Services for all

We recognise that no two people are the same. Our approach to providing excellent services is to recognise that your personal circumstances and background will influence your needs. We aim to ensure that our services are accessible and culturally relevant for all by working in partnership with you and your wider community.

Tuesday 10 Aug 2010

What is equality and diversity in housing?

The Equality and Human Rights Commission, the body set up to support people who face disadvantage and discrimination in the UK, states that there are 7 key personal characteristics which may result in a greater risk of facing direct or indirect discrimination and disadvantage. They are:

1. Race - especially coming from an ethnic minority
2. Gender - especially, although not exclusively, being female
3. Age - especially being young or being older
4. Disability
5. Sexual orientation - especially being gay, lesbian or bisexual
6. Having religous or philosophical beliefs - particularly people with minority beliefs such as Muslims, Hindus and Humanists
7. Having caring responsibilities - for children, older people or disabled people

Research has shown that people who experience discrimination or disadvantage are often in more than one of these groups and are also much more likely to experience poverty which may mean they find it harder to buy their own home or afford private sector rents.

Useful links

Equality and Human Rights Commission
Their job is to promote equality and human rights, and to create a fairer Britain. They do this by providing advice and guidance, working to implement an effective legislative framework and raising awareness of your rights.

Stonewall
Stonewall works for equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals.