Housing associations are failing to promote equality of opportunity and social inclusion in their work, according to new research.
The study into the use of black and minority ethnic contractors found that although many associations claimed it was important to use BME companies, few were actually doing so.

Few RSLs could provide examples of good practice in the employment of BME contractors or consultants - in stark contrast to some "exemplary" practice among local authorities.

There was a general perception among BME firms that associations operated discriminatory practices in the employment of contractors and consultants.

The research, by Salford University for the London Equal Opportunities Federation, also found monitoring of equal opportunities was given a low priority.

The study is the latest to criticise associations in the field of race equality. Research for the Housing Corporation, revealed in Housing Today last month, showed many associations had a poor track record on race equality despite their good intentions. And last year, research, again by Salford university, revealed BME staff within associations faced "deeply ingrained patterns of institutional racism".

The latest study was launched at the same time as research for the Housing Corporation revealed that more than 40 per cent of all black and minority ethnic households in the capital are in housing need.

Bangladeshi and black Africans are the worst housed communities in London.

Most BME households in need are already living in the social rented sector and more than half of all households on waiting or transfer lists are from minority ethnic communities.

The launch of the research coincided with the unveiling this week by the corporation of its new black and minority ethnic strategy for London.

The strategy sets out a "regional action plan" to ensure associations in London "promote a culture which empowers individuals and organisations from BME communities in order to identify BME housing needs and meet them through high quality and culturally sensitive management services and investment."

Contracts of Exclusion - a study of black and minority ethnic outputs from RSLs' contracting power is available from the London Equal Opportunities Federation. Tel: 020 7237 7700.

Taking stock of what we know - a statistical assessment of black and minority ethnic needs is available from the corporation. Tel: 020 7292 4411.

Source

Housing Today