Today, Orwell are celebrating achieving the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) Accreditation for equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I).

Our success shows that we have effective leadership and processes in place, and are achieving positive outcomes for colleagues and customers.

The HDN are an independent body supporting organisations to address inequality and promote equality, diversity, and opportunity for all.

Michelle Harrison, Director of People and Culture for Orwell, said, “We are really proud to have received this accreditation from the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) as it shows how equality, diversity and inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do here at Orwell. It’s great recognition of what we have achieved so far and represents a significant milestone in our ongoing journey. We received 12 areas of ‘distinction’ plus some suggestions to help guide our ED&I work going forward.”

“Here at Orwell, we know that diversity within teams, and a feeling of belonging and being 100% comfortable to be your authentic self, significantly contributes to happiness in the workplace. It provides diversity of thought, bringing creative and innovative ideas and gives significant results for our customers. It’s so important to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable to perform at their best. Thanks to everyone who was involved in supporting the accreditation process.”

Mushtaq Khan, Chief Executive Officer at HDN said:

"We are delighted that Orwell Housing Association have successfully achieved their accreditation though a clear commitment to promote ED & I in the workplace. Here at HDN we are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to promote fairness and inclusion in the housing sector and beyond, and it is always a real pleasure to work with like-minded and progressive organisations such as Orwell.

 "We have found a real synergy between ourselves and Orwell and look forward to working closely together in the future."