Berneslai Homes: A C1 Rating Helped by a Focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Housing Diversity Network (HDN) were delighted that Berneslai Homes recently received a C1 governance rating from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), a recognition that underscores their strong leadership, compliance, and focus on delivering high-quality services to tenants. The RSH commented positively on the organisation’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Berneslai Homes has long recognised that fostering an inclusive culture is not just a moral imperative but also a practical necessity in delivering effective and responsive housing services. This dedication was further validated when the organisation achieved Housing HDN’s Diversity Network Accreditation in 2021. The accreditation process involved a rigorous evaluation of their practices, policies, and culture, ensuring they met high standards for promoting diversity and inclusion. The accreditation was presented as evidence to the RSH at inspection.

The RSH has emphasised the importance of knowing your tenants and tailoring services to meet their needs—a goal Berneslai Homes achieved by embedding EDI principles into its operational activities. By proactively addressing diverse tenant needs and fostering an inclusive environment, Berneslai Homes demonstrated their ability to build trust and deliver better services.

This recognition sets an example for the sector, showcasing how a strong focus on EDI can drive better outcomes for tenants and strengthen organisational culture and leadership.

Berneslai Homes’ board has recently had a session with HDN to further refine their approach to EDI concentrating on addressing inequalities in the widest sense and promoting economic activity amongst their tenants.

We’re incredibly proud of achieving the C1 rating and the HDN accreditation,” said Amanda Garrard, Chief Executive of Berneslai Homes. “These milestones reflect our unwavering commitment and ongoing journey to equality, diversity, and inclusion. By embedding these principles into everything we do, we ensure that our services truly meet the needs of all our tenants.”

Mushtaq Khan, Chief Executive of Housing Diversity Network, praised Berneslai Homes’ progress: “Achieving HDN accreditation is no small feat. Berneslai Homes’ focus on creating a culture of inclusion and understanding their tenants’ diverse needs is an example of best practice for the sector.”

Accreditation from HDN is increasingly seen as a valuable tool for organisations looking to improve service delivery and achieve better ratings from the regulator. By aligning their operations with robust EDI standards, housing organisations can demonstrate their commitment to meeting the diverse needs of their communities while building trust with stakeholders. Get in touch if you want to know more.