At ForHousing our inclusive culture is built on trust. We believe that diversity enriches our culture, both in the workplace and in communities. We bring people together in an environment where they feel safe to openly share, knowledge, experiences, opinions and ideas to improve lives of social housing tenants.
We believe that everyone deserves to feel able to be their true self – without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Everyone should feel safe in their communities and in their work.
Our colleague networks give people a voice, create safe spaces for open conversations, and help us learn from each other’s experiences. They’re led by passionate colleagues who want to make a difference and ensure everyone feels respected and supported.
We’re proud to have:
- Race Inclusion Network – championing equality and celebrating cultural diversity.
- Access Network – promoting accessibility and sharing lived experiences to remove barriers.
- LGBTQ+ Network – creating a space where everyone can be their authentic self.
- Staff Forum – giving colleagues a platform to share ideas and influence positive change.
Together, these networks help us build a workplace where everyone belongs and can thrive.
LGBTQ+ Network
The LGBTQ+ network aims at ensuring that all colleagues, of every sexuality and gender identity, feel welcome at ForHousing. Whether they identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, everyone is invited to join. We don’t ask any participants to disclose personal information, but it is a safe space to feel comfortable to share experiences if people choose to do so.
The network has made significant strides in building visibility, enabling inclusion, and creating a supportive community for colleagues across the organisation, something we’re incredibly proud to support.
Watch the video to hear from our LGBTQ+ network members about the amazing work they do and what the network means for them.
Race Inclusion Network
At ForHousing, part of what makes us different is the range of inclusion networks we have for our colleagues, including our Race Inclusion Network. RIN is a welcoming space for colleagues of all races and ethnicities who want to help move race equity forward at ForHousing. It is a group where colleagues can learn from each other, listen, and be honest about the improvements needed.
The Race Inclusion Network aims to encourage conversations about race and lived experiences. The network is involved in a whole range of awareness and engagement activities and get behind key national action days to educate others.
Being able to be part of the network has helped colleagues to feel more connected, more confident to speak up, and more hopeful about the change we can create together.
Celebrating Inclusion 2025
In 2025 we held an event where colleagues from across ForHousing came together to get to know more about the brilliant work of our inclusion networks. Members of our Race Inclusion Network, Access Group and LGBTQ+ all worked together to organise the event.
Colleagues had the opportunity to meet each of the networks and take part in some of the activities each group had developed as well as celebrate their achievements over the last 12 months. Colleagues also got the chance to enjoy a variety of delicious, global cuisine courtesy of our incredibly talented colleagues, who prepared an amazing feast.
At ForHousing we value the diverse perspectives our colleagues bring and welcome everyone.
Meet the Race Inclusion Network event 2024
Our Race Inclusion Network hosted a fabulous event for all colleagues to meet the Network members and get to know them. We were joined by members of both our Executive Management Team and the Board, thank you to Mark Fletcher for attending and Mike Parkin definitely had the best henna!
It was lovely to see everyone enjoying the food the Network and others brought, as well as the music and activities.
ForHousing is an organisation that focuses on driving improvements in inclusivity and creating a working environment where everyone can bring themselves to work – and this event really highlighted what an amazing range of cultures we have and how many people are excited to embrace differences here.
