EDI - It's A Hot Topic!
Tuesday 18th of March 2025
We at Positive About Inclusion don't think it's unreasonable to say that EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) is a hot topic in both the UK and America right now.
Over the past year there has been an increased focus on the subject of EDI from the housing sector's regulatory bodies. The revised Consumer Standards and guidance issued by the Housing Ombudsman Service are all very clear about the need for social housing providers to recognise diverse needs, to tailor services appropriately and to deliver equitable outcomes. Without doubt the regulatory landscape has reinvigorated the need for landlords to put EDI at the heart of resident engagement and service delivery.
But, in America, the situation is very different... Shortly after coming to office President Trump vowed to 'eliminate EDI initiatives', almost immediately issuing a range of executive orders to cancel various programmes across federal government departments and the military.
The response to President Trump's words and actions has been mixed. Some American companies have rolled back on their EDI work, perhaps continued to deliver EDI programmes because they know the positive value these bring. They know that creating an inclusive environment in which diversity is embraced improves decision-making, customer service and innovation.
In the context of resident involvement embracing EDI is a critical success factor. Something a lot of social housing providers ask us about is how to increase the diversity of their actively inolved customer and residents' groups. Whilst there are a range of practical measure that groups and organisations can consider, the key success factor is inclusion. To attract and retain a diversity of voices from the local community a group needs to embrace inclusion.
And it's how to effectively embrace inclusion that is the focus of a new course we are delivering throughout 2025 in parternship with Tpas. The course, 'EDI for Involved Customers' equips participants with the confidence and the practical skills and tools to embed inclusion and make a positive difference.
Delegates will:
- Understand why equity, diversity and inclusion is so important not just from a legislative perspective but also for the benefit of involved customer groups
- Relect on their own mindset and behaviours, gaining practical tips and techniques to respectfully challenge, to be accepting of respectful challenge and to overcome any bias or assumptions
- Explore simple ways to ensure that their activity is as inclusive as possible to attract the broadest diversity of involvement.
Check out our website for details of when these courses are being held.