Wates supports Women in Social Housing

Wates supports Women in Social Housing

Women in Social Housing (WISH) has teamed up with Wates, one of the UK’s leading construction, development and property services companies, with the firm becoming a national sponsor of the WISH network.  

WISH works to challenge stereotypes and help to remove barriers for women working the housing and construction industries.

The unique network encourages women to choose a career in these industries, in both the public and the private sectors.

The new partnership with the Wates Group’s two housing focused business units, Wates Living Space and Wates Residential, forms part of its commitment to dramatically improve the gender balance of its workforce at all levels by 2025.

The Wates Group launched an ambitious new Diversity and Inclusion Plan titled #WatesTogether in July 2019. This included the ambition to have a workforce which is more reflective of society, with 60% men, 40% women, 20% BAME, 3% with a disability and 5% LGBTQ+ across all levels of the business by 2025.

As part of the partnership, Wates will be hosting webinars, joining panel debates and taking part in networking sessions on a range of housing and personal development topics made available for WISH members to support them in achieving career success.

David Morgan, Managing Director of Wates Property Services said:

“Wates is committed to encouraging more women to pursue a career in the built environment and break down the stigma often associated with the industry. 

“Through our partnership with WISH we hope that women at all stages of their career, whether they are just starting out or looking to retrain can get the support and guidance they need.”    

Nicola Dibb, Executive Director & Founder of WISH, commented:

“We’re delighted to be working with Wates. With WISH’s objective to support women across the housing and construction industries, and Wates’ plan to become much more inclusive for women, our partnership will be really beneficial.

“It will help us in our mission to address gender equality across the sector and will enable us to support more young women thinking about housing or construction as a career.”

WISH runs its network through ten regional groups across the UK. Members can meet like-minded women and enjoy inspiring events in a relaxed and fun environment.

The network takes its work into schools to support young women to consider careers in housing. It also assists women already working in the sector to progress and develop.

If you would like to join the network or feel that your company could benefit by sponsoring and working with WISH please contact the team on 07568 080959 or [email protected]

For more information, please contact Anna Ross on 07376 303449 or [email protected]

Wates Residential

Wates Residential, part of the Wates Group, is one of the UK's leading developers. The business works with local authority and housing association partners to build more and better homes. This is driven by a shared vision that everyone deserves a great place to live.

Wates Residential applies a special type of regeneration, focused on adding social and environmental value that goes beyond building homes. Every development is bespoke to the needs of the local community and includes meaningful consultation with local stakeholders to support the development of long-term sustainable communities. Wates Residential secured the What House Award for Best Starter Home as part of its Cardiff Living partnership with Cardiff Council and ‘Best Regeneration Project’ for its Erith Park regeneration scheme with Orbit Group in 2019.

The business also leaves a positive lasting legacy in the communities where it operates through its drive for local procurement, creation of local employment opportunities such as apprenticeships and work placements, school curriculum support and courses for long-term unemployed adults.

https://www.wates.co.uk/services/wates-residential/

Wates Living Space

Wates Living Space, part of the Wates Group, is the UK's leading social housing maintenance provider.  Operating across the UK it is focused on working with local authority and housing association partners to improve existing housing stock through planned and responsive maintenance programmes, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where it operates. 

Wates Living Space was awarded the 2018 UK Housing Award for Outstanding Approach to Repairs and Maintenance for its contract with Birmingham City Council.