At a Glance
Positive About Inclusion was commissioned by Community Gateway to facilitate an EDI development session for their Board. The brief was to design and deliver an engaging online workshop to facilitate the Board’s discussion on how to develop their approach to equality, diversity and inclusion within their activity and the organisation.
About the Client
Community Gateway is a not-for-profit, community-based, housing association set up to meet the housing needs of people in Preston and the surrounding areas. The largest social housing landlord in the city and the first housing association in England to be based on the Community Gateway Model which is built on the principles of mutuality, accountability and engagement.
Challenges and Objectives
Community Gateway required a session that challenged the Board to reflect on their recent Diversity & Inclusion Pledge which articulates the Board’s commitment to embed inclusivity into their approach to customers, colleagues, partners and governance. The workshop was required to align with refresher training scheduled for delivery to all Community Gateway colleagues later in the year.
Solution
We designed and delivered a fast-paced and engaging 60 minute session, providing the Board with an update on the societal and social housing sector context for their Diversity & Inclusion Pledge. This was followed by a group activity that supported Board Members to identify the individual and collective actions required to bring this Pledge to life – from data that could be presented that would provide them with assurance of progress being made, to an individual commitment to being an active ally that keeps their learning up to date. Following the session we provided the Board with a written summary of all of the points made and action identified to help support their future planning.
Impact
The session certainly achieved the outcomes desired with both the Board Members and Community Gateway colleagues in attendance enjoying the opportunity to update their contextual understanding and reflect on their role and responsibilities.
“It was a good session with some great discussion from the Board Members. Thank you very much – you have certainly energised the conversation for us moving forwards!”
Claire Smith FCIPD, Head of Culture and Engagement
