News

Our Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

December 5, 2024

We are proud to affirm our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ customers and communities. We have officially taken the “Pledge Promise” under the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, a commitment to support and ensure equality for LGBTQ+ individuals within our community.

What is the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge?

The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, initiated by HouseProud and the University of Surrey, alongside input from residents and sector leaders, aims to foster LGBTQ+ resident equality. This pledge addresses key findings from the intensive study, “No Place Like Home”, which identified the experiences faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in social housing.

The pledge serves as a flexible framework applicable to social housing providers of any size and location, aiming to actively promote and support the needs of LGBTQ+ residents. We believe that everyone should be able to express their identity freely and safely—a fundamental right yet not always a given reality, as recent studies have shown ongoing discrimination and safety concerns among LGBTQ+ communities.

 

Moving Forward with HouseProud:

Over the coming months, we will collaborate with HouseProud to conduct a comprehensive gap analysis. This will involve engaging with our customers, colleagues, and Board members to identify areas for improvement and implement the necessary actions to advance our support for LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

Home should be a safe place for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through this pledge, we commit to making ongoing improvements, ensuring that all our residents feel genuinely supported and valued.

Learn more about the Pledge and its goals on the HouseProud website.