Housing Diversity Network News

10th Anniversary Celebrations

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You are cordially invited to attend our 10th Anniversary Celebrations:

DIVERSITY DAY EVENT

Date: 21st May 2012 : Lion Court Conference Centre, London

Time: 16:30 to 18:30

Guest Speakers: David Orr (CEO, NHF) and Steve Douglas (ex CEO, Housing Corporation)

Plus launch of Diversity Network Accreditation (DNA)

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Date: 19th July 2012: Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield

Time: 16:00 to 19:00

Guest Speaker: Derek Long (Head of NHF in the North)

Please accept or decline this invitation by the 7th May 2012 and in your response, please tell us which event you would like to attend and whether you have any special access or dietary requirements.

Download invite here:

Applications Now Open for HDN Mentoring Programme 2012/13

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Can you support us?

In order to produce diverse leaders of the future in the housing sector, we need your help to promote the HDN Mentoring Programme. You could support us by offering your staff the opportunity to become a Mentee or to inspire others by becoming a Mentor.

We are recruiting for the next mentoring programme which starts this September. The HDN mentoring programme is for all under represented staff working in the housing sector in terms of age, race, gender, disability or sexuality.

The deadline for applications from both mentors and mentees interested in joining the 2012/13 Programme is 1st July 2012.

To obtain more information about the programme visit our Mentoring section or to download the application pack visit the Downloads Page. If you want to talk to someone about mentoring, please contact either Felicity Bull or Eugene Pinnock at our offices for an informal chat. 0870 143 2732 or email mentoring@housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY DAY?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 May the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue in its resolution 57/249. To celebrate Housing Diversity Network’s 10^th Anniversary we want to try and encourage as many of our members as possible to celebrate Diversity Day by organising one or more activities that help to raise awareness within their organisation. A toolkit with ideas about how to get started is available to download here.

You will also have an opportunity to enter your organisation for an award by telling us about your activity via the form at the back of the toolkit. The organisation that runs the most innovative activity, as chosen by the HDN team will receive an 'Award for Innovation in Equality and Diversity Practice' as well as;

Coverage of your activity in 24 Housing
Invitation to receive the award at our joint HDN and CIH Conference on 11^th July in Central London
£500 worth of HDN Training vouchers

Please download our toolkit and help us to celebrate the wonderful diversity that exists in our sector.

If you would like some help, or to let us know what you are up to email us at: info@housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk

DECEMBER 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

Welcome to the latest edition of the Housing Diversity Network’s equality and diversity e-Briefing newsletter for HDN Members. If you can't download the newsletter for any reason, please email info@housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk.

NOVEMBER 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

OCTOBER 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

SEPTEMBER 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

AUGUST 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

Welcome to the latest edition of the Housing Diversity Network’s equality and diversity e-Briefing newsletter for 2011. If you can't download the newsletter for any reason, please email info@housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk.

JULY 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

JUNE 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

Factsheet 2011: HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT FACTSHEET

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Colleagues

Please download the latest factsheet for 2011 from the Housing Diversity Network and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES): the EHRC Inquiry into Disability Related Harassment 'Hidden in Plain Sight'.

The Housing Diversity Network includes free factsheets and briefing papers in your annual subscription fee. Please download the factsheet and if you want any further information please use the contact details at the back. We hope you find them useful and look forward to any feedback on them you have.

Download the HDN Factsheet .

These facsheets can be viewed online or downloaded and printed for personal use. Multiple copies cannot be produced without receiving written permission from the Housing Diversity Network and cannot be reproduced for sale.

MAY 2011 eBRIEFING NEWSLETTER

Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Download the eBriefing here:

Rural Minority Ethnic Experiences: How Housing Providers Can Help

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A recurrent theme in service delivery is the emphasis on a 'numbers-led' rather than a 'needs' or 'rights-led' approach. This results in many policy and service providers ignoring the needs of rural minority ethnic people. The main constraints for service users that emerge in relation to housing are lack of knowledge and access to appropriate information and advice. In addition, there is a lack of understanding and skills among some housing providers of the requirements of minority ethnic households. Date and Venue: 4th July 2008, 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Tees Valley Chinese Community Centre, Harmony House, North Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 2AF £40 per delegate Cost includes buffet lunch.Delegates will receive a copy of Rural Minority Experiences: housing and health by Philomena de Lima Download Venue Map Download Event Programme

