Press release

May 2014

Equality and diversity is in our DNA

THE consortium behind the £650 million regeneration of Pendleton has proved equality and diversity is at the heart of everything they do with its commitment to improve customers’ lives and deliver service excellence.

Pendleton Together has achieved Diversity Network Accreditation (DNA), a robust and comprehensive national award scheme run by the Housing Diversity Network1.

The consortium delivering the Pendleton Together regeneration project includes social landlord Together Housing Group and Keepmoat. They are working in partnership with Salford City Council.

Training provided by members of the Disability Focus Group, who look closely at how Pendleton Together works with residents who have disabilities, hasreceived Pendleton Together a distinction for good practice.

Steve Close, the Chief Executive of Together Housing Group, said: “Equality and diversity is integral to the work we do, people are valued and treat each other with respect.

“The Diversity Network Accreditation allows us to evidence this commitment and continually challenge our services to ensure we maintain the high standards we have set in relation to fair and equal opportunities.”

The in depth accreditation process involved interviews with staff who work on the regeneration project, discussions with customers and a desktop review. This included meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Guidance and the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Equality Charter in addressing inequalities.

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Clifton Robinson, Chief Executive of the Housing Diversity Network, said: “For such a new organisation, Pendleton Together has done superbly well in demonstrating it has made sufficient progress on the Equality and Diversity agenda to enable it to achieve HDN’s DNA Award.

“Building on firm foundations laid by Salix Homes and the robust structures of the Together Housing Group, Pendleton Together has shown how it has delivered activities to raise awareness of equality and diversity issues in the wider community and built customer capacity to participate in this.

“Well done Pendleton Together for this excellent achievement.”

The regeneration of Pendleton will see more than 1,600 new homes built, more than 1,250 council-owned properties improved and a network of parks and green spaces.

However, the regeneration of Pendleton is not just about improving communities and providing better homes – the employment and training opportunities available over the coming years will be a significant part of the lasting legacy the project hopes to create for the area.

Pendleton Together is honouring its commitment to job creation by providing employment through training, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities. The project will result in the creation of 500 jobs, more than 2,000 work experience placements and job training for more than 3,200 people.

Pic caption: Clifton Robinson, Chief Executive of the Housing Diversity Network, presenting the DNA to Pendleton Together customers Neil Blackley, and James Gillard, and Pendleton Together Contract Manager Chris Brown.

1The Housing Diversity Network offers specialist training and advice on equality and diversity issues to the housing sector.

ENDS

For more information please contact Stewart Pimbley/Becki Ord on 0161 976 1414 or email or

Notes to editors

  • Pendleton Together is a £650 million government-backedregeneration scheme, which will see more than 1,600 new energy efficient homes built and more than 1,250 existing council-owned properties improved. There will also be huge changes across the community including new parks, open spaces and a community farm.
  • The Pendleton Together consortium delivering the regeneration project includes social landlord Together Housing Group and building and regeneration specialist Keepmoat. Pendleton Together is working in partnership with Salford City Council.
  • The regeneration of the area will result in the creation of 500 jobs, more than 2,000 work experience placements and job training for more than 3,200 people.
  • Pendleton is a densely populated area of Salford just a mile from Salford Quays and has a number of social issues. More than 40 per cent of residents have no formal qualifications and just 41 per cent of working age residents are in employment. It is in the bottom one per cent of the UK for health deprivation.
  • The masterplan for Pendleton has been 10 years in the making, and local people have been closely involved in its creation. Launched in 2013, the building and refurbishment work will be delivered in several phases and will be due for completion in 2024. The first of the new homes expected to be ready in 2014. All of the refurbishment work to 1,250 homes is expected to be completed by early 2017.