Community and neighbourhood issues

Purpose of customer development

The aim of customer development is to make it quicker and easier for customers to interact with the council while also freeing up valuable resources.

How we do this

We work alongside the Customer Technology team to examine council services and identify how they can be improved. Often this is through the introduction of new technology, which enables our processes to be quicker and easier.

Any change made to a service is guided by our research into both customer and staff needs, so we greatly appreciate those who sign up to provide feedback.

How you can get involved

To get involved, fill out our short survey and we’ll add you to the Customer Development volunteer database. 

We’ll seek your opinion as we evaluate council processes, and you may even be first to trial new council services.

Sign up to our volunteer database 

Our Customer Development team carry out research projects to improve the experience our customers have when interacting with the council. 

A vital part of this research is gathering feedback from the public.

So, we’re looking for volunteers who would be happy to share their views.

We are looking for volunteers to deliver a new parenting programme called Empowering Parents Empowering Communities (EPEC) to other parents and carers in your community.

Empowering Parents Empowering Communities (EPEC) courses helps parents and carers to learn how to:

• use a range of positive parenting skills
• better understand their children's feelings
• listen, communicate, and interact more effectively
• nurture closer, warmer parent-child relationships
• develop more resilient families.

EPEC courses consist of 8 two-hour sessions facilitated by two trained and accredited Parent Group Leaders.

Each course session is interactive and involves a blend of small and large group discussions, role play, demonstrations, information sharing and reflection.

Parents get to practice and use new skills in everyday life to achieve specific goals.

You can become a Parent Group Leader if you: 

• are over eighteen
• a parent, carer, or someone with recent experience of parenting
• would like to help other parents in your local community.

Parent Group Leaders deliver the EPEC courses locally to small groups of parents of 2 to 11 years olds to help them:

• become more confident parents
• develop their parenting skills
• increase their understanding of positive parenting.

As a Parent Group Leader, you can help other families with:

• attachment and parent-child relationships
• understanding and managing children's feelings and parents' emotional regulation
• parenting roles, expectations, and culture
• parent listening, communication, play and interaction skills
• positive behaviour management and discipline strategies
• managing parent and family stress.

If you'd like to know more about volunteering for the EPEC programme first, you can get in touch by 

• email at epeclinwood@gmail.com
• phone on 01505 331931.

You can apply online to become a Parent Group Leader volunteer on the Engage Renfrewshire website.

What training you will get

We will give you training and accreditation to become a Parent Group Leader. You will get comprehensive training and ongoing supervision and support.

The training is delivered one day a week for 10 weeks.

We will arrange the training days to suit parents and carers who volunteer. We can also arrange the training at evenings or weekends for people who work during the week.

We will also provide you with free childcare if you need it during the training.

Fairtrade in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire Council is proud to support Fairtrade across Renfrewshire, in partnership with a range of local organisations. We are fully committed to fairness and sustainability both at home and abroad.

Renfrewshire first achieved Fairtrade Zone status in 2009, after a campaign led by Renfrewshire Council and involving local Fairtrade groups, schools, churches, and businesses.

Local campaigning continues to increase awareness of fair trade within Renfrewshire and support the ongoing accreditation of the area's Fairtrade Community status. 

Renfrewshire's current Fairtrade Community status runs until November 2026. 

Towns and schools in Renfrewshire are encouraged to earn Fairtrade status through the Fairtrade Communities and Fairtrade Schools awards.

If you would like more information about campaigning in Renfrewshire, contact us on fairtrade@renfrewshire.gov.uk and we’ll put you in touch with local campaigners.

Fairtrade in schools

We encourage schools to become Fairtrade Schools.

Becoming a Fairtrade School means joining a worldwide movement where young people learn that whatever their age, they have the power to make a difference in the world.

It’s an opportunity to look at global issues such as where our food comes from or how we are connected to people around the world. 

Students can learn about:

• different countries and cultures
• the economics of international trade
• the importance of social responsibility.

They can also learn a range of skills like:

• teamwork and co-operation
• persuasive writing
• running a stall or tuck shop.

Fairtrade School status 

Fairtrade School status is awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation.

There are three stages to becoming a Fairtrade School:

• FairAware
• FairActive 
• FairAchiever (equivalent to previous Fairtrade Schools award) 

Each of these three stages will help your school learn about Fairtrade and get pupils actively involved in the promotion and awareness of Fairtrade.

Teaching about Fairtrade also fits different curriculum areas, especially Geography, Citizenship and PSHE.

You can find out about becoming a Fairtrade school or find teaching resources on the Fairtrade website.

Other Fairtrade organisations

The Fairtrade Foundation

Fairtrade Foundation is the independent non-profit organisation that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products in the UK in accordance with internationally agreed Fairtrade standards.

Fairtrade Foundation website

Scottish Fair Trade

The Scottish Fair Trade brings together Fairtrade campaigners, Scotland-based NGOs and the Scottish Government, to promote Fair Trade across Scotland and maintain Scotland's status as a Fairtrade Nation. 

