We want to understand the richness of that difference and the unique perspectives that our shared diversity contributes to our daily lives so that we can best serve the communities and people we work for. We know that we’re not there yet – but we can see where we want to be – and we want to continue our journey to get our culture and services right for everyone – and we all play a key role in making this happen for each other.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is essential to what we do at Southern Housing and our EDI policy provides the detail on what this means.
We value difference and the perspectives and contributions of our colleagues, residents and partners. This feeds into everything we do and who we are.
We want it to become part of our DNA and a key part of our commitment is achievement, impact and change.
We have set ourselves aims and targets as outlined in our EDI action plan to ensure that we make progress on our journey.
When we talk about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) this is what we mean:
This is about ensuring ‘equality of opportunity’, it doesn’t mean we treat
everyone the same but that we recognise difference and treat everyone fairly,
including making adjustments to meet different needs to achieve the same outcome.
This is about who and what we are – the complex mix of our people and
communities. We know that diversity of thought and perspective makes us stronger, creates innovation, shapes evidence led decisions and above all creates welcoming environments both at work and in our resident’s homes and communities.
This is about ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected. It is a
culture in which people feel welcome, comfortable and confident to be themselves and importantly that they feel safe and appreciated.
Our governance structure, co-created with our organisational EDI and network group leads, is designed to nurture a culture of maturity, independence and ownership of organisational Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
This includes the EDI Steering Group and Inclusion in Action Group.
The structure is formed of staff and residents. Find out more about how you can get involved as a resident.
Get involvedOur groups provide a safe space where colleagues can meet, connect, interact, share experiences, speak up and have some fun.
Their purpose is to raise awareness through various activities, support one another, signpost to available resources, challenge inequalities, contribute positively and make an impact on business decisions by suggesting solutions and innovative approaches that champion inclusion for everyone.
We currently have six EDI Network Groups:
- REACH (ethnically diverse) Network
- PROUD (LGBTQ+) Network
- Women@Work Network
- Diverse Ability (Disability) Network
- Multi-Faith Network
- Parents & Carers Together Network
Each network has a Chair and Co-Chair and is sponsored by an Executive Director, with support from the Leadership Team, People and Culture Team and the Wellbeing Matters Group.
We're committed to ensure that all our strategies, policies, functions and services comply with the statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010.
Our Equality Impact Assessment process ensures we follow best practice when carrying out screening assessments.
We are an active member of Inclusive Employers, who are experts in workplace inclusion.
As well as providing access to advice and guidance, they have supported us to launch our Inclusion Allies Programme. The four-week programme is designed to empower colleagues to act in allyship for marginalised groups.
We are also members of:
We support all our colleagues with disabilities and health conditions, making reasonable adjustments and ensuring everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Disability Confident Employer SchemeOur partnership with Henpicked, ensures we can carry out our commitment to providing a menopause-friendly work environment.
We are able to provide resources as well as workshops to colleagues, and are aiming to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap Reports
Our aim is to be reflective of the diverse communities we serve. It is important that we are inclusive, responsive and ensure pay and progression in the workplace is fair for all.
Read our reportsOur news
All Articles
