Driving inclusive change together: the GMHP EDI Leads Group

The Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Leads group is a collaborative network that brings together EDI professionals from across the region to strengthen practice, increase consistency and improve outcomes for both colleagues and customers.

By working collectively, the group ensures that organisations benefit from shared learning, coordinated approaches and support that would be difficult to achieve individually.

A key achievement has been the development of shared Guiding Principles for Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs). These have enabled organisations without established processes to embed EIAs more effectively and improve the quality of decision making. Colleagues across the partnership report increased confidence, supported by clearer tools, practical examples and the reassurance that they are applying a consistent, sector wide approach.

The group has also strengthened customer EDI data practices. By openly sharing methods, challenges and insights, members have improved how they collect, store and use EDI data, leading to better accuracy, more robust insight and closer alignment with regulatory expectations. This collaborative work has helped several organisations improve the accuracy and consistency of their data.

Supporting colleagues during global or national events that might create distress or uncertainty has become another important area of collective work. Through shared templates, communications and examples of organisational responses, the group has helped members – particularly those without existing internal guidance – respond more confidently and compassionately.

Additional shared learning has taken place across recruitment, reasonable adjustments and innovations in adaptations, enabling members to access a wide range of best practice from within and beyond the housing sector.

Crucially, the group provides a vital source of peer support in a field where many EDI leads work alone. By reducing professional isolation, supporting wellbeing and minimising duplication, the group saves time and resources while strengthening practice across the partnership. Together, the GMHP EDI Leads group is driving a more consistent, confident and inclusive approach to EDI across Greater Manchester’s housing sector.