Leading with Inclusion – Lelir Yeung

Published: 2/5/2025

As Chair of the Board for One Vision Housing, part of The Sovini Group, Lelir Yeung has a demonstrable track record of delivering change programmes and initiatives to support underrepresented, marginalised and disadvantaged communities.

Lelir shares her insight and aspirations for the Group, with a strong focus on further embedding an inclusive culture that values and proudly celebrates diversity in the workforce.

A consistent theme that underpins the work of The Sovini Group is a unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This is not simply a matter of compliance; it is an intrinsic element of our ethos and a driving force behind our aspirations.

Personally, my commitment to these principles stems from a fundamental belief that treating individuals with fairness and respect is morally the right thing to do, but also a cornerstone of a thriving organisation and society. While we operate within a framework of legal duties, our dedication extends beyond mere compliance. It is about fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic self.

This commitment is inextricably linked to the values and mission of The Sovini Group. Our vision outlines our ambition to create a better future, and our values serve as the foundations of our organisation.

We firmly believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, one that actively welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals, yields significant business benefits. By understanding and meeting the diverse needs of our customers and colleagues effectively from the outset, we enhance efficiency and reduce cost. Furthermore, a truly inclusive environment allows us to better understand the challenges faced by underrepresented groups, ensuring our services remain accessible and inclusive. While formal equality impact assessments may not always be a statutory requirement, our moral compass guides us to continually ask: are we doing the right things for our colleagues, customers, and the communities we serve? If we can cultivate a sense of belonging for everyone, it is not just a desirable outcome – it is the right and only course of action.

To our LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers, I want to convey a clear message: our commitment to inclusion is ingrained in our organisation. We actively seek to involve diverse voices in our discussions and decision-making processes, through colleague forums and customer voice groups. Our dedication is supported by robust policies and a willingness to learn, adapt and change. We strive to be honest, approachable, and open to constructive challenge, creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Our aim is to be leaders in our field, recognising and valuing each individual as a person first and foremost.

Looking ahead, The Sovini Group has a significant role to play in promoting inclusion within the housing sector. We believe in leading by example, actively engaging with our communities, and openly sharing our learnings. We encourage other leaders within our organisation and the sector to be curious, to ask questions, and to actively participate in fostering inclusive environments. It is about recognising the collective value that diverse perspectives bring and understanding how this enriches the lives of our colleagues and customers.

We aim to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and to cultivate an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. We are committed to engaging with individuals from underrepresented groups and fostering a deeper understanding of the impact and implications when inclusivity is not prioritised.

By remaining focused on these principles, I believe The Sovini Group can continue to be a positive force, both for our customers and colleagues, and contribute to a more inclusive housing sector.