Barnet Overseas Students Housing Association (BOSHA) is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community that reflects the multicultural and diverse society in which we live. We strive to ensure that no individual faces disadvantage or discrimination due to their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, age, social class, or any other protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

Our commitment to diversity

At Nansen Village, we are dedicated to promoting ethnic diversity and ensuring a balanced and inclusive community. To maintain a positive and diverse mix of residents, we aim to limit the number of homes allocated to tenants from any single nationality to no more than five households at any given time. This policy fosters a multicultural environment and ensures the village remains representative of a wide range of cultural backgrounds, which is integral to our mission of promoting understanding, cooperation, and respect among people from around the world.

Our promise to residents

If you are a resident, we will:

• Treat you fairly and equitably, respecting your unique background and ensuring that you feel valued and included.
• Take swift and effective action to address harassment, discrimination, or inequality within and around your home.
• Provide accessible and inclusive services, including information and resources that reflect the diverse needs of our community.
• Consider your specific requirements when allocating housing and throughout your tenancy to ensure you can fully participate in the life of the community.
• Collaborate with contractors, partners, and agencies who share our commitment to equality and diversity.

Governance and community representation

We actively seek to ensure fair representation of the diverse communities we serve within our governance structure, including our Board and subcommittees. Resident representatives are integral to our decision-making processes, bringing valuable insights from our diverse community to help shape policies and services.

Monitoring and accountability

We will regularly review our policies, including the nationality-based allocation policy, to ensure they align with our mission and comply with the Equality Act 2010. Monitoring and feedback mechanisms will be used to assess their effectiveness and to ensure that all residents, regardless of their background, experience fairness and equality. Clear procedures will be in place for raising and resolving any concerns.

Upholding Our Vision

Through these commitments, BOSHA aims to create a vibrant, dynamic, and respectful community at Nansen Village where everyone feels at home. By embracing diversity and inclusion in everything we do, we honour the vision of our founders and continue their mission to promote understanding and collaboration among people from all walks of life.

The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring the implementation of this policy, which will be reviewed annually by the Board to reflect the evolving needs of our community and the wider society.