We are pleased to announce we have been recognized as a Pledge Pioneer as part of the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge. This is a significant achievement for everyone involved and is a fantastic testimony to all our colleagues who ensure our LGBTQ+ residents continue to be included, supported and represented at Wandle.
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge is an initiative by HouseProud, delivered by Stonewall Housing. The Housing Pledge was created in 2019 and is a scheme all housing providers can sign up to, no matter their size or geographical location.
The pledge sets out a framework for social housing providers to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ resident equality and support, giving residents a stronger sense of belonging and ability to voice their views and concerns without fear or prejudice.
The Housing Pledge has three levels: Promise, Pioneer and Pioneer Plus. Wandle joined the Housing Pledge in April 2025 by making a Pledge Promise.
By making the Pledge Promise, we were committed to promoting equality and support for LGBTQ+ colleagues and residents through:
- Ensuring LGBTQ+ residents have input at the executive/strategic level.
- Increasing LGBTQ+ visibility within our organization.
- Providing specific LGBTQ+ training to staff.
Since joining, we have taken key actions to strengthen LGBTQ+ inclusion within Wandle and have achieved the Pledge Pioneer recognition by creating an inclusive space for both our LGBTQ+ residents and colleagues. This included:
- Invested in LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusion training for colleagues.
- Established Wandle Proud, our LGBTQ+ colleague network.
- Sponsored and attended Merton Pride earlier this month.
- Celebrated Pride Month in June with a Lunch and Learn session hosted by Bradley Gibbons, alongside weekly internal articles and colleague videos sharing what Pride means to them.
- Provided opportunities for LGBTQ+ residents to share views at an executive and strategic level, promoted through Wandle News, social media, our website and resident engagement events.
- Increased LGBTQ+ visibility across Wandle.
Francis Burrows, Executive Director, Customer and Operational Services said, ‘I’m delighted that we have achieved the Pledge Pioneer Status, having worked closely with colleagues and customers to achieve this. It’s great recognition that we are a welcoming, safe space for all our LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers and we want to do all we can to support the community. There’s always more we can do, and we want to continue to build on this work and showcase the importance of celebrating diversity in south London’.
David Smith, Head of People said, ‘Achieving Pledge Pioneer status is an important achievement for Wandle and reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. I am particularly proud of the progress we’ve made in supporting our LGBTQ+ colleagues through initiatives such as our Wandle Proud group, Pride events, awareness campaigns and training. We’d love to hear from more LGBTQ+ colleagues and residents so that their voices can continue to shape our workplace and services.’
We have achieved the Pledge Pioneer status because we have taken meaningful steps to further LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging at Wandle.
We would like to hear from our LGBTQ+ residents and ask them to share their experiences with Wandle.
If you would like to be involved, please email us at communications@wandle.com.
For more information on the Housing Pledge, please click here.