Wrekin recognised for commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

The Wrekin Housing group has been named as one of the country’s most inclusive organisations following an assessment by the Housing Diversity Network (HDN).

Wrekin, who provide social and affordable homes for 28,000 people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Staffordshire, was recognised for its continued commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion after receiving the Housing Diversity Network Accreditation.

HDN are an independent body supporting organisations to address inequality and promote diversity and inclusion, and opportunity for all. The work carried out by HDN looked at how Wrekin interacted with colleagues and customers and involved conversations with both groups. HDN also looked at how Wrekin are performing and suggested where improvement was needed.

The assessors found that Wrekin has an open and inclusive culture and that its customers are engaged and empowered to shape the services they provide.

The housing association also received praise for the work its Money Matters team have undertaken to help people impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. During 2023/24, the team successfully secured £5.5m in extra income for tenants – supporting customers with their finances - including debt, energy and benefit advice, budgeting help, access to essential furniture and support via grants.

Wrekin also received praise for the improvements made to its lettings process, making it easier for those in housing need to apply.

Desmond Hudson, Group Chair of the Wrekin Housing Group said:

“We are delighted that Wrekin has been recognised by the Housing Diversity Network. We are committed to creating an inclusive place to work and we know our colleagues perform best when they can be themselves.

“We are acutely aware however that the area of EDI, and the needs of our colleagues and customers, is ever changing – and with that in mind we will continue to work hard and strive for equality of opportunity for everyone. We are constantly looking at how we can adjust our services to fit with the needs of customers.

“We would like to thank all our colleagues for their hard in achieving this accreditation and we will continue to work very closely with the Housing Diversity Network to help build on this success and find ways we can continue to improve in the future. This accreditation is fantastic recognition of the progress we have made and our ongoing commitment quality, diversity and inclusion.”

Mushtaq Khan, Chief Executive of HDN said:

“We’re delighted to award the HDN Accreditation to Wrekin. This wasn’t just a rubber-stamping exercise but an assessment which was designed to get under the skin of the organisation.

“We found a real commitment to deliver the best possible services to residents, and a workforce that was enterprising and committed “