Equality, diversity and inclusion

LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge

We have signed the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, a national initiative designed to strengthen inclusivity and equality for LGBTQ+ people across the housing sector.

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Created by HouseProud in 2019 and delivered in partnership with Stonewall Housing, the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge provides a framework for housing associations to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ residents and colleagues.

The pledge challenges organisations to review their culture, practices and services, ensuring they are actively working to create safe, supportive and welcoming spaces for all.

By signing the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, we are making a clear statement about our values. We are committing to putting inclusion at the centre of everything we do, and we are holding ourselves accountable for ensuring LGBTQ+ people feel respected, supported and celebrated across our homes, workplaces and communities.

Our LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Champions

Sophie Atkinson, Executive Director of Governance

“It’s always good practice to look at our ways of working to see how we can improve. What is unique about the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge is that it requires customers and colleagues to work together to identify and drive solutions. As a bisexual woman, I’m excited to work in partnership with both colleagues and customers to take this forward at GSA.”

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Stephen Jevons, Health and safety Lead

"The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge isn’t just a promise; it’s our opportunity to stand with our customers and colleagues and drive meaningful change together. It’s a chance for us to listen, to learn, and to create real impact. I want every LGBTQ+ person to feel respected, supported, and genuinely celebrated across our homes, workplaces, and communities."

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Jon Upchurch, Customer Panel Member

"In a year or two I’d measure success for GSA’s involvement in the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge as not only having delivered on our pledges, but also making a measurable difference in terms of raised awareness of both housing-related LGBTQ+ issues and GSA’s commitment within the organisation, with GSA customers and in the social housing sector as a whole. I’d like other landlords to see GSA’s success and be inspired to emulate it for their LGBTQ+ residents."

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Sarah Mason, Customer Panel Chair

"As a Proud Mother and a long time LGBTQ+ Ally, I am so pleased to see how GSA are working hard to live their values and when it comes to our LGBTQ+ customers and colleagues, this is so important. I want us to be inclusive of everyone so that they can feel safe and accepted in their homes and places of work, where we can be our authentic selves which helps us to be a more inclusive and happier where we live and work."

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Our LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Working Group:

  • Sophie Atkinson – Executive Lead
  • Sarah Mason – Customer Panel Chair
  • Jon Upchurch – Customer Panel Member
  • Richard Green – Colleague Voices Chair
  • Steve Jevons – Safety Manager, Property Directorate
  • Lisa Bennett – Customer Liaison Officer, Homes and Communities Directorate
  • Mariana Camarotte – EDI and Engagement Lead

Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge

Visit the HouseProud website to explore how housing providers are supporting LGBTQ+ residents.

Find out more
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