City West sign up to Equality and Diversity Charter

Published by Becki Ord for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities

City West Housing Trust has signed up to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s (CIH) Equality and Diversity Charter emphasising their commitment to equality and diversity across the organisation.

The charter demonstrates that City West is committed to delivering a fair and accessible housing service which is clearly focused on outcomes for staff, customers and communities.

By signing up to the charter, City West will benefit from support from the CIH in sharing best practice with and learning from other organisations. In addition, the housing trust will receive advice and guidance from a team of experts at the CIH who can provide assistance and constructive feedback.

Steve Sheridan, Customer Board Member and Chair of City West’s Equality and Diversity Service Excellence Group, said: “We strive to be a landlord and employer of choice where people are valued and treat each other with respect.

“The Equality and Diversity Charter allows us to evidence this commitment and continually challenge our services to ensure we maintain the high standards we have set in relation to fair and equal opportunities.”

The Charter follows the introduction of initiatives that have developed equal opportunities and awareness of equality and diversity throughout City West.

City West has actively engaged staff by supporting action events such as Disability Awareness Day and World Mental Health Day which raise awareness, highlight best practice and how to deliver tailored services to customers.

Consultation events with Local Area Panels, focus groups,Salfordresidents, local agencies, other housing organisations and staff help to shape City West’s approach to embedding equality and diversity initiatives.

To complement the staff e-learning courses on equality and diversity, a series of “Lunch and Learn” events will run throughout the year.

The sessions are held to coincide with national campaigns which emphasise key messages to staff. City West recently delivered an event on transgender on International Homophobia Day with a guest speaker who is a transgender person working in the housing sector. A session on disability is also due to be held with a para-olympian guest speaker.

All City West staff attend one of the four Lunch and Learn events across the year and also complete an online course following each event which will underpin the learning from the session.

The learning events run as part of City West’s Single Equalities Scheme – Fairway, which outlines the organisations approach to equality and diversity. Fairway has been developed with staff, customers and partners. City West has carried out a great deal of work, in particular with customers with disabilities, to ensure they have been fully involved in setting up the scheme.

The scheme outlines how City West will comply with legislation and their commitment to being an inclusive, fair and supportive service provider and employer.

More information on City West’s approach to equality and diversity is available online at www.citywesthousingtrust.org.uk.