'Step Away' Training Event - St Anne's Community Services

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following fantastic feedback from our showcase event on 16th July 2008, I would like to offer you the opportunity to reserve places on the unique ��Step Away�� training course on Thursday 2nd October 2008 at The Clarke Hall Educational Museum, Aberford Road, Wakefield WF1 4AL. This is a one day course running from 10.15am to 4.00pm and will introduce workers to strategies enabling them to manage difficult or potentially violent situations faced at work. Using an innovative blend of forum theatre and experiential learning, delivered by experts in this field, the delegates will:- �X In four core sessions be shown a range of situations that they may face at work that include threats, intimidation and assaults (both verbal and physical) �X Be given the opportunity to discuss, feed back and experiment with different styles of managing difficult situations �X Increase their confidence, communication and assertiveness in a safe environment, using de-escalation techniques and interpersonal skills. �X Have raised awareness applied through the practical demonstrations and discussion regarding risk assessing violence at work, lone working and UK Law �X Be aware of relevant legislation affecting practice Delegates will not be expected to role play PLACES ARE LIMITED �V SO BOOK EARLY To reserve yours, contact Susan Nota on : �v 0113 2816963 07929 164211 �� susan@st-annes.org.uk

New Event coming soon

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New Event Details...

Sunderland 8th March

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The new Diversity KLOE - forthcoming briefing event The Network is running a series of half day briefing events on the theme 'The new Diversity KLOE - working towards excellence.' New dates and venues 8th March - Sunderland The briefings will look at the new Diversity KLOE which comes into effect in February 2007 and features a range of more challenging targets for organisations to meet. The briefings aim to: - provide guidance on the Audit Commission's expectations - look at specific targets in the KLOE and give examples of good practice from other organisations. The briefings will also provide information about the Career Opportunities for Ethnic Minorities (COFEM) programme. Briefings will run from 10.00am - 1.00pm with lunch and refreshments provided. The cost is £95 + VAT (note: the workshop is free of charge to organisations who are Network members - places are limited to 2 delegates per member organisation). If you would like to attend the briefing, please complete the registration form below. Bookings for these events should be sent as soon as possible as places are limited. We look forward to seeing you there!

THE EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY CONFERENCE 2008

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The pressure on social housing organisations to provide decent, affordable homes for all continues unabated. The need to ensure equality of opportunity remains paramount, but this can get lost in "running the business".

The established Equality & Diversity conference, in association with Housing Diversity Network, will enable housing organisations to take practical steps to ensure equality and diversity is fully integrated throughout service delivery and that culturally sensitive, more customer focused housing services are provided.

For more information or to book a place visit NHC

The Gender Equality Duty - Making It Real!

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Gender Equality Duty came into force in April 2007 and is one of the biggest changes in equality legislation in 30 years. The Duty has been introduced as part of a radical new approach to equality which clearly places responsibility with service providers to challenge their practices in relation to male, female and trans customers and staff. For more information and to book a place, please visit: http://www.cih.org/events/seminars/genderequality/ For information about the venue: http://www.kingswayhall.co.uk/

THE GENDER EQUALITY DUTY - MAKING IT REAL!

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Gender Equality Duty came into force in April 2007 and is one of the biggest changes in equality legislation in 30 years. The Duty has been introduced as part of a radical new approach to equality which clearly places responsibility with service providers to challenge their practices in relation to male, female and trans customers and staff.

For more information and to book a place, please visit:

http://www.cih.org/events/seminars/genderequality/

For information about the venue:

http://www.kingswayhall.co.uk/

DELIVERING RACE EQUALITY IN HOUSING: COURSE NOW FULLY BOOKED

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Date: 12 March 2008, 9.30am - 2.00pm
Venue: The Digital World Conference Centre, 1 Lowry Plaze, the Quays, Salford M50 3UB

The aims of this half day seminar wil be

To hear and discuss recent evidence on the housing needs of black and minority ethnic older people

To hear and discuss recent evidence on service user participation in housing

To discuss how you can collect and use evidence effectively within your own organisation to promote race equality in your service

Speakers will include:
Session 1 Adrian Jones, Independent consultant, has a wealth of experience doing research with underrepresented groups and has produced numerous publications.

Session 2 Tracey Bignall, Race Equality Foundation, author of Tenant participation in housing services, Race Equality Foundation Better Housing Briefing Paper 4.

Chairs: Samantha Miller - Chief Executive, Housing Diversity Network
Ronny Flynn, Director of Health and Housing Project, Race Equality Foundation

The course is now fully booked, but if you would be interested in hearing about the next REF/HDN event, please email our info bix and we will keep your details on file. Thank you for your interest in this event.

FBHO 25th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2008

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The following notice has been issued by the FBHO:

EVENTS LATEST...EVENTS LATEST...EVENTS LATEST...CANCELLED;

The FBHO Annual Conference & Exhibition 2008. Community Connections: Making a Difference on February 22nd - 24th has been cancelled as the promised sponsorship and support for this event has not been forthcoming. The Annual Conference and Exhibition which is a members event (hosted by the FBHO) brings together a wide range of organisations and individuals as well as attracting international attention, will mean a loss of opportunity for the FBHO and the many BME led businesses that we work with to ensure the success of such events.

