The importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within the social housing sector in Kent and Medway has been underlined with the successful launch of a KHG sub group.
The initiative is as a result of a partnership between the Kent Housing Group (KHG) and the Housing Diversity Network (HDN). The sub group is a safe space to discuss actions and share good practice, learning and ideas to address EDI issues across member organisations of KHG.
A recent meeting received a presentation from Stonewall Housing on LGBTQ+ housing experiences. Future presentations are planned on gypsy, Roma and traveller communities, the Armed Forces Covenant and Allyship – the lifelong process of people developing relationships and building empathy with marginalised groups to better understand their challenges and issues.
KHG is an associate member of the Housing Diversity Network, which acts in an advisory role to the EDI sub group. Any KHG member organisation that has not yet joined (the EDI sub group is only for KHG members) should email sharon.irvine@ashford.gov.uk
Mushtaq Khan, the CEO of HDN, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Kent’s housing bodies to become more inclusive organisations. We know that there are some things that organisations can do themselves, but having a collaborative regional approach can help embed some real changes across the sector.”
KHG Chair Brian Horton said: “I’m very proud that KHG has committed to working collectively to improve equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels across our membership organisations and for their service users across Kent and Medway; turning rhetoric into reality. This sub group intends to promote and integrate the principles of EDI to improve policies, practice, services and outcomes for all communities across Kent and Medway.”
EDI sub group Chair Louise Humphreys of mhs homes said: ““I’m excited to be chairing this new sub group. Together we’re striving to build stronger, more equal communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. With the help of HDN we will be working on the way we shape and deliver customer services, recruitment and training, and how we engage with the diverse communities we serve.”
Find out more here: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub Group – Kent Housing Group