A lack of opportunities within the Housing Corporation often leaves staff feeling undervalued and under-appreciated, one of the agency’s directors has revealed.
Max Steinberg, unveiling preliminary findings of research into diversity in the workplace at the corporation, said the agency was seen as bureaucratic, with little in the way of innovation.

Speaking at the Federation of Black Housing Organisations’ annual conference, Steinberg, the corporation’s Merseyside and north regional director, said: "There i s a lack of appreciation (within the organisation) that staff have transferable skills and as a result there are barriers created by rigid thinking of this sort."

NTM consultants have been commissioned to review the corporation’s stance and record on equality and diversity (Housing Today 20 July).

Steinberg told the conference that despite moves towards positive action in the recruitment and selection process, BME staff still tended to occupy lower grades in the corporation and never progressed to the higher ranks.

Steinberg said the corporation was considering putting together an action plan, which would include the appointment of managers who could concentrate on staff development.

The corporation also plans to look at ways in which

it can formulate creative partnerships in order to achieve better levels of diversity.

"We believe people from different organisations and communities will flourish in organisations whose culture is diverse and flexible," he said.

In a separate session, corporation head of policy, research and statistics highlighted the progress of its BME policy. He added: "There is a good chance that the corporation will change and therefore a good chance that mainstream RSLs will change."

But Cheesman emphasised that the FBHO needed to continue to pressure the Housing Corporation otherwise black housing would lose its place on the agenda. He said: "More than anything you need to show good practice in managing diversity.

NTM’s findings are due to be presented to an internal symposium of board members in January next year. It is due to be published in April after feedback from staff.

Steinberg said: "We will be taking the findings very seriously and [corporation chief executive] Norman Perry will prepare his response to it along with an action plan."

Source

Housing Today