Tai Pawb has today published the final report from its five-year Deeds Not Words (DNW) pledge, offering a comprehensive look at how the Welsh housing sector has responded to the call for racial equity.
The report, based on surveys from 44 organisations and over 650 employees, highlights both significant progress and areas where urgent action is still needed. It also tracks alignment with the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan (ARWAP).
Progress Worth Celebrating
Since DNW launched in 2021, the sector has seen a marked shift. Anti-racism is now firmly on the agenda, with 94% of organisations having action plans in place – up from 78% in 2023 -and over 70% publishing them publicly. Board diversity is at its highest level since records began, and staff diversity, particularly in senior roles, continues to improve.
Training on unconscious bias and anti-racism is now widespread, with some organisations achieving full coverage across staff, leadership, and boards.
But Challenges Remain
Despite these gains, the report reveals persistent gaps in belonging, promotion fairness, and perceptions of leadership commitment to racial equality. Experiences of racism – especially from tenants and service users – have increased since 2023, with 1 in 6 people of colour reporting racism from colleagues in 2025.
The report also highlights a slowing of momentum, with confidence in leadership commitment among people of colour dropping back to 2021 levels.
A Worrying Social Context
The findings also reflect growing concern about the wider social and political climate. Both employees and organisations reported noticing changes in behaviour linked to rising hostility and polarisation around race and inclusion. People of colour were significantly more likely to express worry about how these shifts might affect their organisations. This context underscores the need for sustained, visible leadership and a proactive approach to anti-racism – especially as external pressures threaten to undermine progress.
Innovation and Good Practice
Across Wales, housing providers are leading the way with inclusive recruitment, mutual mentoring, community-led engagement, and better use of ethnicity data to inform service delivery. These examples show what’s possible when commitment is matched by creativity and courage.
Next Steps: Deeds Not Words 2.0
As the original pledge concludes, Tai Pawb is preparing to launch Deeds Not Words 2.0. This next phase will build on the lessons of the past five years and support organisations to embed anti-racism into their core values and operations.
Alicja Zalesinska, Chief Executive of Tai Pawb, said:
“This report is a testament to the commitment shown by many across the sector—but also a reminder that we cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal. In a context of rising hostility and negative sentiment towards racial equity, it is more important than ever that we stay focused, courageous and consistent. Anti-racism must be more than a project or a pledge – it must be a permanent part of how we work, lead and serve.”
Evelyn James, Anti-Racism Manager at Tai Pawb, added:
“The data shows real progress – but also real pain. Racism is still happening, and for many colleagues, it’s getting worse. We need to move beyond tick boxes and one-off training. This is about culture, leadership, and accountability. Deeds Not Words 2.0 will be about embedding anti-racism into the everyday fabric of our organisations – let’s make anti-racism a norm not an exception.”
Report links, click below:
Anti-racist Wales and Deeds not Words: Five years of progress – ENG
Cymru Wrth-hiliol a Gwneud nid Dweud: Pump Mlynedd o Gynnydd – CYM
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