Date published: 13 August 2024
This is the fourth successive year that the leading housing provider has been placed in the Top 10 in the Outstanding Employer category.
Launched in 2018, the awards showcase UK-wide individuals and organisations that are forging ahead with making a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion. This includes taking significant steps forward in progressing ethnic inclusivity, sharing best practice and demonstrating ongoing improvement.
In further recognition of Stonewater’s work, Head of EDI Cordelia Johnney has been shortlisted for the ‘Exceptional Inclusion’ award, given each year to a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic person who works within the diversity, inclusion, and/or HR sector. The winner of this award goes above and beyond to ensure the initiatives they implement or oversee create lasting change.
Both this award, and the winner of the top Outstanding Employer, will be announced at a ceremony in October.
The latest Top 10 ranking further reinforces Stonewater’s commitment to having a truly inclusive culture, which has been a key priority since the organisation was formed in 2015.
Its race equality network group, 2GeTher, also featured in the shortlist in the Network Group category at the 2023 awards alongside high-profile organisations such as Sainsbury’s and BT Group.
Nicholas Harris, Chief Executive at Stonewater, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have not just retained our Top 10 status for the fourth time, but to have all of our hard work and efforts in creating and maintaining a truly inclusive culture recognised as being at an outstanding level.
“Proudly led by Cordelia, our EDI team is dedicated to making sure we reflect the breadth and diversity of the communities we serve and proactively promote and champion equality and diversity organisation-wide. Cordelia’s own personal recognition is huge testament to her passion and commitment to inclusivity at Stonewater.”
Jenny Sawyer, Director of People, Culture & Change, added: “This accolade is testimony to how adaptable and forward-thinking the entire Stonewater team is when it comes to nurturing and building upon our culture, which we are extremely proud of.
“Congratulations to everyone who has played a role so far, and to those who will continue to play a role in delivering our truly inclusive vision.”
Stonewater also featured in the Top 25 businesses presented with the Maturity Matrix accreditation in 2023, a further stream of recognition by the Investing in Ethnicity organisers, which assesses organisations' progress towards ethnic inclusivity.