EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION 19
Improving satisfaction ratings
in BME communities
In January, we held a workshop with
residents in Croydon to understand the
underlying factors driving greater levels
of dissatisfaction amongst our BME
residents. We identified a correlation
between people in arrears and satisfaction
ratings. As a result our Income Team
are now carrying out a project around
targeting engagement with BME residents.
This work will be reviewed by our Residents
Strategy Group.
This year we co-designed two large events
with residents to celebrate diversity within
our communities:
¢ In March, over 120 people attended the
International Women's Day event. This
event celebrated the social, economic,
cultural and political achievements of
our female residents and staff.
¢ In October, over 150 residents attended
our Black History Month event. This
family event also formed part of the
consultation for the BME resident
satisfaction research.
¢ In the summer, we also co-organised a
float at Hastings Pride to celebrate our
LGBTQ community.
Improving diversity in our resident
governance structure
We know we can deliver the best level of
service by understanding the residents
and communities we serve. Ensuring the
diversity of our customers is reflected
in our governance and senior leadership
structure is one of our top priorities.
We hold regular equality and diversity panel
meetings with residents throughout the
year. In March we looked at the diversity
profile of our resident governance
structure compared to the overall Optivo
resident profile. Our representation is
good from BME residents and Millennials
(aged 19 - 30). However, we identified gaps
for future recruitment, including increasing
the number of 31 - 40 year olds formally
involved. This will be a priority going
forward.
VALUING DIVERSITY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT
PART IN OUR ROLE AS A LANDLORD
To find out more about our
approach to equality and
diversity, read our Diversity and
Inclusion Strategy.
Resident Forum, Sussex
Hastings Pride, Sussex
Optivo Annual Review 2018-2019