Bield Housing and Care has officially launched an online customer portal to improve access to a range of services and encourage independent living.

The portal, which was developed in partnership with tenants, provides 24/7 access to paying bills, reporting repairs and viewing information, was launched to mark Safer Internet Day this week.

Zhan McIntyre, head of policy and customer standards at Bield, said: “Technology is essential to the future of housing services and we need to ensure our interaction with customers meets their needs and expectations as we take our services to the next level.

“Getting tenants involved in the testing of the My Bield portal allowed us to find out exactly what they wanted to get out of the platform while making sure it was accessible and easy to use.

“Staff will continue to be contactable through more traditional methods for tenants who do not want to transfer to the digital option.”

Following a soft launch at the end of 2023, over 170 tenants have already registered on My Bield. 

Everyone will be entered into a free prize draw at the end of February for the chance to win one of two £50 shopping vouchers.

The My Bield portal forms part of Bield’s strategy to enhance customer experience and diversify methods of engagement with customers.