Housing Plus Group, the social housing and care provider based in Staffordshire and Shropshire has been shortlisted for three national awards celebrating diversity in the UK construction, engineering and housing sectors.

Property Plus, the Group’s repairs and maintenance division, is one of the finalists for the award for Most Inspiring Employer in the Inspire Awards. The award celebrates organisations which recognise equality and create an inclusive environment in which all employees can succeed. Property Plus has worked hard to encourage women into non-traditional roles within construction, removed barriers to entry for people from low-income backgrounds and adapted the working environment to accommodate employees with disability.

Amy Griffith, senior operations manager with Property Plus has been shortlisted for the Most Inspiring Rising Star Award, recognising individuals who, through their ambition and drive to deliver truly outstanding work, are breaking down barriers to inclusion while also demonstrating a commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.

Housing Plus Group - formed just 18 months ago following the merger between Severnside Housing and Housing Plus - has also been shortlisted for the Most Inspiring Housing Provider award. The judges in this category were looking for organisations committed to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in all that they do.

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted in three categories in the Inspire Awards,” said Sarah Boden, chief executive of Housing Plus Group. “These awards go to the heart of who we are as a major employer in the area. Promoting equality in the workplace is about much more than ticking boxes for us, it is about attracting fantastic people from diverse backgrounds and offering fulfilling career opportunities to people within the communities where we work.”

The Inspire Awards will be presented in Manchester on 5 June 2018.