HDN’s Diversity Network Assessment is a robust, comprehensive and sector-specific diagnostic assessment for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in social housing.

About HDN

Established in 2003, Housing Diversity Network is a social enterprise membership organisation that is dedicated to supporting housing sector organisations in their journey to address inequality, maximising the potential of their workforce, and catering to the diverse needs of the communities they serve.

Our team of passionate and dedicated professionals work to empower housing organisations to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and embraces the strength of different perspectives.

Diversity Network Assessment (DNA) is a forward-thinking, outcome-based framework which provides an independent assessment of how your organisation is engaging with equality, diversity, and inclusion. It looks at this both from an internal perspective and from that of work done to positively impact your customers and communities.

About Diversity Network Assessment

First developed in collaboration with HDN members in 2012, the DNA framework has been regularly revised and expanded to incorporate leading best-practice approaches to EDI within organisations and the communities they serve.

The DNA blends evaluation of formal aspects (such as policy, structure, strategy) with informal aspects (such as culture, values, behaviours). We aim to not only encompass legal and regulatory requirements in our assessment, but to prompt you to honestly reflect on if and how the principles of EDI are embedded within your organisation.

There are four key strands to the DNA:

Leadership & strategic focus

Includes: organisational purpose, values and priorities, high level commitment, compliance with aspects of the NHF Code of Governance, aspects of the Public Sector Equality Duty, and internal and external communication around EDI.

Workforce

Includes: workforce data, inclusive policies and procedures, recruitment and retention, positive action, EDI training, pay gaps, reward and recognition, performance management, and inclusive culture.

Customer impact

Includes: fair and equitable access to services, customer communication and engagement, complaints, customer data, customer involvement, influence and training.

Community impact

Includes: other aspects of the Public Sector Equality Duty, broader inclusion initiatives to address inequalities, partnership working, and wider influence.

Testimonials from organisations who have been awarded DNA accreditation

The Process

1. Pre-Work

3. On-Site visits

5. Publishing the DNA

2. Gathering Evidence

4. Feedback

HDN also have a joint offer which bundles our DNA with RSM UK’s RACE Equality Code, for organisations interested in pursuing both assessments.

Next Steps

To arrange a consultation call to discuss the DNA in more detail, fill in the box below:

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