Equality and diversity in social housing to be explored at NHF conference fringe event

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing

The work of social housing providers in promoting equality and diversity will be explored during a fringe event at the National Housing Federation conference this week.

Some registered providers have been amongst the vanguard in pushing the equality agenda, many have procedures and policies in place to ensure equal access to services for those with “protected characteristics, but what about their own employees, such as those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds (BME)? Are they represented at all levels within the organisation?

The recent 24housing Power Players list showed how not a single one of the top 50 people considered most influential was from a BME background.

To achieve the vision for a strong, modern and fair Britain and specifically address BME under-representation within the work place will require bold leadership from the top, a sector wide commitment to employ staff reflective of the communities we serve, and representation at all levels within the organisation.

This week's roundtable event in Birmingham, entitled 'The Equality Act 2010: Are you there yet?', organised by The Forum, intends to explore progress towards complying with the Act.

It is hoped that the discussion will identify the success stories and what effective compliance looks like, as well as identify challenges and how they may be overcome. National Housing Federation chief executive David Orr and Chartered Institute of Housing President Robin Lawler are among senior housing figures taking part.