In a significant step towards delivering further inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, here at Quo Vadis Trust we’re proud to announce that we have signed up to the HouseProud Pledge and we are working towards the Pioneer status.
The HouseProud Pledge is a scheme that all social housing providers like ourselves can sign up to, to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ resident equality and support. It has been developed by HouseProud and the University of Surrey in association with residents, staff members and sector leaders, in order to address the issues raised by the findings of ‘No Place Like Home?’, the largest study ever undertaken to understand LGBTQ+ experiences of social housing.
The home is of central importance to LGBTQ+ residents, because it should be a place where people can freely express their sexual orientation and/ or gender identity without fear or prejudice. Sadly, despite recent changes in equality laws, LGBTQ+ residents continue to experience discrimination in their everyday lives, including in relation to their housing.
The HouseProud Pledge provides a framework for landlords to work with involved residents to take action and demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and support. With the recent launch of the Social Housing Green Paper, the Government has called on the sector to empower residents and strengthen accountability. The HouseProud Pledge has been designed to help housing providers work with involved LGBTQ+ residents and foster positive relationships.
Quo Vadis Trust managers are actively contributing to our QVT Client Inclusion and Empowerment strategy. Their efforts also extend beyond endorsing the HouseProud Pledge; they are dedicated to facilitating initiatives that support LGBTQ+ clients and enhance engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.
Over the next year, Quo Vadis Trust aims to achieve several milestones in this regard:
Bi-Annual Group Events: To organise at least two group events every year, providing a platform for community engagement, networking, and shared experiences. We also organise monthly meetings, linking across services via Microsoft Teams .
Formal Roles and Representatives: To establish formal roles and representatives within the LGBTQ+ Group, ensuring effective coordination and representation of the community’s diverse voices.
Community Network Links: To establish and strengthen connections with other network groups within the Lewisham and Croydon communities, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
Policy Influence: To actively influence and advise on QVT policies and practices, ensuring that they are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Quo Vadis Trust’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity is reflected in these strategic initiatives. By joining the HouseProud Pledge, Quo Vadis Trust is not only creating a safe and supportive environment for its residents but is also actively contributing to the broader movement for LGBTQ+ equality in social housing.
QVT’s Director of People and Culture, Mary-Anne Fiorini, says:
“At Quo Vadis Trust, fostering an inclusive environment is fundamental to our mission. We are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ clients and team members by providing a safe and affirming space, free from discrimination. Embracing diversity, we aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe, respected, and empowered as they work towards stability and well-being.”
We look forward to sharing more about this initiative over the coming year, and creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued and respected.
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