Scottish Fairtrade website

Scottish Government International Development

The Scottish Government has provided funding for Scottish Fair Trade since 2010, to support and promote fair trade in Scotland, with the aim of achieving and maintaining Fair Trade Nation status.

You can read more about fairtrade, global solidarity and citizenship in the Scottish Government’s International Development policy.

International Development policy on gov.scot

Global Goals for Sustainable Development in Scotland

SDG Network Scotland is an open coalition in Scotland. They’re for anyone committed to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Scotland, which was one of the first nations to sign up to the Goals. 

SDG Network Scotland website

World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO)

The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) is a global authority on Fair Trade and a guardian of Fairtrade values and principles. It’s the home of fair traders including producers, marketers, exporters, importers, wholesalers, and retailers that demonstrate 100% commitment to Fair Trade and apply the 10 WFTO Principles of Fair Trade to their supply chain. 

World Fair Trade Organisation website

Rainbow Turtle

Rainbow Turtle is Renfrewshire's only dedicated Fair Trade shop. The Rainbow Turtle volunteers support schools, businesses, and community groups to sell or serve Fairtrade goods at events or via their tuck shops and canteens. It also offers a range of educational resources.

Rainbow Turtle website

True Origin

True Origin is a Fairtrade import and wholesale company owned by the charitable Balmore Trust. It has helped establish supply chains for hundreds of Fairtrade products securing much needed employment in developing countries. Based in Renfrewshire, True Origin is turning around the fortunes of farmers in Malawi through its 90kg Rice Challenge. Get your challenge underway.

True Origin website

Fairtrade helps producers, farmers, and workers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions, fair pay, and sustainable working environments.

With simple shopping choices you can get them a better deal - meaning they can make their own decisions, control their futures, and lead the dignified life everyone deserves.

Products with the Fairtrade mark are guaranteed to have:

• minimum price paid to cover the cost of sustainable production
• a Fairtrade Premium - an additional sum of money which goes into a communal fund for workers and farmers to use to improve their communities.

Our DigiZones provide free access to digital skills support, internet, and digital devices for people in Renfrewshire.

Organisations across Renfrewshire can apply to become part of our growing network of DigiZones and support local communities.

By joining, you can:

• help tackle digital exclusion and support people to get online
• promote the digital services you already offer
• join a network of organisations working together across Renfrewshire
• access resources, branding and promotional materials
• connect with partners and share learning and good practice.

Our DigiZones have seen:

• over 161,000 visits
• more than 47,000 public devices accessed
• nearly 91,000 public Wi-Fi sessions accessed.

Any organisation based in Renfrewshire can apply to become a DigiZone.

This includes:

• community groups, charities, and voluntary organisations
• libraries and community hubs
• schools, colleges, and learning providers
• housing associations and public sector organisations
• businesses and social enterprises.

Your venue must offer at least 1 of the following:

• free internet access
• free access to devices
• free digital skills or online safety support.

Apply online to become a DigiZone

We’ll ask you to provide:

• information about your organisation
• details of your venue
• information about the digital support you currently offer.

Your application will be reviewed by members of the DigiZones Sub-Group.

Contact us

If you have any questions about DigiZones or about becoming a DigiZone, contact us by:

• email: digital-inclusion@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Where to find a DigiZone

There are 22 DigiZones across Renfrewshire:

You can find DigiZones at:

DigiZones may operate at different times. You should contact the DigiZone in advance of visiting.

While we try to evaluate the suitability of DigiZones for digital inclusion, we are not responsible for the delivery of services either offered or delivered from each DigiZone.

Apply to become a DigiZone

Organisations in Renfrewshire can apply to become part of our growing network of DigiZones and support local communities.

Find out how you can apply to become a DigiZone.

DigiZones are places in Renfrewshire where you can get free help and support to get online.

At a DigiZone, you can get:

• internet access
• digital skills support 
• helpful advice
• digital devices to use, such as a laptop, PC, or tablet.

DigiZones raise awareness of the digital supports available to everyone and help promote digital and data inclusion in Renfrewshire.

DigiZones are funded by Renfrewshire Council and supported by OneRen and Active Communities. 

We use icons to show what access and support is available at a DigiZone.

You can see the icons on stickers and posters in DigiZones. 

You can bring your own device to a DigiZone but you should contact a DigiZone to check what support it offers before you visit.

Some DigiZones may be restricted to particular groups, such as young people, older adults, or customers of the DigiZone. 

If you're looking for support for a young person or someone with additional needs, you should contact the venue to check their support and safeguarding arrangements.

Research

It is important to research any historic information relevant to the building that can provide details of original design and materials. 

Photographic archive records are a useful source of information and may be available from the Renfrewshire Heritage Centre.

Small scale works

If the proposed work is very small scale, for example renewal of timber windows or painting works, then you may prefer to organise and administer the project yourself. 

You should aim to get competitive quotes from 3 separate contractors, but where this has not been possible 1 or 2 quotes will be accepted. 

You should also confirm what consents are required for all repairs with our Development Standards team. You can email them at dc@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 0144.

If you’re obtaining the quotes from contractors yourself, you should make sure that you give each one the same information, so that you can compare the quotes fairly. 