The organisers apologise for this but had no other option. However, the Board of the FBHO wishes to make it clear that an event will take place in the autumn (Friday 31st October - 2nd November 2008, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Birmingham) to acknowledge the 25 years, if there is sufficient interest from the members. This event will also be used to officially re-launch the FBHO following completion of the current organisational review; details of which will be announced in due course.

Diversity Discussion Forum

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Discussion Forum held their second meeting on the 29th January 2008 at Action Housing Offices, Rotherham. Documents and resources form both meetings will shortly be available on our web site. Please check back soon to find out more about what the forum is achieving.

New Good Practice Note 8: Equality & Diversity - The Housing Corporation

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This Good Practice Note has been produced to help housing associations to achieve and exceed the minimum standards set out in our Regulatory Code and guidance, and to work towards the elimination of discrimination while promoting continuous improvement on equality and diversity.

To find out more and download the document, please see the Library section, Equality & Diversity General, Housing Regulations, Codes of Practice, Guidance and Policy.

Click here .

DISC Wins Government Contract for Flexible Housing support Programme

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The community based partnership offers a service known as ‘floating support’ to help people of all ages facing housing problems across the county to live independently, avoid life in care homes, hospitals and on the street, and access training and work opportunities.

Since October 1 it has brought together the many types of housing-related support currently offered across North, West and South Lancashire into one service known as Compass which offers them all.

The partnership is in the spotlight because it bucked a recent trend for large national and international organisations to sweep away small local organisations in big competitive tendering bids for public sector contracts.

It is to be highlighted in the Cabinet Office’s Office of the Third Sector website and literature as a positive example of how the government wants the third sector to be involved in delivering public services in order to retain vital local knowledge, expertise and passion.

Kevin Curley, chief executive of NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary and Community Action) said that the contracts were good news for the voluntary sector in Lancashire. “At last we have a large regional charity that sees the need to build local capacity in a genuine partnership with local groups in a way in which the resources are shared equitably. So many large national charities measure success by growth in turnover and compete against local groups. DISC values local knowledge and expertise. As a consequence, people who need supported housing will benefit from a wide range of services provided by people who are rooted in Lancashire communities.”

The partnership is spearheaded by Northern social inclusion charity DISC (Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities), which is based in Co Durham, and 12 Lancashire charities: Lancashire Young Homeless Project, Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service, Inward House Projects, Lancaster and District Women’s Aid, Preston Women’s Refuge, West Lancashire Women’s Refuge, Progress Care Housing Association, Richmond Fellowship, South Ribble KEY, Chorley and South Ribble Mind, Together: Working for Wellbeing, and North West Community Services.

The contract was awarded by Lancashire County Council on behalf of the Supporting People Partnership, which includes all of the 13 District, Borough, City and County Councils, Lancashire Probation Board, and the three Primary Care Trusts in Lancashire.

The Supporting People programme was launched nationally in April 2003 under the Department of Communities and Local Government with the aim of providing improved quality of life for vulnerable people and helping them live independently.

Users of the new service range from people facing difficulties coping because of their age, such as teenage parents and older people, to people coming out of hospital or prison, and people with drug, alcohol and mental health problems. Services offered include help setting up and maintaining a home, assistance with benefits and grants, practical independent living skills, help with health, and support to access work and training opportunities.

Anyone in need of any help can ring, text, email or visit outreach workers and arrange an initial assessment to agree what help they need and who will help them. The Compass contact details are: FREEPHONE 0800 1075558, FREETEXT 80800 (text housing support followed by message to 80800), EMAIL compass@disc-vol.org.uk and WEBSITE www.compass.disc-vol.org.uk.

DISC Lancashire manager Mike Crowther, a Lancastrian who has worked for various housing organizations in Lancashire, said: “Working for DISC has given me a great opportunity to work for an innovative, forward thinking organization, which provides high quality services for vulnerable people. I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. That’s what DISC does best - supporting those people who deserve a second chance and have been written off by everyone else.”

Steve Gross, Lancashire County Council's Director of Adult Services, said: "We are confident that DISC and their partners will make a real and positive difference to the lives of vulnerable people in Lancashire. Through partnership working we can focus on developing community-based housing related support that meet people's needs and desire to live independently. DISC has impressed us throughout all aspects of the commissioning and procurement process, and we believe this contract offers statutory agencies a means of achieving some of their key strategic priorities."

DISC’s Executive Director Mark Weeding said: “I am really pleased that our partnership has persuaded people that we can offer a high quality housing related support service with good value for money. We are looking to preserve local knowledge and expertise, and to create a more equitable and accessible service right across the county, in rural and urban areas, so that every vulnerable person has the same opportunity of support, regardless of where they live and what issues they face.”

