Building inclusive communities together
At last year’s TPAS National Tenant Conference, members of our customer scrutiny group joined tenants and housing professionals from across the country to share experiences, learn from each other, and explore how we can continue to improve services for our communities.
In the following reflection, a member of the group shares their personal experience of the conference, highlighting the power of conversations, collaboration and how one discussion helped spark meaningful change for LGBTQIA+ inclusion within housing.
Last July two of us from the scrutiny group went to the TPAS National Tenant conference. Tenants and colleagues from all over gathered to discuss, learn about and champion social housing. To discuss and listen to the needs of residents, their values and learn about legislation and how it impacts on our lives. We also share concerns and obstacles we come up against. It is a very positive and informative environment.
The conference is made up of choices of workshops. We were allowed to pick what we wanted and not told what to choose by Westward. We discussed with the group what each of us would do that might be the most useful to inform future reviews.
I really wanted to go to the LGBTQIA+ workshop, but it clashed with another. I chose the other as it was something that would be harder for me to absorb by reading only (building regulations).
I am a subscriber of Stonewall and an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, so I decided I would have a chat outside of the workshops and get any info I could to give feedback.
When I approached Jack Mason the facilitator it felt like we had known each other for a long time. He is so friendly and warm. We chatted about challenges the LGBTQIA+ are facing within housing, the general community and on a more personal level. We also discussed regional challenges and positives and how they vary.
Jack has an in-depth knowledge of the southwest and the differences between its city and rural experiences for communities and specifically the LGBTQIA+ community.
Stonewall Housing has joined forces with Houseproud to deliver the LGBTQIA+ housing pledge. This engages with housing associations and Local Authorities to train, educate and establish inclusivity within social housing. I asked Jack if Westward had signed up yet, he said no.
I promised to go back with all the information so they could sign the pledge. At the end of the conference just before I left, I went to say goodbye to him and confirm my promise of getting the information to the appropriate people to get the ball rolling. He told me I was the first person who had gone up to ask questions at the start of the conference and now at the end was the last. That we started this on a positive and ended the time with an equally good vibe.
Scrutiny was having a meet up with Stephen (Lodge) and Robert (Stronge) on the Saturday, but I wasn’t able to go. So, I sent an email and gave a brief synopsis of the conference. I did detail my talk with Jack and how positive it would be and how I'd give the details when I returned to the south west.
What happened after I was very impressed with. Stephen emailed Jack before I had even returned to arrange sign up for pledge.
What has happened since then?
Westward are currently in a one-year process to be accredited. In order to meet the criteria, there are steps landlords must take. (Read more about it here: https://stonewallhousing.org/houseproudpledge)
The place you live is the place you need to feel secure. Doing everything possible to help LGBTQIA+ tenants feel accepted, safe and understood is so important. A zero tolerance of hate and prejudice is needed in communities, housing associations and councils can set this standard from within extending outwards to not only show but truly by being inclusive, for tenants and colleagues alike. Signing the pledge is not only a statement that they will do this but are going to do the work to ensure they do it properly and effectively.
Staff are being trained to understand the needs of LGBTQIA+ community.
This should improve trust from tenants, knowing that the person at the end of the phone is employed by an ally and knows how to engage appropriately.
Colleagues of the LGBTQIA+ will know they will not experience discrimination in the workplace, and should they do so their employer will support them.
In our customer voice review, scrutiny had made recommendations that a LGBTQIA+ customer voice/ panel be set up.
Westward has partnered with Proud2Be
Westward are hoping to take part in Pride events across the south west.
Pride is important to celebrate, remember and progress LGBTQIA+ visibility, rights, history and community. All of the community is welcome. Pride brings people together. It supports local economies, business and is an opportunity for folks to come together.
That little chat with Jack went a long way. It will still impact before building regs are all implemented and probably last much longer than ever changing legislation.
Sadly in 2026 there is a long way to go before we see the inclusive accepting world we would want. However Westward and other housing organisations making that commitment sends a message “You are home, you are part of our diverse community. We've got your back. “
Useful links
https://stonewallhousing.org/training
https://www.houseproud-lgbt.com/about-us
How Westward are building inclusive communities
We’re delighted to be working throughout the year towards achieving the pioneer level of the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, embedding inclusive practices and strengthening our support for LGBTQ+ customers and colleagues. As part of this commitment, we’re also excited to be attending a range of Pride events across the south west this summer, including:
- Freedom Community Festival - Plymouth, Sat 23 May
- Exeter Respect Festival - Sat 6 June
- Torbay Pride - Torquay, Sat 13 June
- Bodmin Pride - Sat 27 June
- Plymouth Pride - Sat 11 July
- Newquay Pride - Sat 29 Aug
- Plymouth & Devon Respect Festival - Plymouth, September (date TBC)
These events are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate diversity, connect with local communities and show our support. We’re really looking forward to meeting some of our customers in their communities, listening to their experiences, and continuing to build positive, inclusive relationships.
What is the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge?
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, developed by HouseProud and delivered by Stonewall Housing, is a scheme that social housing providers can sign up to. It is designed to demonstrate a clear commitment to equality, inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ residents.
Working in partnership with HouseProud, they help support our organisation to turn commitment into action, creating safer, more inclusive environments for both residents and colleagues.
Working towards the pledge, particularly at pioneer level, involves a strong focus on resident voice, visibility and training. This means ensuring LGBTQ+ customers can influence decision-making, increasing visibility and awareness across the organisation, and equipping colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to deliver inclusive services. It’s about embedding inclusion into everyday practice, through genuine engagement, continuous learning and a commitment to making a real difference.