Equality and Diversity
We believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, ethnic origin, nationality, language, carer responsibilities, marital or family status.
Our residents, their neighbourhoods and their communities are widely varied, diverse and multi-ethnic. We want to embrace this diversity, and make sure our homes and services meet the different needs and aspirations it creates.
We hold to three key values in the way we conduct our business – respect, creativity and dependability. All our people are expected to show respect for one another, and for those with whom they come into contact. We aim to be approachable and easy to work with, and to deal with all our customers, suppliers, partners and one another with honesty and integrity, and a genuine desire to deliver services that fully satisfy everyone’s needs.
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion in all our activities, and work to ensure that everyone associated with them – board members, staff and managers, and contractors and suppliers, demonstrate this commitment at all times.
Our commitment to equality and diversity is enshrined in the Group’s strategic plan and in its associated strategies, business plans, policies and procedures.
We will be accessible and fair to everyone. Our services and employment practices are working to overcome discrimination and disadvantage, and to enable people and communities to achieve their full potential.
Our policies
Please download our Equality and Diversity Policy and our Equality and Diversity Strategy.
Equality and diversity strategy group
Our E&D strategy group is chaired by group board member Carolyn Hirst and each part of our business is represented by board and operational champions. The group ensures our strategies cover all the different diversity strands, and champions diversity to make sure it is embedded into business as usual. For more information on the group, or any other aspect of equality and diversity, please contact Sheila Rush by e-mailing sheila.rush@accentgroup.org or telephoning 01274 536 027.
Accent Foundation held a series of residents' focus groups to review the aids and adaptations service and improve the process for disabled residents. As a result, a specialist residents' group was set up to consider disability issues and share good practice with residents. The group meets every three months with disabled residents at local venues. So far it has:
- Developed a checklist to check that our offices are accessible for all customers.
- Developed guidance on the use of customer profile data.
- Carried out equality impact assessments on our policies and procedures.
- Contributed to the specification for Lifetime Homes.
- Contributed to guidance on our mutual exchange process.
Accent Nene has established a disability working group. Outputs have resulted in:
- The introduction of a password system for visits to visually impaired residents.
- A review of the emergency repairs response times for disabled customers.
- A reduced time between sign up and new tenancy visits for all disabled customers.
Accent Peerless has established two focus groups for disability and BME. The groups are still developing, but the BME group has already helped to produce a BME housing strategy.
Continuing support and membership of the Housing Diversity Network gives staff access to a free line enquiry service for advice and support.