Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at PA Housing

We have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion advisory group which meets 6 times a year. It has published a policy document that sets up our approach. Here are some extracts;

PA Housing is committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and a culture that actively values difference. We recognise that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance the way we work.

​Our Equality Diversity & Inclusion Policy and the 2018-20 action plan provides for the responsibilities set out in the Equality Act 2010 and compliance with Public Sector Equality Duty 2011.

PA Housing’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion will focus on the following 10 aims:

1. A more representative board and workforce; reflecting the diverse makeup of the areas in which we operate and policies enabling employees to fulfil their potential at work.

2. Continue to encourage everyone to challenge stereotyping and discriminatory practices: within the offices and outside.

3. Colleagues continue to receive the latest national best practice and training on equality, diversity and inclusion.

4. Procurement practices ensure contractors and suppliers demonstrate through monitoring and action a genuine culture of inclusion and equality of opportunity.

5. Take a zero tolerance approach towards hate incidents and hate crime.

6. Improve our performance in ensuring customer facing policies and procedures are subject to effective equality analysis.

7. Victims and survivors of domestic abuse and serious antisocial behaviour are supported and signposted to the most appropriate agencies.

8. Customers representing the widest range of protected characteristics are encouraged to become involved in shaping services.

9. Increase awareness of diversity related safeguarding issues including extremism and radicalisation, child grooming, child sex exploitation and modern day slavery.

10. Develop working relations with more “third sector” agencies representing and supporting diverse communities and groups.

We recognise that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance the way we work. PA Housing aims to be an inclusive employer, where diversity is valued, respected and built upon, with the ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

This policy reflects PA Housing’s responsibility for equality and diversity obligations to its customers. In doing so it takes into account the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation, i.e. Care Act 2014, the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. Other issues such as hoarding, child grooming and modern day slavery are addressed under its Safeguarding policy. The tenancy agreement contains obligations which tenants must comply with regarding nuisance, antisocial behaviour and threats to staff, visitors, and contractors.

PA Housing aims to tackle discrimination or disadvantage proactively and ensure that no individual or group is directly or indirectly discriminated against for any reason with regard to employment or accessing its services.