Stonewater has been named one of the UK’s top employers for ethnic inclusion, marking five consecutive years in the Top 10 nationally.
The affordable housing provider secured its place in the Top 10 of the Outstanding Employer category following assessment through the Investing in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix.
The framework examines how ethnic inclusion is embedded across an organisation’s data, culture, leadership, talent progression and strategic priorities. Assessment covers leadership and commitment, culture and inclusion, employee lifecycle and external impact, helping employers benchmark performance, identify areas for growth and share best practice on racial equity.
Stonewater adopted the Matrix in 2021 and has used it to strengthen leadership accountability, improve data and insight, support employee network groups and build action plans for long-term cultural change.
It was the first housing provider to feature on the list and has since promoted the Matrix across the sector as a tool for organisations taking a more structured, evidence-led approach to inclusion. The recognition places Stonewater alongside Lloyds Banking Group, Sussex Police and Vodafone.
Cordelia Johnney, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Stonewater, said: “We are proud to be recognised again as one of the UK’s leading employers for ethnic inclusion. The Maturity Matrix has been an important part of our journey, helping us move from good intentions to clear, evidence-based action.
“By listening to colleagues’ lived experiences, empowering our employee networks and embedding inclusion into decision-making, we are building a more people-led organisation where diverse voices are heard, valued and able to shape how we work.”
Jonathan Layzell, chief executive at Stonewater, said: “This recognition reflects the commitment of colleagues across Stonewater who are helping us create a consciously inclusive culture.
“As a housing provider serving more than 93,000 customers from diverse backgrounds, it is essential that inclusion is embedded in how we lead, make decisions and deliver services for both colleagues and customers. Being named among the Top 10 employers shows the progress we are making, while reinforcing our responsibility to keep learning and improving.”
Main image credit: Andrey_Popov – Shutterstock
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