Diversity drives housing association forward

A Bradford-based housing association has reaffirmed its international standing for workplace inclusivity following a rigorous assessment.

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has retained its ISO 30415 certification, a globally recognised benchmark for diversity and inclusion in HR management. 

The association, which owns and manages more than 1400 affordable homes for over 6000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, made history last year as the first housing provider in the world to secure the standard.

The reassessment praised MHA for its inclusive culture and progressive approach, highlighting work such as its LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, a refreshed EDI strategy and the use of AI to boost accessibility. 

John Mulholland, from the Centre for Assessment, an accredited certification body, praised the association for “fostering an inclusive culture where people from a wide variety of backgrounds can be themselves at work and are encouraged to give their best at work”.

John added: “Diversity and inclusion are deeply embedded in policies and staff practices and as a result people described a family like working environment.

“The recent appointment of three female members onto the leadership team offers not just additional skill sets and perspectives but also serves as an example to others of pathways to success.”

Rupert Pometsey, MHA chair, added: “We are proud to retain ISO 30415 which is regarded as a global badge of honour for employers committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

“It was a special achievement for MHA to be the first housing association in the world to achieve the standard, but it is equally important for us to continue building on that success and raise the bar even higher in everything we do.

“In his report, the independent assessor confirms that we are continuing to make excellent progress across our full range of activities.  

“That is great credit to the MHA family and the togetherness for which we are renowned.”   

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