As the UK’s leading Social Enterprise, we’re committed to building happy, healthy and inclusive Communities - where everyone feels safe, supported and respected.
That’s why we’re proud to be part of the HouseProud Pledge and to have achieved Pledge Pioneer status - recognising the steps we’re taking to make sure LGBTQIA+ Customers and Colleagues feel seen, listened to and included.
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“I’m proud to share that we’ve achieved HouseProud Pledge Pioneer accreditation - a scheme for social housing providers that demonstrates a clear commitment to equality and meaningful support for LGBTQIA+ Customers.
In many ways, our journey with HouseProud began with a small moment at a housing event. I wandered over to their stand, read the literature and asked what it was all about - it soon became clear that Places for People hadn’t previously been on their radar. But I was keen to learn more.
Because building Communities where everyone feels safe, supported and respected isn’t optional - it’s essential. And HouseProud is an important way for us to strengthen that commitment, not just in what we say, but in what we do.
Since becoming involved, we’ve introduced new ways to help our People be as supportive as possible for LGBTQIA+ Customers - including training focused on inclusion, safety and support, and making sure there is input and visibility at an executive and strategic level.
I’ve always been a strong supporter of inclusivity, and I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made. A particular highlight for me has been our continued involvement in Pride events, including Leeds Pride - important opportunities to stand alongside LGBTQIA+ People, celebrate identity and Community, and show support in a visible and meaningful way.
Becoming a HouseProud Pledge Pioneer is a vital step in our wider commitment to being an Inclusive Community - where everyone is welcome, everyone is important, everyone is supported, and everyone can thrive. We’re also delighted that our involvement can help HouseProud encourage other organisations to join, strengthening inclusion across the housing sector.
Now, the work continues. We’ll keep listening, learning and improving - so that LGBTQIA+ Customers feel confident that their home and Community is a place where they belong.”
Greg Reed, Group CEO, Places for People
Who are HouseProud and what do they do?
Founded in 2014, HouseProud is a network for LGBTQ+ People working in social housing. Made up of numerous organisations, including housing associations, ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations), local authorities and care providers, it aims to provide networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ Colleagues while campaigning on or for LGBTQ+ related issues.
In 2017, HouseProud commissioned the University of Surrey to undertake research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ residents in social housing and published the report No Place Like Home? in February 2018. The Pledge Scheme was developed in response to this report.
What the pledge means to us
Signing the HouseProud pledge is a public commitment - but for us, it’s also a practical one.
It means we will keep improving how we listen to LGBTQIA+ Customers, how we support Colleagues, and how we build Communities where everyone can thrive.
Since beginning our mission to become a Pledge Pioneer in 2023, we’ve taken positive steps to strengthen inclusion across Places for People - and we’re committed to going further.
How we’re taking action
We know meaningful inclusion doesn’t come from a single policy or a one-off campaign , it comes from consistent action, driven by People and shaped by real experiences.
Here are some of the ways we’re working towards, and building beyond, our HouseProud Pledge Pioneer commitments:
Listening to LGBTQIA+ voices
We’ve introduced The Listening Room - a space where Customers can share their lived experiences with us directly.
The insight we gather helps us understand what matters most, what needs to change, and how we can improve the service and support we provide. We’ll use what we hear to guide decisions, shape priorities, and strengthen inclusion across our Communities.
Senior leadership championing inclusion
Inclusion matters at every level - including the top.
Our Group CEO, Greg Reed, is proud to champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion and support our ongoing work with HouseProud, helping ensure it remains visible, meaningful and embedded into our wider culture.
Sharing stories and raising awareness
We’re committed to making LGBTQIA+ inclusion more visible - through storytelling, celebration and the voices of People across our Communities.
We’ll continue to publish news and stories that spotlight LGBTQIA+ experiences and show why inclusion matters.
Read our stories
Making HouseProud visible
We’ll ensure the HouseProud pledge and branding is clearly reflected across our communication channels, including our website and social media, so Customers and Colleagues can see our commitment clearly and consistently.
What’s next
Our HouseProud work will continue to grow over the coming months, including:
- Supporting LGBTQIA+ charities and attending events that matter to our Communities
- Expanding our tailored LGBTQIA+ inclusion training
How to get involved
There are lots of ways Customers and Colleagues can help shape this work - and every voice makes a difference.
You can get involved by:
- Joining our Customer Focus Group, helping us better understand LGBTQIA+ experiences and how we can improve inclusivity
Email: getinvolved@placesforpeople.co.uk - Sharing your story with our Inclusion team
Email: getinvolved@placesforpeople.co.uk
Support available
Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or someone close to you, you’re not alone.
There are national services and charities offering advice, support and guidance for LGBTQIA+ People, including mental health support.