South Lakes Housing – EDI Audit

Positive About Inclusion was commissioned by South Lakes Housing (SLH) to complete an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Audit. South Lakes Housing maintain approx. 3,800 homes across South Cumbria, North Lancashire and parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With a strong commitment to embedding EDI across the business, we worked with SLH to establish an in-depth understanding of their current EDI position, ‘holding a mirror’ up to their existing policies and practices, and to make recommendations on the next steps that would add the most value.

The project encompassed three key stages, delivered over three months:

Stage One: Research & Listen

This stage included a range of qualitative and quantitative research to understand the approach to EDI including a desktop review of key documentation, online presence (website and social media channels) and the approach to collecting and utilising demographic data. In addition a full end-to-end review of recruitment was undertaken to establish if there were any unintended barriers to inclusive recruitment. The colleague voice was captured through an independently hosted survey and an in-person round table discussion with key colleagues.

Stage Two: Recommend & Roadmap

All of the findings and evidence gathered in Stage One was summarised in a recommendations report sharing the good practice identified as well as opportunities for improvement. All recommendations made were set within the context of best practice both within and beyond the social housing sector.

Stage Three: Stakeholder Engagement

In a project of this nature, stakeholder engagement is critical to obtain the buy-in and endorsement for subsequent next steps. We engaged with three cohorts of stakeholders:

• Board – delivering an in-person session for the SLH Board furnishing members with an overview of our findings and ways for them to gain assurance of inclusivity.

• Colleagues – attending their annual in-person celebration event to share our findings and recommendations.

• Residents – supporting the new Housing & Communities Committee at their inaugural away day, sharing high level findings and insight into the skills and behaviours that would add value and make their activity as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

Overall, the project provided the assurance the Executive Team needed that services were being operated inclusively for the benefit of residents and colleagues alike, supplemented by tangible actions and recommendation to deliver meaningful improvement where required.