View from EDI Committee June 2025
Stephanie Smith, Chair of the ARL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Head of Residential at Muse, outlines plans for 2025
As Chair of the ARL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee, I’m proud to lead a passionate group of individuals who are committed to making meaningful progress on inclusion across the Build to Rent (BTR) and Single-Family Housing (SFH) sectors.
The EDI Committee was established to help deliver the ARL’s wider strategic objectives, and in particular, to ensure that equity, diversity and inclusion are not just aspirations, but embedded principles that influence everything we do as a sector. We want to reflect the communities we serve, challenge systemic barriers, and build workplaces—and neighbourhoods—where everyone can thrive.
What We’re Here To Do
Our role is a broad one. We support collaboration within and beyond the ARL community, offer constructive challenge, and provide insight and feedback to the CEO and Board. We’re also here to guide other committees and members in aligning their work with inclusive practices.
At its heart, our committee is about practical action. We aim to influence not only recruitment and advancement practices but also how we educate, communicate, and connect with one another as professionals in the rental living space, as well as, the communities in which we invest, deliver and operate.
Looking Ahead: Our 2025 Goals
In 2025, we’re focused on visibility, education, and cross-sector collaboration. Our priorities include:
- Hosting three eventsthroughout the year that highlight the business and human value of inclusion
- Co-sponsoring two regional sessionson inclusive recruitment across the wider living sector industry with our colleagues in the Midlands and Northwest Hubs
- Partnering with the ARL Education Task Forceto ensure EDI principles are embedded into future learning and qualifications
- Delivering a high-impact panelat the ARL Annual Conference, focused on real-world challenges and solutions in building an inclusive rental sector
Each of these activities is designed to bring people together to spark conversation about the extensive benefits of EDI to businesses and communities alike, ultimately accelerating positive change in the built environment.
A Committee That Reflects Our Values
We’ve worked hard to shape a committee that reflects the breadth of the ARL’s membership, bringing together professionals from a wide range of roles, regions, and backgrounds. I’m grateful to work alongside such an engaged and knowledgeable team.
Our 2025 committee members are:
- Vice-Chair: Kevin Redman, Higher Capital Executive Search
- Audra Lamoon, Livewire
- Maria Hatch, Greystar
- Grace Oyesoro, Quintain
- Hannah Roman, Bidwells
- Zainab Khatoon, Realty Law
- Bela Zavery, Womble Bond Dickinson
- Stephen Bunbury, University of Westminster – Law
This diversity of thought and experience is key to the work we do, bringing better results into housing delivery and operations. We challenge each other, share generously, and most importantly, we listen.
Join the Conversation
We know that creating a more inclusive sector is a shared responsibility and brings tangible benefits in retention and financial performance.
Whether you’re new to the conversation or already leading change in your organisation, we want to hear from you. There’s real momentum behind EDI in the rental living sector, and together, we can help turn that momentum into long-lasting impact.