The social housing sector plays a vital role in addressing inequalities and providing secure homes for diverse communities across the UK. Housing associations are tasked with serving people of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Despite this, the workforce within the sector, particularly in leadership roles, does not yet reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
According to the National Housing Federation’s (NHF) recent insight review, the sector must take proactive steps to address this imbalance. The NHF states:
Now is the time for action
With this in mind, Boden Group, is committed to promoting inclusive hiring practices that support a fairer, more diverse workforce. By implementing thoughtful strategies, we can help create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
The case for inclusive hiring in social housing
The NHF report, How Diverse is England’s Housing Association Workforce in 2023?, revealed key gaps in representation:
- Female representation in leadership roles remains lower than in the overall workforce (47% of executives and 44% of board members compared to 54% of the workforce).
- Disability representation is notably low, with only 9% of the workforce identifying as having a disability or long-term condition, compared to 24% of the population and 29% of residents.
- Ethnic diversity is starkly underrepresented at leadership levels. While 10% of the workforce is Black / African / Caribbean / Black British, only 3% of executives fall into this demographic. Similarly, while 5% of the workforce is Asian / Asian British, just 1% are represented in executive roles.
To bridge these gaps, the social housing sector must adopt inclusive hiring practices that attract, support, and retain a broader range of talent.
key strategies for inclusive hiring
To create a workforce that reflects the diversity of social housing communities, Boden Group recommends implementing the following strategies:
- Broaden Recruitment Channels
Expanding recruitment efforts helps reach underrepresented groups. Housing associations can connect with community groups, advertise on diversity-focused job boards, attend job fairs in underrepresented areas, and promote roles on social media to uncover hidden talent. - Bias-Free Recruitment Practices
Reducing unconscious bias ensures candidates are assessed on skills and experience. This can be achieved by using inclusive language in job ads, conducting anonymous CV reviews, standardising interview questions, and involving diverse interview panels in hiring decisions. - Retaining a Diverse Workforce
Creating an inclusive environment requires mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities, and flexible working policies that support cultural, religious, and personal needs. Encouraging a culture of open dialogue and feedback is also essential, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring employees feel heard and valued. - Leadership Commitment and Accountability
Leaders should set clear diversity goals, track progress, and hold themselves accountable for achieving inclusion targets. Demonstrating commitment through actions and communication is key to driving positive change across the organisation
The Path Forward
The NHF report highlights a clear need for action. By embracing inclusive hiring practices, social housing organisations can build a workforce that better reflects the communities they serve.
To learn more about the NHF report and how to improve diversity in your workforce, visit How Diverse is England’s Housing Association Workforce in 2023?.
If you’re looking to build a more inclusive workforce, register a vacancy with Boden Group today — we can support your diverse hiring strategy and connect you with skilled professionals from a wide range of backgrounds.
Grace Perry
Head of Division | Social Housing & Engineering Contract Recruitment