The ARL has launched its inaugural Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy for Build to Rent.
Developed in partnership with Dr. Nero Ughwujabo, Senior Strategy Adviser – EDI at The King’s Trust,– and the ARL EDI Committee, this white paper responds to the recognition that the UK rental living sector has a major opportunity to lead on EDI as a core part of better business, showing how to improve business value and return on investment through EDI.
The ARL EDI Strategy for Build to Rent sets out why EDI is a professional standard, driving financial performance through retention and resident satisfaction and reducing risk through better governance.
It follows the launch of the Build to Rent Alliance Code of Practice at UKREiiF in May 2026, which includes EDI principles and benchmarks as part of the Charter of Commitments and terms of reference.
Presenting the case for adoption of the EDI Strategy by Build to Rent operators and investors / funders across five connected pillars: financial performance, talent retention, resident satisfaction, investor access, and reputational and policy risk, the white paper also outlines a 90-day implementation framework for operators.
“If we want government to recognise professionally managed rental housing as part of the answer to this country’s housing problem, we have to be clear about the standards residents, investors and communities can expect from us. If we want long-term institutional capital to keep flowing into the sector, we have to show the governance, the management quality and the social purpose that sophisticated investors now require. If we want residents to trust us with their homes, we have to earn that trust through consistent, fair and respectful service. None of that is optional and that is why we have developed the EDI Strategy for Build to Rent designed to support the sector in this critical area.”
Brendan Geraghty, ARL CEO
DOWNLOAD THE EDI STRATEGY FOR BTR
LAUNCH OF EDI IN BTR AND PANEL DISCUSSION AT UKREiiF 2026:
The EDI in BTR White Paper was launched during a panel discussion at the Barton Suite of UKREiiF in May 2026.
Here you can watch the full session recording of this session at UKReiiF with the following speakers discussing the importance of EDI in BTR:
- Dr Nero Ughwajabo: EDI Specialist and Senior Advisor King’s Trust
- Brendan Geraghty, CEO of ARL
- Celia Harrison, Investment Director at Bridges Fund Management
- Amy Ingham, Specialist in Impact Strategy & Assessment at Good Economy
- Stephanie Smith. Chair of the ARL’s EDI Committee and Director of Operations and Asset Management at Muse