Reinforcing our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion

We have strengthened our commitment to equity and visibility by formally signing the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge.  

 

We have made the ‘pledge promise’, the first level of accreditation, demonstrating our dedication to embedding inclusion as a fundamental part of what we are and what we stand for - and a clear and unwavering statement that everyone deserves to feel valued, respected and truly safe at home. 

 

This commitment means we will now begin working towards achieving pioneer status, demonstrating progress against core areas that positively impact LGBTQ+ residents. 

 

Matt Sugden, Chief Executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “Signing the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge reinforces our core belief that inclusion is fundamental to our values. Everyone has the right to feel safe, seen and supported in their home. This pledge is a powerful step in strengthening that promise, and we are determined to lead with authenticity and action. 

 

“We look forward to working in partnership with our residents, colleagues and Stonewall Housing to deliver meaningful, lasting change.” 

 

The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, established in 2019 following a research report released a few years earlier, was created in response to compelling evidence that LGBTQ+ residents in social housing often did not feel fully safe, represented or supported.  

 

Created by HouseProud and delivered by Stonewall Housing, the pledge enables landlords of all sizes to embed inclusion, increase visibility and ensure LGBTQ+ voices inform decision-making at the highest levels. 

 

As part of the pathway to Pioneer accreditation, we will focus on: 

• Ensuring LGBTQ+ residents have meaningful influence at executive and strategic levels 
• Increasing LGBTQ+ visibility across the organisation 
• Providing dedicated LGBTQ+ inclusion training for all staff 

 

Upon completion, Pioneer or Pioneer Plus status is awarded for two years, with reassessment every two years to maintain and strengthen progress.