Creating a working environment where everyone feels a real sense of purpose and pride in what they do is the goal of Southern Housing Group.

The Group, which was established with a charitable gift in 1901 and has grown to become one of the largest housing associations in the southeast of England, provides more than 30,000 homes for over 77,000 people.

As a “people business” it says its ability to offer a variety of services to communities across the southeast of England comes down to having a diverse and committed workforce where everyone plays an important part. In return for their efforts, the Group offers plenty of benefits, including a competitive salary, flexibility, wellbeing initiatives and inclusive activities to help support colleagues to live company values and achieve a happy work/life balance.

An increased focus on ED&I across the business has led to an approach where it is now firmly part of the culture, and something that it says is ‘top of the list’ of things that have increased overall engagement within Southern Housing Group.

Initiatives include regular meetings held by an ED&I steering group, as well as having a team of ‘Diversity Champions’. Diversity networks have been established and embedded, which include LGBT, BAME, Disability, Parents and Carers, and Women’s groups, which are led by colleagues and sponsored by a member of the executive team.