About Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)
Each individual in an organisation brings with them a diverse set of perspectives, work and life experiences and religious and cultural differences. These differences can bring many benefits to an organisation and can help make it and the industry in which it operates successful. At AREF we recognise that there is appetite for the real estate industry to do things better in this area.
The Association aims to work in an environment that supports, reflects & promotes equity and inclusive behaviours & practices, and respects individuals & groups of people and provides support to its members to create an inclusive environment.
We are very passionate about this important subject and it is one of our current strategic priorities.
Below you can find some information on how we are working towards supporting our members with DE&I.
Pride Month - June 2024
Pride Month is a month-long celebration and recognition of the achievements and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Since the first pride parade in 1970, the month has grown to embrace a diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and continues to evolve as our understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity expands.
Pride Month also serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people worldwide, encouraging everyone to engage in making a difference, whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally.
More Information on Pride Month:
- Historical Context: Pride Month takes place in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, New York, USA. This pivotal event, often referred to as the Stonewall Riots, marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Purpose: Historically, the lives, experiences, and achievements of LGBTQ+ people have been marginalized or erased. Pride began as a protest demanding equality and the right to live without fear. Despite progress, these demands remain unmet for many, with LGBTQ+ individuals still facing isolation and daily prejudice.
- Early Movements: Efforts for gay rights predate Stonewall. In 1924, the Society for Human Rights campaigned for gay rights in Chicago, USA. The first lesbian rights group, the Daughters of Bilitis, was founded in San Francisco, USA, in 1955. Laws against “acts of indecency” date back to 1533 under King Henry VIII in the UK.
- Legal Milestones: Homosexuality was partially decriminalized in the UK in 1967, but only for men over 21 (compared to 16 for heterosexual couples). The age of consent for gay men was aligned with the general age of consent in 2001.
- Recognition: Pride Month was officially recognized in the USA in 1999 by President Bill Clinton.
- Cultural Hub: Brighton, UK, known as the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of the UK, has been a vibrant hub for the LGBTQ+ community for over 200 years, hosting one of the five main Pride events in the UK LGBTQ+ calendar.
What is AREF Doing?
Celebrating and Supporting Diversity at AREF
AREF is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports the LGBTQ+ community. This year our Diversity Equity & Inclusion Taskforce are currently working on a range of projects and one is to develop AREF’s Diversity Resources & Guides for Members, including a guide on all diversities, including LGBTQ+. Look out for more information from our DE&I Taskforce this year!!
Recent DE&I Initiatives from AREF:
The AREF DE&I Taskforce
The Taskforce is led by Sophie Reguengo of Ogier and Stefan Chinniah of Mourant.
DE&I Taskforce Members
Faye Crook, Nuveen
Nneka Ejindu
Rachel Fowler, Mourant
Lakhmi Halaith, Osbourne Clark
Juliet Leith, I2020
Claire Magowan, Savills
Sarah Walker, Travers Smith
Hebe Williams, Savills
Ann Xu, CBRE Investment Management
Clare Whyte, AREF
Mel Ali, AREF
Interested in joining?
We are looking for new members. If you are interested in joining the Taskforce, please email us at [email protected].
Collaborating with others
We recognise that there is only so much that we can do through our day-to-day activities, which is why we support the following organisations and are proud of the vital work they do:
Organisations who our members work with in DE&I
AREF collected, through a member survey, the names and details of around 20 organisations working in DE&I in our industry who already help many of our member firms (download logos and links here). We’d encourage members to reach out to these firms, as everyone needs to start somewhere to create the change. Click the image to view the logos and links to their websites:
Other Resources
Below are a series of reports, produced by our partner association, The Investment Association (The IA) which we hope you will find useful:
IA Report: Do you remember the first time?
Coming out and being out in investment management.
This report looks at the experience of LGBT+ people in the Investment Management industry.
July 2019
IA Report: Bringing our whole selves to work
This report shares best practice on creating a supportive environment.
July 2018
If you have anything you wish to raise with us relating to DE&I, please contact us on [email protected].