Two projects aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion within the Welsh social housing sector have delivered significant impact, according to a newly published report by HACT (Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust).
Get into Housing was established by seven housing Associations: Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA), Taff, Hafod, United Welsh, Cadarn Group, Codi Group and Wales & West Housing to support individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds into employment opportunities within the sector.
In line with this, these member organisations make an annual contribution to the project, match-funded by Welsh Government (in 2025/26), enabling participants to be compensated at the Real Living Wage.
Since its launch in 2022, 100 participants have completed the 16-week paid work placement with 86 of those securing employment following the placement, including 35 with their host organisations while 24 participants went on to achieve professional qualifications.
Aside from the positive impact Get into Housing has had on the participants, it has also generated £2.1 million in social value to date, with every £1 invested bringing in £3.80 in social value.
Meanwhile, Pathway to Board, founded by CCHA, Taff, Hafod, Cadarn Group, and Codi Group, and later joined by Newport City Homes, United Welsh and Wales & West Housing, focuses on addressing barriers to board-level diversity by preparing individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds for governance roles.
Over the last five years, 49 participants have completed the nine-month programme of mentorship, training, and board shadowing. Of these, 23 participants have gone on to secure board positions, including 6 with their host organisation.
The project has created £328,690 in social value since it launched, delivering £3.40 of social value for every £1 invested.
Both initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of diversity-focused programmes in shaping a more inclusive future for the Welsh housing sector.
You can read the full Social Value HACT report here.