The need for action is further underscored by evidence of systemic racism within housing. Both Shelter England and Shelter Scotland have highlighted that people of colour, particularly those from Black communities, are disproportionately affected by the housing emergency.

Alongside this, a recent Inside Housing research survey showed that 40% of BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) housing staff experienced discrimination from residents over the last year.

Across the UK, there has been a rise in race and religious hate crimes, combined with misinformation being spread about migrants gaining social housing. Housing providers are having to navigate this landscape as tension rises in communities and housing staff are among the first to witness this behaviour. Inside Housing’s research also showed two thirds of housing staff came across misinformation linked to migrants and social housing, with nearly three quarters of this being seen online.

In response to this, a new racism and housing webinar series has been launched to support housing professionals with the tools, confidence, and knowledge needed to address racism, support tenants facing racism, and strengthen inclusive practice. The series also explores the role of senior leaders in developing effective anti‑racism policies, the importance of representation, and how to build diverse and inclusive teams and boards.

This webinar series, launched by Share, a registered charity, and leading training provider for the housing and property sector, has been designed to support professionals in navigating this with sensitivity, clarity, and confidence.

Debra Campbell, Share’s head of training and professional development, said: “Rising racism and hateful rhetoric does not exist in isolation - it affects communities, tenant relationships, and staff safety. This webinar series aims to support housing staff in responding effectively to racism and discrimination, while also helping senior leaders develop meaningful anti‑racist policies and understand the positive impact of building diverse teams and boards.”

Webinar Topics

The webinar series offers the option to attend every webinar or register for individual webinars that are more tailored towards your role and understanding. The webinars will focus on the following areas:

    1. Stopping fake news: Combatting misinformation and disinformation
Addressing how misinformation fuels fear and division, understanding the real drivers of the housing emergency, and how staff can respond effectively to misinformation and disinformation online and in person.
    2. Understanding bias and being an ally
Explores how bias presents itself and shows how unnoticed assumptions can influence decisions. Learn practical allyship skills and know when to call out (or call in) to racism.
    3. Understanding the housing needs of refugees and people seeking asylum
Explores specific vulnerabilities, rights and accommodation needs of refugees and those seeking asylum, and how to communicate and support community cohesion.
    4. Reaching everyone in your community
Best‑practice approaches for building authentic relationships and improving engagement with tenants from minority communities.
    5. Why representation matters - building diverse teams and boards
Discover why representation is essential to effective leadership and explore how to improve inclusive recruitment practices, support confident, non‑confrontational conversations about difference, and uphold leaders’ responsibilities to both staff and tenants.
    6. Supporting tenants experiencing racism and building inclusive communities
Explores how tenants can report incidents, how staff should respond and record them, and practical steps for creating safer, more integrated neighbourhoods.
    7. Designing your anti-racism policy
Practical guidance on creating an effective anti‑racism policy that drives accountability and meaningful change across the organisation.

Housing professionals play a vital role in creating safe, inclusive, and resilient communities. This webinar series has been designed to equip staff with practical tools to challenge racism, better understand and support tenants, and help build communities and workplaces where everyone can feel safe and respected.

Registration

Each webinar is free to attend for Share members.

Non‑members are welcome to attend at a cost of £25 per session.

For more details, and to find out how to book click here.