Leaders in diversity

We have retained our ‘Leaders in Diversity’ accreditation for the third year, after taking part in a full audit and reassessment process.

The accreditation is awarded by the National Centre for Diversity. They were founded in 2005 and work with organisations of all types, to help embed good practices around fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement (FREDIE).

We were celebrated for our commitment to FREDIE, the work our equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) group do, which is made up of colleagues and tenants, and for a determination to improve.

We were also recognised for continuing to drive EDI forward despite the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, ensuring that we overcome the challenges. The assessor went on to praise us for the positive impact Leaders in Diversity is continuing to have on the culture of the organisation.

Karen Cowan, Head of Governance and Corporate said: “We are thrilled to still hold such a brilliant accreditation. It really is testament to the incredible efforts of our colleagues, customers and everyone we come into contact with as an organisation.

“We know how diverse and fantastic our communities are, so we want this to be celebrated and represented in everything we do.

“By working together we will keep going to make changes that matter. If you’d like to be a part of it, please get in touch and let us know, we’d love to see you at an EDI group meeting.”

As well as the accreditation, The National Centre for Diversity announced us as 33rd in their list of ‘Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces’ in May this year, and shortlisted our EDI group.

Tim Mills, tenant Board member and representative on our EDI group said: “Ongo represents the diverse communities we embrace in its ethos, in its attitude and in all they do.

“I’m so proud to be part of a community that holds FREDIE at the very heart of what we do and works hard to promote it. 

“That work is rightly reflected in this accreditation and my congratulations go out to all who have worked hard to achieve it.”

To find out more about our commitment to EDI and any positive plans or changes we make, follow us on social media or check out our website.