Equality, diversity and inclusion

As a Board, our role is to set direction, provide assurance and ensure that the organisation operates in a way that is fair, lawful and true to its purpose. Equality, diversity and inclusion are a core part of that responsibility.

Peabody exists to provide safe, secure homes and to support strong, thriving communities. The people who live and work in our homes come from a wide range of backgrounds. Their experiences of our services are shaped by many factors, including health, disability, age, gender, ethnicity, income and the places and neighbourhoods they live in. 

Recognising and responding to this diversity is not about labels or ideology; it is about making sure Peabody works well for everyone we serve. 

We are working in a world where wider public conversation about equality and inclusion is increasingly contested, and in some settings, EDI is misunderstood or portrayed as unnecessary. 

At the same time there are wider social and economic pressures, with heightened tensions in some communities. This means that issues of fairness, safety and belonging matter more, not less, to residents and colleagues. As a housing provider with a strong social purpose, we must be clear about how we meet these challenges. 

What inclusion means at Peabody

Inclusion is about how people feel and how we act. In practice, this means: 

• Understanding where experiences or outcomes differ
• Removing barriers that prevent residents or colleagues from fully participating or benefiting from opportunities, support or organisational processes
• Using data, insight and lived experience to inform and improve decisions
• Ensuring our approach is balanced, proportionate and grounded in evidence
• Focusing on actions that improve outcomes 

We know that fairness also requires paying close attention to the factors that can undermine it. This includes recognising that discrimination and unequal treatment—whether based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, socio‑economic background or any other protected or disadvantaged characteristic—can affect people’s safety, trust and experience of our services. 

As a social landlord and employer, we have a responsibility to identify and address these issues wherever they occur. Our approach is practical and measurable. We will set clear expectations of behaviour, ensure our policies and services work fairly in practice, and act wherever discrimination or unfair treatment is found. 

Above all, we will work proactively to understand disparities, address root causes early, and ensure residents and colleagues experience equitable treatment across the organisation.