Cosmopolitan invests in diversity handbook

A diversity handbook for staff at Cosmopolitan Housing Group has been singled out as an example of good practice by Investors in People.

The 50-page manual was developed by the Diversity Working Group at the Liverpool-based housing group which has over 6,000 homes in management, and is active across Merseyside, the North West and as far afield as Birmingham and Southampton.

It includes information about the group’s customer base and about the seven ‘strands’ of diversity; religion and beliefs, gender, disability, transgender, sexual orientation, age and race.

Each section incorporates practical advice to help staff understand the particular needs of each group and to interact appropriately in a way that demonstrates respect and understanding. A directory of support agencies has been created so that staff are able to contact relevant professionals for any particular help or assistance they may need, that is not covered in the handbook.

The handbook also includes a summary of relevant legislation, including a guide to the new Equalities Bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent later in 2010.

Katharine Simpson, an assessor at Investors in People Northwest, said: “The Staff Diversity Handbook is a fantastic resource with a wealth of information, tips and signposting to support understanding and an ethos of true diversity in the workplace and in the community. It is a useful, interesting reference document with a mix of legislative and 'cultural' information - an invaluable training resource for induction and training of staff, written with the reader in mind. It’s a document you would 'want' to read rather than 'have' to read.”

Cosmopolitan board member Garrick Prayogg, who is also the board equality & diversity champion, said: “We are very pleased that this manual, which was produced by staff themselves, has been recognised by Investors in People.

“It’s all too easy to dismiss initiatives such as this as simply ticking the political correctness box but the fact remains that, whether through lack of understanding, or through intolerance or outright discrimination, many minority groups in this country are still unfairly treated in very many aspects of life.

“We simply want to equip our staff at Cosmopolitan with the knowledge and understanding to respect the diversity that exists amongst their customers and colleagues, so that everyone is treated fairly and equally.”

Pictured: Cosmopolitan board member Garrick Prayogg (back row centre) and Cosmopolitan chief executive Geoff Redhead (to his right) with fellow members of the diversity working group at Cosmopolitan Housing head office in Liverpool.