Equality, diversity and inclusion

Hear from our EDI group

Our dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group plays a vital role in creating inclusive communities for colleagues, residents and the communities we proudly serve.

At Watford Community Housing, we believe that strong, inclusive communities are built when everyone feels represented, respected and valued. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group plays a key role in helping us create those communities – not only for our colleagues, but for the residents and neighbourhoods we proudly serve.

Our EDI Group brings together passionate volunteers from across the organisation to champion fairness, celebrate diversity and promote understanding. Through a wide range of community‑focused events and initiatives, the group helps us shine a spotlight on the cultures, identities and experiences that make our communities so vibrant.

Each year, the team supports and delivers activities that bring people together, including:

Sponsorship of Herts Pride, showing our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ residents and allies
Fundraising for local charities through raffles, bake sales and community events to reinvest into the communities we serve
Attending celebrations such as Remembrance Day events, bringing together staff, residents and the local community
Signposting information that encourages inclusion and awareness across our communities such as financial support and mental health

Click on the FAQs below to find out more about who is in our EDI group and why they love being apart of it.

By championing these initiatives, our EDI Group helps ensure that we are working to create a welcoming community for everyone.

Amy

"The EDI group is a really important part of our culture as a community business. I really enjoy working with the team. Everyone is so passionate and brings a lived experience of their own to the table. We cover so many areas, but disability is really important in my family, because my step son lives with Cerebral Palsy and needs additional support from so many people each day. The shared stories and events also bring us closer together. I have learned so much from my colleagues about cultures and the historical challenges that some communities have faced. I am really proud to be part of what we have achieved, and we report back our achievements to our Board and Gateway Committee each year.”

Aqeela

"Being part of the EDI group gives people a space where their voices feel heard and valued, while creating opportunities to learn from other experiences. It’s empowering to be involved in a group that believes small conversations can lead to real change and is actively working to make the workplace more inclusive.

"To me, the EDI group is about belonging, support, and hope and helping to create that same feeling for others as we move forward together."

Ceridwen

"I love being in the EDI group because I get to make a difference and get involved with something I am passionate about. It is also interesting to learn about different cultures and interests and support each other in putting on wonderful events."

Dylan

"Being in the EDI group really helps me see things from different perspectives, and it also helps my professional development as an apprentice."

Lucy

"Being a part of the EDI group is one of my favourite things about working at Watford Community Housing. Seeing so many colleagues come together to learn about a new topic, share their personal stories, and eat great food at our events – what could be better than that?"

Marlene

"I am in the EDI group because I think it is important to raise awareness about inclusion and I am very passionate about equality."

Megan

"Being part of the EDI group gives me a direct line between HR initiatives and the lived experiences of our colleagues. It’s a space where real conversations shape meaningful change, as well as helping to ensure our initiatives reflect the voices across the business, and I’m proud to support that."

Mohsina

"Initially, I had joined the EDI meetings for university coursework purposes. However, I quickly became an official member of the group and hit the ground running with assisting with upcoming events and plans!

"I enjoy planning events for colleagues and watching everything come together into an amazing event for everyone to enjoy.

"I believe it's important to spread awareness of our cultures, religions and festivals that represent each of us and our values, and it brings people together, which motivates me to continue. Being part of the EDI group has increased my confidence and widened my social circle at work and beyond as well, and I absolutely love it!"

Munawra

"When I started working for Watford Community Housing, World Food Day was held during the first week I started. I was so impressed with all the effort everyone had put in and it was a great way to bring everyone together and celebrate different cultures. I joined the EDI group as I wanted to contribute to future events. It's also a great way to network and meet people from across the business you may not have otherwise."

Willy

"EDI feels like a family gathering where each member is different but we are seeking a collective benefit!"