Published: 23 September 2025
We are pleased and proud to share with you that we have been recognised as a LGBTQ+ Pledge Pioneer.
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge was first created as the "HouseProud Pledge" in 2019 by the HouseProud networking group. The Pledge was created with clear ideas and actions for social housing providers to enact, making their organisations better inside and out. It is a flexible framework for organisations who are looking to show genuine commitment to their LGBTQ+ residents. The HouseProud Pledge has now changed its name to the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, by HouseProud and delivered by Stonewall Housing.
Pledge Pioneer status confirms that we have met the requirements of the pledge, creating a framework for LGBTQ+ residents to have a voice at the highest level of the organisation, as well as increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ customers and colleagues, and providing training for colleagues.
The judging panel praised our community diversity advocates initiative, and considered it a strong example of engaging with residents. They also welcomed our track record of demonstrating visibility, especially at Rochdale Pride and Manchester Pride events, and that the pledge was incorporated into RBH's strategy on diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
The panel also looked at areas that we can improve further, including making sure that engagement and wider initiatives can be more clearly linked together and communicated.
We're really proud to have achieved LGBTQ+ Pledge Pioneer status. We know that this is just the start of our journey. We're looking forward to seeing how we can continue to work together to make sure that our communities are safe and welcoming places to live and work for LGBTQ+ customers and colleagues.
