Equality and Diversity

What is equality and diversity?

Equality is about making sure people are treated fairly and equally and have the same opportunities, regardless of their backgrounds.

Equality looks at people’s needs and challenges, and makes sure people are not disadvantaged because of their race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age.

Diversity is about recognising and valuing that everyone is different. Everyone deserves to be valued and respected. It’s our differences that lead to more enriched experiences.

Why is equality and diversity important to Local Space?

If we have open minds and inclusive hearts we do a better job and we’re a better place to work.

  • Our commitment to equal opportunities and celebrating diversity goes beyond what the law says we must do – it plays a big part in our integrity as a caring organisation

  • We want our neighbourhoods to be great places and that means asking questions and understanding what makes people tick

  • We want our people to connect with our communities and tenants. By knowing our customers well, and understanding their needs, we can provide a high quality service, now and in the future

  • We want the best people working for us, so we want to look everywhere we can to find them and make our community a place where people want to work

  • It’s important to us that people are treated fairly, whatever their circumstances. We look for innovative solutions to problems that might affect our customers and find ways to reduce disadvantage and discrimination among our residents

  • We make sure that everyone has the chance to fulfil their potential and we always work towards removing any barriers that might stop this happening

What do equality and diversity mean to Local Space?

  • Equality means making sure that our services meet the needs of all our customers and that we provide a service that’s fair to all

  • Equality means we won’t discriminate against anyone and will actively encourage people to apply for, take up and stay working with us, no matter of their age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, beliefs or background

  • Diversity means appreciating and valuing the different life experiences, skills and views individuals bring to a community

  • We have a richer community and workforce because we believe that diversity benefits and adds value to our organisation and the work we do

  • We celebrate the diversity of our community and workforce and look at ways to value the differences. As an employer, we encourage our staff to develop their potential and take pride in their skills and abilities

Equality and diversity – our promise

  • We live in a socially and culturally diverse environment. We promise to celebrate our differences and make people feel valued regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, beliefs and backgrounds

  • We’ll have a business that reflects the diversity of the communities where we work

  • We’ll challenge discrimination where we see it and do what we can to stop it happening

  • We’ll treat everyone fairly and make equality and diversity part of our day job – for everything we do. This includes everyone who applies to us for housing; everyone who applies for support; every existing tenant, leaseholder and other customer; every applicant for a job or contract; and every existing member of staff, board and other volunteers