team are not fully embracing transparency or accountability. With many team members failing to embody the promoted 'GSA Way,' as such this site still holds its relevance.

The Road Ahead

While residents continue to experience shortcomings from our provider, there arises an opportunity to trial a new tool. Invitations will be dispatched later this month to enlist early adopters for this innovative venture.

The aspiration is for this new tool to serve as a catalyst, fostering collaboration between residents and providers. I am optimistic that many providers will embrace the insights it offers, while some may attempt to impede the sharing of issues.

Considering that the most popular Google search keywords that drives visitors to the site include variations of GreenSquareAccord along with "Complaint," it is evident that there is an ongoing need for a website that can provide support for those whom GreenSquareAccord has not adequately addressed.

A platform established to assist residents and concurrently contribute to Ruth Cooke's goal of establishing a resident-centric, transparent, and committed housing provider remains more relevant than ever.

With this in mind, it appears that the website still holds its place, serves a purpose, and addresses a pressing need.  And that is why I’m going to keep it going. Besides, I’ve got ‘skin in the game’ this is my home.