Social housing sector: engaging with tenants from ethnic minority backgrounds

8. Recommendations

This research highlights areas where progress is needed to ensure that tenants from minority ethnic backgrounds are fully included in tenant participation in Scotland.

Improve data collection and transparency

The survey showed that most landlords collect tenant and board ethnicity data, but high proportions are recorded as “unknown” and very little is published. Without consistent, reliable information, its not possible to understand who is being reached or to track progress. Landlords should improve the quality of data collection and reduce the number of “unknown” responses. This data should then be published, in annual reports or on websites, to increase transparency and accountability.

Increase representation in governance and decision-making

Although 81% of landlords said they collect board ethnicity data, most reported zero minority ethnic members. Only 19% reported taking specific steps to attract minority ethnic candidates. Increasing representation at governance level requires targeted recruitment, mentoring, and training, alongside public reporting on progress.

Make participation opportunities inclusive and accessible

While most landlords offer forums, scrutiny groups, or surveys, 77% said language was a barrier, and tenants raised issues with childcare and transport. Landlords should routinely provide translation and interpreting services for meetings and events, not only when requested. They should also consider practical measures such as offering childcare or providing transport, as tenants confirmed that these make the difference between being able to attend or not. Consultation should not rely only on surveys, which tenants often felt too limited to give meaningful feedback.

Introduce targeted activities

The survey showed that 84% of landlords do not run participation activities specifically for minority ethnic tenants. Targeted approaches are therefore an important gap. Dedicated forums, culturally tailored events, and partnerships with community networks can help to build trust and provide space for minority ethnic tenants to influence decisions.

Strengthen partnerships with communities

Only 39% of landlords said they currently work with community or faith groups to engage tenants from minority ethnic backgrounds. Case studies showed the potential of these partnerships, such as working with resettlement officers or faith leaders, to build trust and increase participation. Landlords should expand this work and invest in long-term relationships rather than short-term projects.

Increase visibility and representation in communications

The website audit found very little visual representation of minority ethnic tenants in participation strategies, newsletters, or governance pages. Inclusive imagery matters: it signals that participation is open to everyone. Landlords should ensure that their communications, both online and in print, reflect the diversity of their tenant base.

Share and embed good practice

Examples of effective approaches exist across the sector: multilingual surveys, refugee-specific meetings, culturally appropriate catering, childcare and transport support. However, these are not widely shared. A national mechanism for sharing good practice would help landlords to learn from one another and embed simple, replicable measures that make a significant difference.

Invest in staff and board development

Staff and board members play a key role in creating inclusive participation spaces. The survey showed that not all landlords provide training on equality and cultural awareness. Training should be standard, and support should be given to staff to build confidence in engaging with tenants from different cultural backgrounds.

National leadership and monitoring

The last national dataset on representation in housing was published by the Scottish Housing Regulator in 2014/15. A decade later, no equivalent study has been carried out. National leadership is required to update the evidence base and to monitor progress. The Scottish Social Housing Charter outcomes on equalities, communication, and participation provide a framework, but stronger national guidance and monitoring are needed to support landlords in delivering inclusive participation for tenants from minority ethnic backgrounds.