Learning workshop: homelessness and equality law in England

Learn how equality law applies at each stage of a homelessness application, from first approach to review and appeal.

The workshop reflects the Renters' Rights Act 2025, the Homelessness Code of Guidance as updated in May 2026, and the National Plan to End Homelessness.

What this event covers

This event will cover:

• the purpose of the homelessness legislation, and how it has changed since the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

• the route an application takes, from inquiries and assessment to the prevention, relief and main housing duties

• the Equality Act 2010 as it applies to housing, including reasonable adjustments and the public sector equality duty

• where equality duties apply at each stage of an application, with domestic abuse as an example

• raising equality points on review, appeal and judicial review

• a case study following one household through both areas of law, and a question and answer session

You'll receive the slides and a short resource list after the event.

What you'll learn

By the end of this event, you'll be able to:

• explain what the homelessness legislation aims to achieve, and how its purpose has changed

• describe the route an application takes, and the duty owed at each stage

• summarise the parts of the Equality Act 2010 that apply to housing services

• recognise where equality duties are most likely to apply, and what a lawful decision looks like

• explain how the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changed when someone is threatened with homelessness

Who this event is for

You don't need any prior knowledge of housing or equality law. If you're already experienced, it's a useful refresher on the purpose behind the duties and recent changes.

You might be a housing or homelessness officer, an adviser or a support worker