Stonewater named among UK’s top employers for ethnic inclusion
We've been recognised for the fifth time with a place in the Top 10 of the Outstanding Employer category, following assessment through the Investing in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix.
Date published: 23 July 2026
Stonewater has been named as one of the UK’s top employers for investing in ethnic inclusion.
The awarding framework examines how ethnic inclusion is embedded across every aspect of an organisation, including its data, culture, leadership, talent progression and strategic priorities.
Through assessment across leadership and commitment, culture and inclusion, employee lifecycle and external impact, it helps employers benchmark their performance, identify areas for growth and share best practices that drive meaningful progress on racial equity and ethnic inclusion.
Since Stonewater adopted the Matrix in 2021, it has been used to strengthen leadership accountability, improve data and insight, support employee network groups and build clear action plans to drive long-term cultural change.
Stonewater was the first housing provider to make the list and has since used its experience to champion the Matrix across the sector, promoting it as a best-practice tool for other organisations looking to take a more structured and evidence-led approach to inclusion.
The recognition places Stonewater alongside major organisations including 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.”
