Our History

In October 2016 the group held its first panel discussion on Social Justice. The discussion was focused on how  BAME stafff are both affected in Private and Public sectors. 

In June 2017 the group held its second event at Clarion Housing Group.  This discussion was around leadership with different panel members talking about their experience. 

In October 2017,  UNIFY held its third event, this was a Q&A session held at NottingHill Housing Association talking about the progress made to date and commitments for the future. 

UNIFY held a panel discussion and networking session in October 2018. The focus was around career progression and personal experience of barriers. 

In October 2019, the CEO’s from the largest member organisations (Clarion, Peabody, L&Q, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, and NottingHill Genesis) were invited to sit down together and have an open discussion about BAME staff. 

In 2020 UNIFY consulted with CEOs from various housing associations in the G15 to contribute to the 'Diversity Pledge'. This was a pivotal moment for UNIFY as we were able to share lived experiences of our network members to help shape the pledge. 

The first G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards took place on 11 May 2022. 

The G15 and UNIFY brings together London’s leading housing organisations to recognise and celebrate Black, Asian and ethnic minority colleagues’ contributions and achievements.

 In July 2022, we celebrated our  recent graduates of the Leadership NOW! programme. Our first face to face event since pandemic followed by a summer social of UNIFY members. 

UNIFY moves towards a membership model to be more independent and deliver various initiatives to complement existing EDI infrastructure. This model gives staff access to initiatives they may not have in their own organisation and the networking opportunities that are only possible through partnerships.

On 19th April 2023 UNIFY hosted a cultural event to celebrate the month of Ramadan. 

The session was presented by Iqra Ismail an award-winning football pioneer who advocates for Muslim women in sports.

On Thursday 25 May, the G15, in collaboration with UNIFY, organised the second year of the awards to recognise and celebrate the contribution and achievements of ethnic minority colleagues in the housing sector.

On 22nd June 2024, UNIFY collaborated with Notting Hill Genesis and their staff network group Cultural Energie, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Windrush. The event was a perfect blend of reflection and celebration, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

On 1st July 2023, UNIFY proudly joined forces with House Proud for the 2023 London Pride march. The theme being, ‘You’ll Never March Alone,’ carried a powerful message of unity and celebration, particularly highlighting support for our transgender friends and colleagues.

On 30th July 2023,  the G15 & UNIFY recognise the importance of nurturing and supporting diverse talent in the sector and are pleased to announce the second year of the G15 Diverse Development and Sales Mentorship Programme (DSMP).

On 16th August 2023,  UNIFY celebrate the graduation of the third cohort of our LeadershipNOW! programme.

Participants had the opportunity to explore career progression and leadership development through a blend of workshops, coaching, leadership profiling and career conversations.

On 4th October, as part of our cultural events UNIFY held a webinar session of inspiring personal stories and experiences that highlighted the resilience and contributions of Black women in housing.

Hosted by Dewbien Plummber with guest speakers; Alison Muir, Debra Constance, Ijay Onyechi and Chichi Onyenemelu.

LeadershipNOW! has been created as a partnership between UNIFY and GatenbySanderson. The co-created elements have been designed from feedback from ethnically diverse groups at all levels in the sector to support current leaders and leaders of the future.

On 13th October 2023, UNIFY held a cinema screening. This in-person gathering was an unforgettable experience. The film was chosen based on the talent of actors, directors and writers from the black community.

On 21st November 2023, UNIFY held its annual open collaborative discussion with CEO's. 

A conversation took place on what progress has been made since making the Diversity Pledge 3 years earlier. 

UNIFY has been delivering our staff network forum sessions throughout the year. The feedback has been positive from the staff network leads that represent their respective organisations.

The sessions has allowed the group to share knowledge and support each other.

On Wednesday 19th June, the winners of the G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards were revealed at an event at Banking Hall, London.

Colleagues from across the G15 were invited to make nominations for a range of awards that recognise the contribution of minority ethnic colleagues. Nominations were judged blind.

This week on Monday 16 June, G15 in collaboration with UNIFY hosted its fourth annual Ethnicity in Housing Awards at County Hall, London.