Beyond Housing

02/08/22

The National Centre for Diversity has recognised Beyond Housing as part of its Investors in Diversity accreditation.

The housing association provider undertook an audit of its culture and created an action plan based on the centres FREDIE model: Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement.

Following an independent assessment, Beyond Housing was awarded the accreditation, which lasts 24 months.

The report from National Centre for Diversity said: “Beyond Housing’s approach provides safe and suitable housing for its customers and enables vulnerable people to live in a good home with the right support to put them on the path to employment, community integration and independent living.”

It also said: “In focus groups, there were women in roles traditionally held by men. Their success could helpfully be used in case studies to highlight opportunities in non - traditional areas. Similarly, in roles which are heavily dominated by women, thought could be given to any barriers (including perceptual) in men applying for and occupying these positions.”

Quotes from people in the report included:

• “I’m proud of our work on gender equality. Earlier surveys gave this a lower score, for example in relation to pay gaps. I think this has now been embedded, for example, women in senior leadership.”
• “We have the ‘clean slate’ programme in relation to people who have criminal convictions. If their skills are suitable, we don’t hold it against them.”
• “We have gone beyond gender and also monitor ethnicity as part of our pay gap work.”

Rosemary Du Rose, Chief Executive of Beyond Housing said: “Culture is incredibly important at Beyond Housing, and it is imperative that every colleague and customer feels included, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion or disabilities.

“We are delighted to have achieved this prestigious accreditation, as it demonstrates our commitment to being a diverse employer and a supportive and caring housing provider.

“We appreciate that there is still work to do, and we thank the team at the National Centre for Diversity for its support in developing a robust action plan, so that we can keep evolving as an organisation.

“The world is changing, and we want to ensure that everyone we interact with feels included by our policies and culture.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BEYOND HOUSING

CONTACT: Josh Mason on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Beyond Housing is one of the largest registered housing providers in the North East and North Yorkshire. With its regional offices in Redcar and Scarborough, the organisation is responsible for the letting, management and maintenance of over 15,000 homes across the North East and North Yorkshire.

Beyond Housing is committed to going beyond the bricks and mortar to help its communities and region thrive. By providing quality homes people want to live in alongside valuable additional services delivered by passionate people who want to help, Beyond Housing contributes to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of its communities, creating neighbourhoods that will flourish well into the future.

Beyond Housing is a Community Benefit Society registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 and regulated by both the Homes and Communities Agency and the Financial Conduct Authority.

For more information visit beyondhousing.co.uk.

Find Beyond Housing on social media:

Facebook: BeyondHousingUK

Twitter: @beyondhousinguk