Social housing sector: engaging with tenants from ethnic minority backgrounds

6. Methodology

6.1 Landlord survey

All 170 Registered Social Landlords in Scotland, and 26 Local Authorities with housing stock were invited to complete an online survey on their approaches to engaging tenants from minority ethnic backgrounds. The survey was distributed directly and promoted through direct email outreach and utilising the TIS social media channels. A total of 31 landlords responded, comprising 5 local authorities and 26 housing associations.

The survey covered the following areas:

• Whether ethnicity data is collected for tenants, staff, and board members, and how it is used.
• Types of tenant participation opportunities offered (e.g. forums, scrutiny, surveys, events).
• Any specific initiatives to engage tenants from minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Barriers experienced in engaging with minority ethnic tenants, and how these are addressed.
• Availability and promotion of translation and interpreting services.
• Partnerships with community organisations, faith groups, or equality bodies.
• Representation from ethnic minority backgrounds on boards and committees.
• Training or awareness for staff and board members on cultural competence and equality.
• Examples of good practice and innovative approaches.
• Any further reflections or comments.

6.2 Landlord interviews and case studies

Four landlord interviews were carried out to follow up on survey responses, focusing on organisations that had indicated examples of good practice.

The landlords interviewed were Elderpark Housing Association, Kingdom Housing, North Ayrshire Council, and Paragon Housing Association.

In addition, three written case studies were submitted by landlords, which provided richer detail on approaches, resources, outcomes, and lessons learned.

The landlords who submitted case studies were Argyll Community Housing Association, Ayrshire Housing, and Bield Housing and Care.

6.3 Tenant interviews

Seven tenants from minority ethnic backgrounds were interviewed in a 1 to 1 setting – online, in-person, and via telephone. Participants included tenants in local authority housing, housing association tenants, and those with experience of temporary accommodation. The interviews explored awareness of tenant participation, experiences of engagement, barriers, and what had supported people to feel included. Participants were offered a range of ways to take part, and were able to provide their preferences, via a form as to how, when and where the interviews were conducted. Translation and interpretation services were also offered.

6.4 Desktop audit

A structured audit of 30 landlord websites was undertaken. Focused on four areas:

• Tenant participation and engagement pages and strategies
• Board and governance information (for housing associations only)
• “About us” sections, including mission and vision statements and organisational values
• Diversity and inclusion policies

The audit assessed the visibility of minority ethnic representation, the accessibility of participation information, and the availability of translation and interpreting support. A spread of geographical areas, number of properties, and organisation type was considered when selecting the sample of landlords audited.

6.5 Recruitment

The research team experienced challenges in recruiting minority ethnic tenants to take part in the study. A range of methods were used, including direct outreach to TIS’s membership community, individual emails to every housing organisation, and targeted promotion through social media.

Based on TIS’s wider experience of tenant participation, the team assumed that a lack of understanding or awareness of tenant participation among tenants might act as a barrier to recruitment. To address this, TIS produced a short guide explaining what tenant participation is and outlining tenants’ rights, which was included with all promotional materials.

Despite this extensive outreach, the number of tenant interviews remained limited. This in itself is a finding, reflecting both the underrepresentation of minority ethnic tenants in existing participation structures and the difficulty of reaching those who are not already engaged.