Race Matters: How social landlords can create more racial equity

Read the HPA Headline Report Nov 2020

On the 13th November 2020, the Housing Plus Academy hosted an online workshop discussing the links between racism and housing; the extent of racial inequality in housing; the challenges that racism poses for social landlords and residents; and solutions that are being tried.

We discussed:

• The causes of systemic racial discrimination
• The consequences of racism in housing
• Ideas and actions to overcome racial unfairness in housing organisations

The 2-hour workshop was attended by 40 participants from social landlords across the country. Around 45% of attendees were from Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority backgrounds. The workshop generated lots of interesting discussion and people shared their own experiences and insights into racism in housing.

It is clear from the discussion that social landlords must make a commitment to tackle racism in all its forms. They must look at all areas of their organisation, including support for tenants from BAME backgrounds, allocations policies, and representation on boards and leadership teams.

We need to have open and honest conversations about race, where the views of staff and tenants from BAME backgrounds are listened to and acted upon. These conversations must turn into concrete action which underpins the commitment that no one should be disadvantaged because of their skin.