We are committed to ensuring our people are at the heart of all we do. We’re interested in you, because you’re you. We welcome and respect diversity – the more diverse we are, the more ideas we have and the better we understand and support our customers, communities and colleagues and can truly enhance the everyday.

We want you to thrive here, in a place where our people feel trusted, empowered, safe and supported and can truly be themselves.

We embrace diversity and strive to create conditions that provide everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive. We offer several programmes and initiatives to foster these values.

In 2023, we were awarded with the Race Equality Matters Bronze Trailblazer Status. Designed to recognise organisations driving meaningful change in the race equality sphere, REM Trailblazer status is determined by an independent panel of experts, all with lived experience of race inequality in the workplace. Becoming a Trailblazer means the work we have done has resulted in change and made an impact across the breadth of the entire organisation, a step that aims to successfully address racial inequality and become a more diverse, inclusive and equal organisation.

Ethnically diverse guaranteed interview scheme

We know applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds may have experienced additional barriers when applying for a new role, particularly at a manager or senior level.

What is the scheme?

We are taking positive action to address an under representation within our senior level roles.  We’re offering internal and external candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds a guaranteed interview for any manager and above level role and/or any role with a salary of £35,000 and above, if they meet the minimum criteria for that role.

What must I do to take part in the scheme?

In order to secure an interview, you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. You should take time to evidence that you meet each of the essential criteria in any application form and/or CV.

If you are an applicant from an ethnically diverse background and would like to be considered under this new scheme you must indicate this by selecting the relevant tick box on the Equal Opportunities section of the application form ‘Ethnically Diverse Guarantee interview Scheme’ By doing this you are giving consent for us to disclose that you are from an ethnically diverse background to the recruiting manager.  If you do not select this box, we will not share this, and so will be unable to guarantee you an interview even if you meet the minimum criteria.  Your application will be considered alongside all other applications.

It is important to note that this scheme guarantees an interview for manager and above level roles for ethnically diverse candidates who meet the minimum criteria.  The selection decision at interview will be based on the most suitable candidate for the role regardless of background or protected characteristic.

Our hiring managers are encouraged and trained to recruit based on potential and not only previous experience.

GEM

We are a member of the GEM programme which is a tailored scheme specifically designed to turn graduates into future housing sector leaders. With well-established links with the Chartered institute of Housing, International Housing Partnership and Government departments, The GEM Programme offers a wide range of jobs and intensive learning experiences in the housing sector across the country and even internationally!

We encourage and applications from all backgrounds, giving all colleagues the opportunity to enhance their professional development and breakdown any barriers when applying to training or looking development opportunities.

Housing Diversity Network

We work closely with the Housing Diversity Network to provide opportunities for colleagues to engage with and be mentored by experienced professionals, to develop their relationships across the sector developing good practice and understanding of the industry and to continue building their personal development.

A range of opportunities

We don’t stop there. We support our people every day so they can be themselves. We want you to thrive and help us in Enhancing the everyday for our customers, colleagues and yourself.

Our colleague support groups are there to help everyone thrive, making sure there is someone to listen, a place to make change and to represent everyone. Just some of the support we offer includes:

• Our four staff support groups – representing all of our diverse communities.
  • EMpower for our ethnically diverse colleagues
  • Enable for colleagues experiencing short or long-term disability or illness
  • Pride for our LGBTQIA+ colleagues
  • WiSH Women in Social Housing for all colleagues and providing a safe space for women to meet.
• Peer support groups – run by colleagues for colleagues.
• Ambassador groups – the voice for colleagues and living our values.

Need support?

For tips on completing the application form and more information on our shortlisting process please see the ‘Tips for Applying’ document attached to the job advert. If you have any questions on this or would like feedback on your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [email protected] 

What else are we doing to improve our diversity?

Our staff groups work closely with colleagues, Peoples Services and Equality Diversity and Inclusion teams to make important changes and create new opportunities, we have a three-year ED&I strategy in place to continuously improve representation and create a fully inclusive workplace. We want to make a real difference to the experience our colleagues have when they come to work, especially when it comes to learning and progression. For more exciting updates on the actions we are taking, please follow our social media pages and look for updates on our website.