Equality and diversity
Shelter values difference and inclusiveness, and we are committed to continuing to do so. To us, this means we continue to provide equality of opportunity for all, in order to stimulate meaningful participation and contribution and help Shelter meet its key aims and objectives.
How our policy works in practice
Shelter’s equality and diversity policy ensures that we are adhering to our legal, social and moral responsibilities. A positive approach to diversity informs all our work, from campaigning for change to helping people to find and keep a home.
Here are some examples of how our equality and diversity policy has translated into good practice over the last year:
- We renewed our commitment to diversity at the most senior levels, with Shelter’s Chief Executive chairing the Corporate Equality and Diversity Group, and Trustees seeking a greater role for the Board in reviewing progress on diversity.
- We’ve been building on our sector-leading achievement of the Equality Standard Level 2, working with Macmillan Cancer Trust, Age UK and other charities to explore the potential for an equivalent equality framework for the voluntary sector.
- We’ve revised our Corporate Equality Scheme to include specific statements relating to each of the diversity strands.
- We continue to empower our service users by involving them in our housing services and support project reviews, through our national user involvement programme. Views are now heard regularly through user-led newsletters, activities and forums.
- We’ve been supporting 15 refugee agencies to increase their knowledge and capacity to help 2,000 individuals per year through the Refugee Challenge project.
- We researched how housing costs affect people at different life stages, using the findings to generate interest in Shelter work across a diverse range of media.
- We launched specialist projects to increase Shelter’s expertise in working with under-represented groups, such as ex-offenders and Gypsies & Travellers.
- As member of the GLA Equality Housing Advisory Group, we advised the Mayor of London to ensure equality outcomes are included in the London Housing Strategy.
- We are working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission in developing non-statutory guidance in housing, in light of the new Equality Act.
Read our ‘Promoting Equality, Valuing Diversity statement