If possible, get recommendations from someone who has had similar work carried. Ask contractors or builders for references and check these out. 

If you’re a qualified and experienced professional, you can do the work yourself provided we approve your plans. However, you can’t use the grant to pay your own professional fees.

Consultants and professional advisors

For larger and more complex repair projects, you need to get professional advice from a qualified architect, or a surveyor with relevant conservation experience, before you apply for the grant. 

Professional advisors must be members of a recognised professional body. For listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas, they should ideally have an accreditation in conservation.

You can find a: 

• list of architects and conservation accredited architects in Scotland on the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) website 
• register of accredited building conservation surveyors on the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland (RICS) website

You will need a professional advisor for:

• all projects with a total value over £8,000
• projects with a value of £8,000 or less with significant design elements.

Your professional advisor will guide you through the construction process including: 

• surveys and condition report
• research, analysis, and archaeological investigation of the fabric
• developing detailed drawings or specifications for the project
• submitting drawings for consents such as planning, listed building consent, or building warrants
• advice for other professionals involved with the work, like, structural engineers or quantity surveyors
• preparation of information required to tender the project
• inviting tenders from suitable contractors and preparing a tender report
• advising on an appropriate form of building contract 
• contract administration and inspection or valuation of the works on site
• liaising with funding partners
• advising on health and safety
• liaising with the principal designer in accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (Health and Safety Executive website).

We’ll let you know when you apply if you need a professional advisor.

To use the grant towards professional fees, you should aim to get 3 competitive fee bids from suitably qualified professionals. 

You can choose not to use the lowest quote. However, the difference between this quote and the lowest quote will not be funded. 

Contractors 

Your project should be carried out by a competent contractor with relevant experience. They should have experience of working in older and historic buildings and be a member of an appropriate trade association or registration body. Ask your professional advisor for recommendations for suitable contractors.

You should aim to get at least three tenders or quotes for the proposed work. We recommended you get quotes from at least four or five contractors in case some do not submit. 

The contractor will submit a price based on tender information from your professional advisor and any other professionals, such as a quantity surveyor. This information should include:

• specifications, which can include drawings
• bills of quantities on larger projects. 

You will need a tender report from your professional advisor for projects over £8,000. 

If we approve it, you can accept your contractor’s quotation and agree a date to start works on site following the completion of the grant award process. Your professional advisor should help you set up a contract appropriate for the size of your project.

You should also be aware that as a client you have duties for health and safety under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (Health and Safety Executive website).

Quotes for costs

You should list all the items clearly in each quote so we can compare them. You might find it useful to prepare a scope of works for potential contractors when you are asking them for quotes.

If you are getting quotes for different types of work in your repair plan, you should aim for 3 quotes for each type of work.

For example:

• up to 3 separate quotes for roofing
• up to 3 separate quotes for stonemasonry 
• up to 3 separate quotes for carpentry.

Make sure your quotes are from legitimate contractors or suppliers with the necessary specialist skills. Where possible, get quotes from local contractors based in Renfrewshire.

Planning consents and building warrants

Before you start works on your property, you will need to check if you need planning consent and a building warrant. 

If your property is listed, you may also need Listed Building consent (which may need to be referred to Historic Environment Scotland). If your property is in Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir or Houston you may need Conservation Area consent.

You can apply for the grant even if your planning permission application is in progress, however you will need to give us written confirmation that it’s been granted, or that it’s not required, before we can award you the grant.

It can take several months for planning consent or building warrants to be processed. 

We recommend you get advice on your proposal about:

• planning consent from the Development Management team at dc@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 0144.
• building standards, listed buildings and conservation areas from the Building Standards team at bc@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 0300 300 0144.

Scale drawings

You do not need to submit scale drawings for a small grant application, but it may help support your submission. 

For a standard grant application, you should submit scale drawings if you can.

If submitting drawings, they must:

• be to scale and include relevant plans, elevations, and cross-sections to best explain the scope of works
• make clear what work will be done and correspond to the specification of works, and quotes for the work.

A professional advisor can help prepare drawings for you.

Owner and leaseholder details

You must include evidence of who owns the property, or a formal lease, with your application.

If you lease the property, you must also have written permission from the owner to do the proposed works.

If you’re a shared owner, you’ll need to nominate one person to apply on behalf of all the shared owners.

You’ll also need the contact details of each shared owner for the application including their name, address (floor or flat number in the building), phone number, and email address.

The nominated person could be your factor or property manager.

Other guidance on repairs and maintenance

You can find other guidance and information on repairing and maintaining historic buildings, including:

• our guide to development in conservation areas
• help with essential repairs to tenement buildings
• advice on repairing traditional buildings from Historic Environment Scotland
• publications from Historic Environment Scotland including conservation guidance leaflets
• common repair and retrofit support for tenement owners on the Under One Roof website.

Before you apply for a repairs grant, make sure you have read the guidance below on:

• research
• small scale works
• consultants and professional advisors
• contractors 
• quotes for costs
• planning consents and building warrants
• scale drawings
• owner and leaseholder details
• other guidance on repairs and maintenance.