HouseProud Pledge scheme champions LGBTQ+ residents
HouseProud, the professional network for LGBTQ+ people working in the housing sector, has launched The Pledge scheme to promote inclusivity.
A new scheme to support LGBTQ+ residents has been launched by HouseProud and the University of Surrey.
A new HouseProud Pledge scheme designed to ensure Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer residents are able to enjoy their homes without fear of discrimination is being launched by HouseProud, of which Clarion Housing Group is a founding member, and the University of Surrey on Friday 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
HouseProud – the professional network for LGBTQ+ people working in the housing sector – commissioned the University of Surrey to research LGBTQ+ experiences of social housing.
The study, No Place Like Home, found that despite more than 10 years of equality in legislation, LGBTQ+ residents continue to experience discrimination in their everyday lives, including in relation to housing in some cases.
In response, Professor Andrew King from the University of Surrey Department of Sociology and HouseProud have developed the HouseProud Pledge scheme in association with residents, staff members and sector leaders from across the country to empower social housing providers to improve services for LGBTQ+ residents and ensure consistent promotion of inclusivity.
The Pledge scheme promotes new frameworks for offering support and creating inclusivity, and all social housing providers can join free of charge.
Three core commitments
Those who sign up are actively committing to improve their housing services for LGBTQ+ residents and are expected to deliver on three core commitments within their first year:
- Ensure that LGBTQ+ residents can have an input at an executive/strategic level
- Increase LGBTQ+ visibility through the use of the Pledge symbol
- Initiate a programme of staff training to improve understanding of LGBTQ+ lives
Clarion’s group chief executive Clare Miller commented:
“At Clarion, we want to lead by example in ensuring that every LGBTQ+ resident feels at home in a Clarion home. We look forward to working with residents, allies and partners across the sector to raise awareness of the Pledge and make sure all LGBTQ+ residents in social housing have the support they need.”
“A great idea that could really benefit our community”
On learning about the HouseProud Pledge, a representative from the Clarion Out & About LGBTQ+ resident network said:
“The Pledge scheme sounds like a great idea that could really benefit our community. Problems experienced by some LGBTQ+ residents can be addressed and rectified if residents and housing providers work together to engage in conversation and take appropriate action to combat unacceptable behaviour."
“The Pledge will only be a viable venture if we can persuade all social housing providers to sign up to the scheme though.”
By engaging professionals working in the social housing sector to communicate more effectively with LGBTQ+ residents, sharing experiences and building trust, the HouseProud Pledge aims to make significant improvements for the LGBTQ+ community.
HouseProud and the University of Surrey will now promote the Pledge scheme and monitor its progress to ensure the framework is robust. Email HouseProud to sign up to the Pledge, or for more information.