We believe that diversity and inclusion are key in creating a thriving workplace culture where everyone feels welcomed and respected. That belief is more than just a goal – it’s the very fabric of our Group culture.
We are proud to announce that our dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community has been recognised, with not one, but two prestigious accreditations. We’ve successfully renewed the Navajo Charter Mark and, for the first time, achieved the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge – Pioneer Status!
These frameworks will help to support current employees and future generations, promoting a more inclusive and respectful workplace whilst creating an understanding of our customers diverse identities.
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The Navajo Charter Mark
First secured in 2021, the Navajo Charter Mark reflects our good practices, deep commitment and understanding of the specific needs, issues and barriers faced by the LGBTQIA+ community,
Our partnership with the Navajo Merseyside & Cheshire LGBTQIA+ Charter Mark supports us to:
- Ensure our services and spaces are welcoming, so every customer feels comfortable and confident
- Remain informed on all legal frameworks to guarantee we always meet our obligations
- Identify and address any difficulties in meeting the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring we provide the best possible support
The Navajo assessors commented:
“It was the easiest assessment we have been involved in because colleagues spoke from the heart. It’s not just a tick-box exercise – the Group demonstrates clear and accountable governance with significant senior leadership investment.”
Achieving Pioneer Status:
To be awarded Pioneer Status by the LGBTQIA+ Housing Pledge is an extraordinary achievement that further demonstrates our dedication to creating inclusive, welcoming communities where all customers feel respected and valued.
The Pledge was established after the vital ‘No Place Like Home’ research revealed themes like a lack of safety and belonging for LGBTQIA+ social housing residents.
Securing Pioneer status showcases how we are actively addressing this by:
- Creating a robust framework for LGBTQIA+ residents to have a direct voice at the highest level of the organisation
- Improving relationships with customers and increasing LGBTQIA+ visibility across our communities
- Providing bespoke, targeted training for our colleagues
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge assessors praised our efforts, noting:
“The EDI Resident Group is clearly playing an active role in shaping services, and it’s clear there are structures in place for LGBTQIA+ voices to feed into strategic decision-making. The Group supports LGBTQ+ charities, attends/host events like Pride and partners with organisations like Sahir House, demonstrating genuine commitment and strong organisational buy-in.”
Want to learn more?
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is a journey, not a destination. Dive deeper into our efforts by reading our latest EDI report.