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Seven housing associations achieve new standard aimed at improving lives of LGBTQ+ residents
A group of seven social landlords have achieved accreditation to a new scheme aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQ+ residents.
The HouseProud Pledge Scheme is run by HouseProud, the UK-wide network for LGBTQ+ housing professionals which was formed in 2015.
It was created following research conducted by HouseProud and the University of Surrey which found that one third of LGBTQ+ residents felt their neighbourhood was not a safe place to live.
In response to the research, a clutch of housing associations demonstrated increased LGBTQ+ visibility in their organisations, ensured that LGBTQ+ residents can have input at strategic levels of the business and implemented staff training programmes to improve understanding of LGBTQ+ lives.
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L&Q, Network Homes, Swan, Home Group and Notting Hill Genesis were the five landlords awarded ‘Pledge Pioneer’ status for demonstrating these criteria.
Clarion and Anchor Hanover were awarded the ‘Pledge Plus’ label, which is the highest level of achievement from HouseProud.
In addition to the requirements to pioneer level, these two organisations were also able to demonstrate working with involved LGBTQ+ residents to deliver key objectives.
John Stevens, co-chair of HouseProud, said: “These first HouseProud Pledge Scheme accreditations recognise the efforts of colleagues and residents in working towards greater LGBTQ+ equality and support.
“The pledge scheme was designed to reflect key themes in the Social Housing Green Paper, including resident voice, accountability and engagement between landlords and residents.
“In total 16 organisations have so far signed up to the pledge scheme and dozens more have expressed interest, so we look forward to announcing more accreditations next year.”
