As the year ends, I want to thank our members, partners and stakeholders for your work alongside Tai Pawb over the past year. Across the housing sector in Wales, we have seen more open discussion, stronger relationships and a clearer focus on equality, anti-racism and access in everyday practice. That progress is down to the time, care and leadership shown by many of you, often in challenging circumstances. As the festive period begins, I hope you are able to take time to rest and spend time with those important to you. I look forward to continuing our work together in the new year. With best wishes – Alicja Zalesińska, Chief Executive, Tai Pawb
You can see our 2024-2025 annual report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaFrhtJKYng
20 Years of Tai Pawb: Shaping Change, Making Change, Being the Change
Tai Pawb turned 20 this year. This month, housing, charity and government colleagues, alongside past and present Tai Pawb alumni, came together to mark our 20th anniversary. We heard from our CEO, Alicja Zalesinska, Jane Hutt MS and Jayne Bryant MS, and tenant representatives, as we marked everything Tai Pawb and the Welsh housing sector have achieved so far to push forward equality. And as we discussed the work that is yet to be done to make housing accessible and fair for all.
Twenty years ago, Tai Pawb began as a bold idea in the BME Housing Action Plan for Wales. A specialist organisation in response to racial harassment, a lack of culturally sensitive services, and underrepresentation. From those early conversations came a mission: to promote race equality and social justice in housing.
The early years were all about building foundations. In 2005, we launched our membership and consultancy services, and by 2006, we were hosting the BME Housing Conference and winning “Best New Charity” at the UK Charity Awards. These milestones set the tone for an organisation determined to lead change.
By 2009, we widened our remit to champion all seven strands of equality, influencing government policy and supporting landlords to meet new regulations. Tai Pawb became a trusted voice in shaping housing policy.
The 2010s brought innovation and impact. We influenced the first Welsh Housing Bill, launched our Private Rented Sector project, and introduced the QED Award, a quality mark that has since transformed how housing associations embed equality and diversity.
The last five years have been about bold campaigns and systemic change. From the Right to Adequate Housing campaign to Deeds Not Words, we’ve challenged inequality head-on, shaped the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, and pushed for housing as a human right. Even during the pandemic, we rallied the sector to keep EDI at the heart of housing.
Today, in 2025, we celebrate two decades of progress:
- Over 600 training sessions, 200 consultations, and 200 events delivered
- 1,000+ resources shared and 80 Good Practice Briefings published
- Thousands of housing professionals inspired to lead on equality and inclusion
And we’re not stopping. With Deeds Not Words 2.0, a commitment to a 4-day working week, and research shaping the future of housing, we continue to imagine a Wales where everyone has the right to a good home.
“Looking back over these twenty years fills me with pride—not just for what Tai Pawb has achieved, but for what we’ve helped Wales believe is possible.” — Alicja Zalesinska, CEO
Here’s to the next 20 years.
Click here to follow our full 20 year timeline (click to the right of the image to move onto the next slide): https://taipawb.my.canva.site/20th-anniversary-timeline