Why representation matters in our housing sector

CIH Board trustee Ria Bailes explores why fostering a culture of EDI enables us to build better relationships and better business models. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is about actively valuing every person as an individual and making sure that every voice is heard. By fostering a culture of EDI, organisations can genuinely represent the people they support; make decisions based on shared understanding, open doors to a broader pool of talent and enable access to unique skills and unique perspectives. Put simply, EDI is good for business.

As a specialist in business performance and growth, I was recruited to the governing board of the Chartered Institute of Housing as a trustee in 2023. I’m also a member of its GERN (governance, ethics remuneration and nominations) committee and I have recently been appointed as governing board link to CIH’s new EDI Board.

On EDI, CIH has acknowledged from the outset that as the UK’s biggest professional housing network it can and must do better. Our members work every day to tackle inequalities by providing safe, affordable homes for people across the UK. However, despite offering housing to distinct and diverse communities, the services and staff in our housing sector do not always reflect the needs of tenants. If we are serious about adopting and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in the delivery of its services, we must do more to attract and support a workforce that represents the communities that it supports.

Which is why CIH is working hard to ensure EDI is at the heart of its culture and its success.

The Chartered Institute of Housing has just published its latest EDI census report, which reveals that its membership is predominantly female, significantly more LGBTGI+ than the wider UK population, and also has a greater BAME representation than the UK population. Its membership is older than the general population, there’s not enough representation from the under 30s, and there’s a high number (31 per cent) who have caring responsibilities for dependent children.

This report allows us to see where our membership might not be representative of the wider population, so it can consider how it can build a more inclusive membership and a more inclusive housing sector as a whole.

Additionally, the new CIH EDI Board will be responsible for driving the strategic leadership we need in the housing sector and challenge both the institute and the wider sector on their responsibilities to champion and respond to the opportunities from EDI. We will continue to build on the following initiatives:

• EDI training for all CIH staff
• Sector leading EDI sessions and events, online and in-person
• Policies and procedures that ensure that all aspects of its work are inclusive.

To support everyone working in the housing sector, CIH has developed an EDI framework which has been designed for landlords and housing professionals to use. It compliments CIH’s professional standards and helps direct towards the steps that each and every one of us can take to champion and improve EDI in our organisations. It sets out a series of commitments underpinned by a range of outcomes – and provides a guide for organisations and individuals to assess where they are now and where they aspire to be with regards to EDI practice.

Being more aware of and proactive about the diversity of customers will ensure housing organisations can provide services that meet the needs and aspirations of all tenants. Together we can ensure we represent an inclusive housing sector that acts transparently and fairly; builds good relationships; and works collaboratively with tenants, partners, customers and communities to achieve better outcomes.

So yes, representation matters. Having that recognised as a universal truth is a step forward but let’s ensure that we maintain representation as a priority and that we make it meaningful.

Download the EDI Census Result Report 2024

Read CIH Scotland director Callum Chomczuk’s blog on championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the housing profession.