Press contact: DISC press officer Lucy Smout on 01388 424450 and DISC Lancashire manager Mike Crowther on 01772 734775…..

International Day of Disabled People

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone wants to live in communities where they can participate fully and equally but many indicators show that for disabled people this hasn't yet happened and there remains considerable work to be done, particularly in relation to housing.

Social housing is enormously important for disabled people. Far more disabled people live in social housing than in any other tenure. In addition, meeting the needs and expectations of disabled people is core to the business of the social housing sector. 42% of HA households in England contain a member with a long-term illness or disability and of those one in 7 use a wheelchair.

HDN CAN HELP YOU
We have recently recruited Kate Smyth to our team of associates. Kate has personal experience of disability and has extensive knowledge of the barriers that disabled people face in their everyday lives especially those that relate to housing.

We can:
�Undertake disability health checks

�Help you monitor and develop your Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan Help you involve and engage actively with your disabled tenants

�Deliver Disability Equality Training covering legislation, etiquette, language, the social model of disability etc

�Help you carry out Disability Equality Impact Assessments

�Help you understand the needs of disabled people in your area of operation and particularly your tenants

�Review human resources policies and procedures

�Review adaptation, improvement, repair and maintenance policies and programmes

�Review how you communicate with disabled people

�Prepare a bespoke disability manual for your organisation together with a frequently asked questions format.

Important factors of living with a disability in today's social housing sector:
�Work by the JRF found that 4 out of 10 families with disabled children experienced homes that were cold, damp and / or in poor repair.

�According to the English House Conditions Survey 25% of all households in non-Decent Homes include someone who is long term ill or disabled.

�The English Housing Survey 2003/4 showed 1.5 million people were in need of accessible accommodation with 329,000 living in completely unsuitable housing.

�40% of respondents to a John Grooms survey felt that their housing situation made them unnecessarily dependent on other people. This creates huge and unnecessary pressures on social care and health services.

�There is also a significant problem of homelessness for disabled people. Between 1997 and 2004, in England the overall numbers of households accepted to be priority homeless (by local authorities), due to physical disabilities increased by 24%.

�Violence and harassment of people because of their disability is another severe problem.

Diversity Discussion Forum

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Race Equality Foundation - November Conference

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Date: 19 November 2007 Venue: School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Conference aims To Provide delegates with recent evidence on choice and participation in housing and enable a discussion in relation to black and minority ethnic people To Consider a range of practice initiatives that are bringing about change To Discuss how service users and staff can work together to better promote race equality and increase choice and participation The format for the day will include three keynote addresses, interactive workshops and time for networking.

A practical approach to Effective Monitoring

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Castlefield Hotel, Manchester,
29th November 2007
10:00am - 1:00pm

£95 per delegate
*20% discount for Network members, including lunch.

Without effective monitoring organisations will not be able to tell if its equality and diversity strategy is working. There is also the risk that staff and tenants will see monitoring as just paying lip service to equality. Effective monitoring can tell you whether you are offering equality of opportunity and treatment for all groups. Monitoring can also tell you how and why you are falling short of your targets. Finally, effective monitoring can help you to improve your reputation as a provider of goods and services, and as an employer.

This half day seminar will provide you will the tools to ensure that you are clear on WHAT, WHEN and HOW to monitor equality data confidently to achieve positive outcomes. The seminar will include examples of effective monitoring and relevant case studies from the sector. The seminar will also provide you with the opportunity to discuss issues and solutions with other housing practitioners.

For more information or to book a place, contact Hannah Mason 0870 143 2732 or hannah@housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk

Members Event: The Disability Equality Duty Maze

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

7th November 2007
10:00am - 1:00pm
Helena Housing, Alexandra Park, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10 3TT

£95 per delegate
*Network members may send up to 2 delegates free of charge. Cost includes buffet lunch.

Paul Clarke from the Audit Commission and Helen Williams from the Housing Corporation will outline their expectations in relation to the DED and give practical advice on what you need to do by December 2007. Delegates will then be invited to participate in an open question and answer session; to share experiences and discuss issues and solutions.

This seminar is specifically targeted at housing organisations regulated by the Housing Corporation who are required to publish a Disability Equality Action Plan by December 2007.

Call Hannah Mason 0870 143 2732 for a booking form or email hannah@housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk

Race Equality Foundation - November Conference

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Date: 19 November 2007
Venue: School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Conference aims
To Provide delegates with recent evidence on choice and participation in housing and enable a discussion in relation to black and minority ethnic people

To Consider a range of practice initiatives that are bringing about change

To Discuss how service users and staff can work together to better promote race equality and increase choice and participation

The format for the day will include three keynote addresses, interactive workshops and time for networking.

Click to download call for papers, information and booking forms.